Heat oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with oil. Pour in water and add salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff the rice with a fork and keep warm.
Season the meat with garlic, salt, and pepper and a tablespoon of soy sauce.
Add oil to a large skillet or wok and stir-fry the beef over high heat. Cook the sliced beef pieces in a single layer. Rather than crowd the skillet, cook the meat in batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add the sliced red onion and yellow Peruvian pepper or paste to the skillet.
Add tomatoes and sauté the vegetables for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly softened but still crisp.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables.
Stir in the water, brown sugar, soy sauce, and vinegar mixture. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Sprinkle chopped green onions over the lomo saltado.
Serve the French fries, vegetables and a side of rice, and savor this popular and classic Peruvian dish.