Shaking Beef
Equipment
Ingredients
Beef & Marinade
- 8 oz beef, ribeye, sirloin, or filet, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Optional Garnish
- Sliced cucumbers
- Tomato wedges
- Fried shallots or onions
Instructions
- Cut beef into 1-inch chunks.
- In a bowl, mix beef with dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Sear beef for 1 minute per side without moving. Then stir and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from heat.
- Serve beef over rice and garnish with cucumbers, tomatoes, and fried onions if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What Makes Shaking Beef A Quick, Flavor-Packed Dish
Shaking beef, or bò lúc lắc, is a classic Vietnamese dish known for its quick sear and deep flavor. This version keeps it simple but big on taste. The beef is marinated in a mix of soy, oyster, and fish sauce with just a touch of sugar for balance. Searing it on high heat locks in all the juices while giving you that signature golden crust.
Why This Is a Go-To Weeknight Dinner
It’s fast, flavorful, and requires minimal prep. The marinade comes together with ingredients you likely already have, and the cook time is under five minutes. Paired with rice and crunchy fresh veggies, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal that feels special without taking much time. It’s also easy to double for meal prep or family-style dinners.
Ingredients for Shaking Beef
You only need a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients to make shaking beef. The combination of soy sauces and oyster sauce creates the umami-rich base, while fish sauce and brown sugar bring depth and balance. A quick 15-minute marinade is all it needs.
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz beef (ribeye, sirloin, or filet), cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Optional Garnish
- Sliced cucumbers
- Tomato wedges
- Fried shallots or onions
How to Make Shaking Beef
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cut the beef into evenly sized 1-inch chunks for quick, even cooking.
In a bowl, combine the beef with dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for 15 minutes.
Heat a pan over high heat with oil. Sear the beef without moving it for about 1 minute on each side. Then stir and cook for another minute to finish.
Remove from heat and serve over a warm bowl of rice. Garnish with cucumber slices, tomato wedges, and crispy fried shallots or onions.
Tips and Variations
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes. Filet, ribeye, or sirloin all work well. The key is to use a tender cut and not overcook it.
What Can I Serve This With?
Rice is the traditional choice, but this also works well over noodles or in a lettuce wrap for a lighter option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep the beef ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate the beef up to 12 hours in advance. Let it come to room temperature before searing.
How do I avoid overcooking the beef?
Use high heat and don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear in batches if needed to maintain the temperature.
Can I add vegetables to the pan?
Yes. Bell peppers or onions can be stir-fried quickly after the beef if you want to bulk up the dish.
You Might Also Like
- Love beef dishes? Try my Sticky Crispy Beef.
- Want something even faster? Check out my Pad Kra Pao.
- Craving comfort food? Go for my Garlic Steak Fried Rice!
