Beef Lok Lak

Instructions

1. 1

   Fry the eggs

   4 min

   Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil. Crack in the eggs and fry them sunny-side up until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer the eggs to a plate and set aside to keep warm.

2. 2

   Prepare the vegetables

   8 min

   Finely mince the garlic cloves, ensuring they are evenly chopped for optimal flavor release. Rinse the lettuce leaves under cold water, then drain them thoroughly. Slice the onion into thin rings and the tomatoes into wedges for a fresh garnish.

3. 3

   Marinate the beef

   7 min

   Cut the beef tenderloin into 2-3 cm cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking. In a mixing bowl, combine the sea salt, palm sugar, white wine, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add the beef cubes, mixing well to ensure they are completely coated in the marinade; let this marinate for at least 15 minutes for best flavor.

4. 4

   Sauté garlic

   3 min

   In a hot frying pan, pour in cooking oil and add the chopped garlic. Stir the garlic continuously until it turns a light golden brown, which should take about 1-2 minutes; be careful not to burn it as this can make it bitter.

5. 5

   Cook the beef

   6 min

   Add the marinated beef along with all the marinade to the pan with the garlic. Sear the beef for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked to your liking; adjust the time for more rare or well-done beef.

6. 6

   Prepare the Kampot pepper sauce

   4 min

   In a separate pan over medium-low heat, dry roast Kampot peppercorns for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly darkened. Transfer the roasted peppercorns to a grinder and crush them finely, then mix with sea salt and lime juice in a bowl to create a zesty pepper sauce.

7. 7

   Assemble the dish

   6 min

   On a large serving platter, start by laying down a bed of lettuce leaves as a base. Arrange the tomatoes and onions on top of the lettuce attractively. Spoon the sautéed beef over the vegetables and finish by placing the fried eggs on top for a beautiful presentation.

8. 8

   Serve with rice

   2 min

   Serve the assembled dish alongside a small bowl of the Kampot pepper sauce for dipping. Complement the meal with a side of fragrant steamed rice, ensuring a satisfying balance of flavors and textures.