Mushroom Saltado
A vibrant Peruvian stir-fry where hearty mushrooms replace the traditional beef. Sautéed with onions, tomatoes, and aji amarillo paste in a tangy soy sauce, this Chifa classic is perfect served over rice and crispy fries.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the French Fries
- b.In a deep pot or Dutch oven, heat 3 cups of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- c.Carefully add the cut potatoes in a single layer, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- d.Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy.
- e.Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fries to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately season with 1/2 tsp of salt. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Mix the Saltado Sauce
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, red wine vinegar, and vegetable broth. Set this aside for later.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Sear the Mushrooms
- b.Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat until it is almost smoking. Add 1 tbsp of vegetable oil.
- c.Add the mushrooms in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned on one side.
- d.Stir and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until tender and browned all over. Remove the mushrooms from the wok and set aside.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Stir-fry the Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.Return the wok to high heat and add the remaining 1 tbsp of oil.
- c.Add the red onion wedges and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the edges begin to char but the center is still crisp.
- d.Add the minced garlic, ginger, and aji amarillo paste. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- e.Toss in the tomato wedges and cook for just 1 minute. They should be warmed through but still hold their shape.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Combine and Serve
- b.Return the seared mushrooms to the wok. Pour the prepared saltado sauce over everything.
- c.Bring the sauce to a rapid boil, tossing all ingredients to coat them evenly. Cook for 30-60 seconds as the sauce slightly thickens.
- d.Turn off the heat. Add the cooked french fries, chopped cilantro, the remaining 1/2 tsp of salt, and black pepper.
- e.Gently toss everything one last time to combine. Serve immediately, traditionally with a side of steamed white rice.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best results, use a wok. Its shape allows for high-heat cooking and easy tossing of ingredients.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the mushrooms. Searing in batches ensures they brown properly instead of steaming.
- 3The key to a good saltado is speed. Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
- 4For extra crispy fries, you can bake or air-fry them instead of deep-frying.
- 5If you can find it, use Peruvian soy sauce (sillao) for a more authentic flavor profile.
- 6Add the french fries at the very end to ensure they stay as crispy as possible when served.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace mushrooms with firm tofu (pressed and cubed), seitan strips, or chickpeas for a different plant-based protein source.
Add VegetablesAdd Vegetables
Incorporate sliced bell peppers (yellow, red, or green) along with the onions for extra color, crunch, and nutrition.
Increase SpiceIncrease Spice
For a spicier kick, add one thinly sliced fresh aji amarillo or a habanero pepper along with the garlic and ginger.
Serving AlternativeServing Alternative
Serve the saltado over cooked quinoa or brown rice for a whole-grain, higher-fiber meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in B Vitamins
Mushrooms are a great source of B vitamins like riboflavin and niacin, which are essential for converting food into energy and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
Plant-Based Power
This dish offers a satisfying, meaty texture using mushrooms, making it a great plant-based source of protein and fiber, which supports digestive health and satiety.
Antioxidant Boost
Garlic, ginger, onions, and tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, which help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals and support overall health.
Frequently asked questions
It's moderately healthy. It's packed with vegetables and plant-based goodness from mushrooms. However, the traditional preparation involves deep-fried potatoes and a soy-sauce-based sauce, which can be high in sodium and fat. To make it healthier, you can bake or air-fry the potatoes and use low-sodium soy sauce.