1.5lbsbeef sirloinsliced ¼ inch thick against the grain
2tbspsoy saucelow-sodium works great
1tspground cumin
3clovesgarlicminced
1tbspvegetable oilfor the marinade
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
3tbspsoy sauce
1tbspoyster sauce
2tbspají amarillo pastefound at Latin grocery stores or online
1tbspred wine vinegar
1tspground cumin
1tspsugarbalances the sauce
For the Stir-Fry
2tbspvegetable oildivided, for cooking
1largered onioncut into wedges
2mediumRoma tomatoescut into wedges
1jalapeño or yellow chili peppersliced, optional for extra heat
3cupsFrench friescooked until crispy, frozen fries work great
0.25cupfresh cilantroroughly chopped, for garnish
2tbspfresh lime juicesqueezed over at the end
For Serving
2cupssteamed white ricecooked according to package
Instructions
Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, combine the sliced sirloin with soy sauce, cumin, minced garlic, and vegetable oil. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 24 hours covered in the refrigerator.
Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ají amarillo paste, red wine vinegar, cumin, and sugar until fully combined. Set aside.
Cook the French Fries
Cook frozen French fries according to package directions until golden and crispy. If making from scratch, fry thick-cut potato strips in 375°F oil until golden brown. Set aside — they'll go into the wok at the very end.
Sear the Beef
Heat a large wok or cast iron skillet over the highest heat possible for 2-3 minutes until smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat. Add half the marinated beef in a single layer. Do not stir for 45-60 seconds — let it sear and char. Toss quickly, cook another 30 seconds, then remove to a plate. Repeat with remaining beef using another splash of oil. The beef should be slightly pink inside — it will finish cooking when you add it back later.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Return the wok to high heat. Add remaining oil. Add the red onion wedges and cook, tossing, for about 90 seconds until they begin to soften and char at the edges. Add the tomato wedges and jalapeño if using. Toss for 60 seconds — you want the tomatoes to soften slightly but still hold their shape.
Bring It All Together
Return the seared beef to the wok. Pour the sauce over everything. Toss vigorously over high heat for 1-2 minutes until the sauce coats all the ingredients and everything is glossy and fragrant. Add the crispy French fries and toss gently for 30-45 seconds — just enough to coat them in sauce while keeping some crunch.
Finish and Serve
Remove from heat. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and toss once more. Transfer to serving bowls. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately alongside steamed white rice.
Notes
Heat is everything: Use the highest heat your stove allows — this creates the essential smoky, charred wok flavor. Cook beef in batches so you sear, not steam. Ají amarillo paste can be found at Latin grocery stores or ordered online — it is worth seeking out for authentic flavor. Frozen fries work perfectly here and save significant time on weeknights. Add them to the wok last and toss gently to preserve crunch. Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a very hot skillet. Store fries separately when possible.