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Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak)

Savory Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak)

Discover the quick and savory Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak), a flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cambodian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 500 g Sirloin/Striploin Steak Main protein source; substitute with flank steak if needed.
  • 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil For searing; any high-heat oil works.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 Red Onion Cut into wedges; yellow or white onions can be used.
  • 1 Tomato Sliced; any ripe tomato is suitable.
  • Lettuce Leaves Serve as a base for the dish.
For the Marinade
  • 1 tbsp Oyster Sauce Infuses umami into the beef.
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce Provides salty flavor.
  • 2 tsp Sweet Dark Soy Sauce Adds sweetness and color.
  • 1 tsp Ground Kampot Pepper Delivers aromatic heat; substitute with black pepper.
  • 1 tsp Cornflour (cornstarch) Tenderizes meat.
  • ½ tsp Baking Soda Further tenderizes the beef.
  • 2 Garlic Cloves Finely grated.
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce Provides richness.
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce Adds depth.
  • 1 tsp Sugar Balances savory with sweetness.
For the Dipping Sauce
  • 3 tbsp Lime Juice Essential for balancing flavors.
  • 1 tsp Ground Kampot Pepper Adds extra spiciness.
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt Enhances flavor.

Equipment

  • wok or large frying pan
  • Mixing Bowl
  • small bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sirloin steak with oyster sauce, soy sauce, sweet dark soy sauce, ground Kampot pepper, cornflour, baking soda, and finely grated garlic. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
    Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak)
  2. While the beef marinates, prepare the stir-fry and dipping sauces by mixing the ingredients in separate small bowls.
    Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak)
  3. Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat, add vegetable oil, then add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 30 seconds, tossing until charred and cooked through.
    Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak)
  4. Once the beef is nearly done, quickly toss in the red onion wedges and stir-fry until softened, then pour in the stir-fry sauce, mixing everything together for another 30 seconds.
    Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak)
  5. On a serving platter, layer fresh lettuce leaves at the base, top with sliced tomatoes, then add the beef and onion mixture. Serve with rice and lime dipping sauce.
    Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak)

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain crispiness. Let beef rest briefly after cooking for better juiciness.

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