Welcome to the vibrant culinary world of Cambodia, where bold flavors and fragrant spices come together to create dishes that tantalize the taste buds and delight the senses. Amongst the myriad of delicious Cambodian recipes, Lok Lak stands out as a beloved classic that embodies the essence of Khmer cuisine.

Originating from the bustling streets of Phnom Penh, Lok Lak is a dish that marries tender strips of beef with a symphony of savory seasonings, served alongside fresh vegetables and a zesty dipping sauce. Its name, "Lok Lak," evokes the sound of the meat being tossed in a hot pan, sizzling and searing to perfection.

In this recipe, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey to Cambodia, where we'll guide you through the steps to create an authentic Lok Lak that will transport you to the bustling markets and vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia. So, don your apron, sharpen your knives, and let's dive into the exquisite world of Cambodian cuisine with our flavorful Lok Lak recipe.

Ingredients:

For the marinade:

• 500g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the dipping sauce:

• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced

For serving:

• Cooked rice
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced cucumbers
• Sliced onions

Instructions:

Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Mix well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the dipping sauce: In another bowl, mix lime juice, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, chili flakes (if using), and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside.

Cook the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the beef is browned and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary.

Assemble the dish: Arrange cooked rice, lettuce leaves, sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions on a serving platter. Place the cooked beef on top.

Serve: Serve the Lok Lak alongside the prepared dipping sauce. To enjoy, take a lettuce leaf, place a piece of beef inside, add some rice, and top with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Drizzle with dipping sauce, wrap, and enjoy!

Optional: You can also garnish the dish with chopped spring onions or cilantro for added freshness and flavor.

Enjoy: Dive into the delicious flavors of Cambodian Lok Lak, savoring the tender beef, aromatic spices, and refreshing accompaniments. Serve with extra dipping sauce on the side for an extra kick of flavor.

Nutritional Values:

Here are the approximate nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

Beef Sirloin (500g thinly sliced):

• Calories: 900 kcal
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 56g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins, which are essential for muscle growth, energy production, and overall health.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced):

• Calories: 13 kcal
• Protein: 0.6g
• Fat: 0.03g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits: Contains allicin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help boost the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides flavor while being low in calories; contains protein, iron, and certain antioxidants, and may have potential benefits for heart health and reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Oyster Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 9 kcal
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0.2g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds savory flavor; contains essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals like iron and zinc, contributing to overall nutritional intake.

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 10 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Rich in protein and essential amino acids; adds a salty flavor and provides minerals like iodine, which is crucial for thyroid health.

Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 52 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13.5g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds sweetness; contains small amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

Black Pepper (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits: Contains piperine, a compound that may enhance nutrient absorption and have anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antioxidants that can help protect cells from damage.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides healthy fats and vitamin E; when consumed in moderation, can contribute to heart health and provide essential fatty acids.

Lime Juice (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2.6g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids; may support immune function, improve digestion, and enhance skin health.

Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): (for dipping sauce)

• Nutritional values are the same as above.

benefits: (For dipping sauce) Provides flavor while being low in calories; contains protein, iron, and certain antioxidants, and may have potential benefits for heart health and reducing the risk of certain cancers.

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon): (for dipping sauce)

• Nutritional values are the same as above.

benefits: (For dipping sauce) Rich in protein and essential amino acids; adds a salty flavor and provides minerals like iodine, which is crucial for thyroid health.

Sugar (1 teaspoon): (for dipping sauce)

• Calories: 16 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: (For dipping sauce) Adds sweetness; should be consumed in moderation.

Chili Flakes (1 teaspoon): (optional)

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.3g
• Carbohydrates: 1.3g
• Fiber: 0.7g

benefits: (Optional) Contains capsaicin, a compound that may boost metabolism and aid in weight loss, as well as provide pain relief and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Cooked Rice: (values depend on the type of rice used)

benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy, as well as small amounts of protein and various vitamins and minerals, depending on the type of rice used.

Lettuce Leaves, Sliced Tomatoes, Sliced Cucumbers, Sliced Onions:

• Calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber values depend on the quantity consumed. These are low in calories and generally provide vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

benefits: Low in calories and rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, contributing to overall health and well-being.