Name: Seitan Lomo Saltado Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Peruvian
Ingredients: 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus more if needed; 1 lb seitan, cut in strips; 1 medium red onion, sliced; 2 aji amarillo or fresno chiles, seeded and sliced; 2 roma tomatoes, cored and sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar; French fries, cooked and ready; 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

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Introduction

Seitan Lomo Saltado is a vibrant vegan take on the classic Peruvian stir-fry, blending tender strips of seitan with fresh vegetables and tangy sauces. This dish combines bold flavors and satisfying textures, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

The image shows a black cast iron skillet filled with a colorful mix of food, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish consists of three main layers: a base layer of golden-brown fried potato sticks with crispy edges, scattered throughout with a mix of sautéed red onion slices that have a glossy, slightly caramelized texture, and thin red chili strips adding a bright red contrast. Large chunks of soft, cooked red tomatoes are mixed in, adding juicy red and orange tones. The dish is topped with fresh green cilantro leaves sprinkled unevenly across the skillet, bringing a fresh, leafy texture to the vibrant, warm-colored layers below. A silver spoon is partially visible inside the skillet, resting on the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more if needed
1 lb. seitan, cut in strips
1 medium red onion, sliced
2 aji amarillo or fresno chiles, seeded and sliced
2 roma tomatoes, cored and sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
French fries
2 tbsp. cilantro, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat until it just starts to smoke. Add the seitan strips and sear, stirring occasionally, for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to caramelize.
Step 2: If there is no visible oil in the pan, add about a tablespoon more. Then add the sliced red onion and aji amarillo or fresno chiles. Cook, tossing constantly, for 3 minutes until the onions start to soften.
Step 3: Add the sliced tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, tossing with the other ingredients. Ensure the tomatoes retain some bite and haven’t fully cooked down.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic, a good pinch of kosher salt, and a couple of cracks of black pepper. Let cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to medium and add the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar. Stir well until the seitan and vegetables are fully coated with the sauce. Let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly for 1 to 1 ½ minutes.
Step 6: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the French fries, tossing until they are fully incorporated into the mixture.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a spicier kick, include the seeds from the chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use sweet potato fries instead of traditional French fries for a slightly sweeter contrast.
To add extra depth, you can marinate the seitan briefly in soy sauce and garlic before cooking.
If you can’t find aji amarillo, a mix of yellow bell pepper and serrano chile works as a mild substitute.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the seitan and fries. Avoid microwaving directly to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A round white plate holds a colorful stir fry made of several layers: at the bottom, thin yellow strips resembling cooked fries; on top, bright red bell pepper slices and purple-red onion pieces; scattered across are light brown strips of vegan meat and small green herb leaves sprinkled all over. To the upper right of the plate, a vine with three plump red tomatoes rests on a white marbled surface. A silver fork lies to the left of the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use tofu instead of seitan?

Yes, firm tofu works well as a substitute. Press and drain it before slicing and cooking to achieve the best texture.

What can I serve with Seitan Lomo Saltado?

This dish is hearty on its own thanks to the fries, but you can also serve it with white rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal.