Chicken Lomo Saltado Recipe

Turn Up the Flavor: A Simple & Delicious Chicken Lomo Saltado Recipe

There’s something magical about a dish that brings together bold flavors, vibrant colors, and cultural history. Lomo Saltado, a traditional Peruvian stir-fry, is one of those dishes. But have you ever tried it with chicken? Known as pollo saltado in Peru, this version swaps beef for tender, juicy chicken while keeping the dish’s authentic flavors intact. As someone who loves experimenting with international cuisines, this recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals. It's easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Today, I’m excited to share my step-by-step guide to making the best lomo saltado recipe chicken version—an easy, delicious way to bring a taste of Peru into your home.

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What is Chicken Lomo Saltado?

Lomo Saltado is a beloved Peruvian dish that’s rooted in the fusion of Chinese and Peruvian cuisine. It’s a hearty stir-fry featuring marinated meat, sautéed vegetables, crispy fries, and fragrant rice. The chicken version, pollo saltado, is a lighter yet equally satisfying alternative to the traditional beef.

What makes this dish so special is the combination of bold, tangy, and umami-packed flavors. The magic lies in the sauce, a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, and spices, which coats every bite with irresistible taste. Paired with golden fries and fluffy white rice, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s exactly what you need to create this mouthwatering dish:

the Chicken:

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into thin strips

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 teaspoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon aji amarillo paste (optional, for authentic Peruvian flavor)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Stir-Fry:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1 large red onion, sliced into thick wedges

2 medium tomatoes, sliced into wedges

1 small green bell pepper, sliced (optional)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon white vinegar

For the Sides:

2 cups cooked white rice

1 cup frozen or fresh French fries (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish:

Fresh cilantro, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken strips in soy sauce, white vinegar, minced garlic, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. For an authentic Peruvian twist, add a teaspoon of aji amarillo paste. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.

2. Prepare the Fries

While the chicken is marinating, prepare your fries. You can use store-bought frozen fries for convenience or make your own by cutting potatoes into strips and frying them until golden. Set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

3. Sauté the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of oil. Add the red onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté for 2-3 minutes. Toss in the tomato wedges and cook for an additional minute. The vegetables should remain slightly crisp.

5. Combine and Finish the Dish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add soy sauce, white vinegar, and a touch more aji amarillo paste if desired. Stir everything together and let the flavors meld for 1-2 minutes.

6. Assemble and Serve

To serve, layer the chicken stir-fry over a bed of fluffy white rice and top with crispy fries. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

My Personal Tips for Success

Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust the soy sauce or vinegar to suit your preference.

Make It Authentic: If you can find aji amarillo paste or fresh aji amarillo peppers, they add a uniquely authentic Peruvian heat and flavor.

Crisp the Fries: For extra crunch, bake or air-fry your fries before adding them to the dish.

Recommended Products to Elevate Your Cooking

1. Wok Pan for Stir-Frying

A high-quality wok can make all the difference when stir-frying. The Craft Wok Traditional Hand-Hammered Carbon Steel Wok is perfect for achieving that authentic smoky flavor and even heat distribution.

Its durable design ensures you’ll have a reliable tool for all your stir-fry recipes.

Check it out on Amazon

2. Aji Amarillo Paste

For an authentic Peruvian touch, you’ll want a jar of Peruvian Aji Amarillo Paste. This flavorful ingredient adds a unique spicy kick that makes your pollo saltado truly stand out.

Order your jar of Aji Amarillo Paste here

3. Mandoline Slicer

Speed up your prep time with the OXO Good Grips Mandoline Slicer. Perfect for slicing onions, tomatoes, and potatoes evenly, it’s a must-have for any kitchen.

Get yours today

Why Chicken Lomo Saltado is the Best Choice

While traditional Lomo Saltado uses beef, the chicken version offers several advantages:

Lighter and Healthier: Chicken is a lean protein, making this dish a healthier option.

Budget-Friendly: Chicken is more affordable than beef, making it a great choice for families.

Equally Flavorful: With the right marinade and sauce, chicken absorbs the bold Peruvian flavors beautifully.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences:

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.

Add Spice: If you love heat, increase the amount of aji amarillo or add chili flakes.

Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.

Lomo Saltado is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together the rich flavors of Peruvian cuisine with the ease of a stir-fry. This easy lomo saltado recipe chicken version, or pollo saltado, is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something comforting yet flavorful. By following the steps above and using high-quality ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both authentic and unforgettable.

So, what are you waiting for? Turn up the flavor in your kitchen tonight and try this recipe. Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how it turned out!

Looking for more authentic Peruvian recipes? Stay tuned for more culinary adventures!