100% plant-based and packed with umami-rich flavor
Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone cutting back on meat
High-protein thanks to seitan
A delicious fusion of stir-fry and comfort food
Crispy fries and fluffy rice make it ultra satisfying
Simple ingredients, big flavor
Quick enough for a weeknight dinner
Easy to customize with your favorite veggies
A great introduction to Peruvian cuisine
Crowd-pleasing, even for meat-eaters
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
seitan, sliced into strips red onion, sliced tomatoes, cut into wedges yellow or red bell pepper, sliced garlic, minced soy sauce red wine vinegar aji amarillo paste (optional, for heat) vegetable oil salt and pepper, to taste fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish) frozen or homemade French fries white rice, for serving
Directions
Prepare French fries by baking or frying until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add seitan strips and sauté until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers until just softened.
Add tomatoes and cook briefly until they start to soften but still hold their shape.
Return the seitan to the pan. Add soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and aji amarillo paste (if using). Stir to combine and let simmer for a minute.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add fries to the mixture and toss gently to coat.
Serve hot with a side of white rice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, if desired.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute seitan with tofu or tempeh for a gluten-free alternative.
Spicier: Add extra aji amarillo or a few slices of fresh chili pepper.
Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice and omit the fries.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, green beans, or zucchini for more vegetables.
Different Protein: Use soy curls, jackfruit, or vegan beef strips instead of seitan.
Oven-Baked Version: Instead of pan-frying, bake the seitan and veggies for a lower-oil dish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. For best texture, reheat fries separately in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
FAQs
What is seitan and where can I find it?
Seitan is a high-protein meat substitute made from wheat gluten. It has a chewy, meat-like texture and is available at most health food stores or can be made at home.
Is Seitan Lomo Saltado spicy?
Not by default. It can be mild or spicy depending on whether you use aji amarillo paste or other chili peppers.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, replace seitan with tofu or tempeh, and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (use tamari).
What can I use instead of aji amarillo?
You can substitute with a mild chili paste, yellow bell pepper purée, or skip it altogether for a milder version.
Should I cook the fries separately?
Yes, cook the fries first so they stay crispy. You can mix them into the stir-fry at the end or serve them on the side.
Can I use store-bought fries?
Absolutely. Frozen fries baked or air-fried until crispy work great and save time.
Is this dish traditionally served with rice and fries?
Yes, classic Lomo Saltado is served with both rice and fries, making it a satisfying and hearty meal.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can chop the vegetables and make the sauce in advance. Cook just before serving for best texture.
What type of rice pairs best with this dish?
Simple white rice, like jasmine or long-grain, works well to soak up the sauce and balance the savory stir-fry.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the ingredients to steam instead of sauté.
Conclusion
Seitan Lomo Saltado is a flavorful, satisfying, and hearty vegan twist on a Peruvian classic. It brings together bold spices, fresh vegetables, and crispy fries in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re plant-based or just exploring new global flavors, this dish is sure to impress with its rich textures and unforgettable taste.
Seitan Lomo Saltado is a vegan twist on the classic Peruvian stir-fry, swapping beef for seitan to create a plant-based, protein-packed dish full of umami flavor. Tossed with sautéed onions, tomatoes, peppers, and served with crispy fries and rice, it’s hearty, comforting, and rich in global fusion flavor.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Course
Method:Stir-Fry
Cuisine:Peruvian
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
2 cups seitan, sliced into strips
1 red onion, sliced
2 tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 yellow or red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp aji amarillo paste (optional)
2–3 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
2 cups frozen or homemade French fries
2 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
Prepare the French fries by baking or frying until golden and crispy. Set aside.
Heat 1–2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the seitan strips and sauté until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add more oil if needed and sauté garlic, onions, and bell peppers until just softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes until they begin to soften but retain their shape.
Return the seitan to the pan and add soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and aji amarillo paste (if using). Stir to combine and simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the fries to the mixture and toss gently to coat with the sauce.
Serve hot with a side of white rice and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Notes
Use tofu or tempeh instead of seitan for a gluten-free option.Adjust spice level by increasing or omitting the aji amarillo paste.Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more variety.Make ahead by prepping veggies and sauce; cook just before serving.Reheat fries separately in the oven or air fryer to retain crispiness.
