Shaking Beef
Shaking Beef is a vibrant Vietnamese dish featuring tender beef cubes marinated in savory oyster sauce, garlic, and pepper, seared at high heat for a caramelized crust, and served atop crisp lettuce with tomatoes, red onion, and zesty lime dipping sauce. Cooked quickly in batches to ensure a perfect sear, it balances bold umami flavors with fresh, crunchy textures.
Ingredients
- 500 g beef sirloin or tenderloin cut into 2cm cubes
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter for cooking
- 3 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce optional, for color
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 red onion sliced into thin wedges
- 2 tomatoes sliced into wedges or rounds
- 1 head butter lettuce or red leaf lettuce washed and leaves separated
- 1 bunch watercress optional, for garnish
- 2 tbsp neutral oil e.g., vegetable or avocado oil
- 2 limes juiced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Notes
- Marinate the beef: Combine cubed beef, oyster sauce, soy sauces, sugar, pepper, and minced garlic. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).
- Prep vegetables: Wash and dry lettuce, watercress, tomatoes, and red onion. Arrange lettuce on a serving platter with tomato and onion slices.