The main star of bò lúc lắc is diced marinated beef. The meat is shortly seared before it is served on a bed of watercress and sliced tomatoes. Additional toppings may include pickled onions, and a dipping sauce resembling lime-based vinaigrette can be drizzled over the meat or served on the side.

The dish was once a rare treat that was mainly prepared and served on special events. Nowadays, it is more common, but bò lúc lắc is still considered a restaurant specialty and a dish that is traditionally reserved for special occasions.

It is also popular abroad and typically goes under the name Vietnamese shaking beef—which was inspired by its original name lúc lắc that describes the act of tossing or shaking the beef while it's being seared. A similar dish exists in Cambodia where it is better known as lok lak.

It is believed that bò lúc lắc was inspired by the French culinary tradition that was present in Vietnam.