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Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak)

Savory Cambodian Pepper Beef (Lok Lak)

Savory Cambodian Pepper Beef, or Lok Lak, is a quick, flavorful dish ideal for busy weeknights, offering delightful Asian flavors and high protein content.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Cambodian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Beef and Marinade
  • 500 grams Sirloin/Striploin Steak cut into 3cm cubes
  • 2 tablespoons Cornflour (Cornstarch) for tenderizing
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Soda for tenderness
  • 3 cloves Garlic Cloves minced
For the Stir-Fry
  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil or canola/sunflower oil
  • 1 medium Red Onion wedged
  • 1 medium Tomato any variety works
For the Sauces
  • 3 tablespoons Oyster Sauce or hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce low-sodium available
  • 1 tablespoon Sweet Dark Soy Sauce or regular soy sauce with sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Kampot Pepper or freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar brown sugar for richer taste
  • 2 tablespoons Lime Juice or lemon juice
For Serving
  • 1 cup Lettuce Leaves for serving
  • 2 cups Steamed Rice or quinoa/cauliflower rice for low-carb

Equipment

  • Wok
  • Large Bowl
  • Small Bowl
  • Skillet

Method
 

Marinate the Beef
  1. In a large bowl, combine the sirloin cubes with cornflour, baking soda, minced garlic, and a pinch of ground Kampot pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef evenly, then cover and let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature.
Prepare the Sauces
  1. While the beef is marinating, prepare the stir-fry sauce by mixing the oyster sauce, soy sauce, sweet dark soy sauce, sugar, and lime juice in a small bowl. In another bowl, combine lime juice and extra ground pepper for the dipping sauce.
Heat the Wok
  1. Place a wok over high heat and add vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering.
Sear the Beef
  1. Add the marinated beef to the hot wok in batches, searing each batch for about 30 seconds on each side until browned. Transfer cooked beef to a plate.
Cook the Onion and Combine
  1. After removing the beef, add more oil if necessary. Toss in red onion and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in stir-fry sauce, return beef to wok, and cook for additional 30 seconds.
Rest and Serve
  1. Turn off the heat and let the Cambodian Pepper Beef rest in the pan for a minute. Serve on lettuce leaves with tomato slices and steamed rice, alongside the tangy dipping sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the wok for proper sear, and use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

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