Grilled Lemongrass Beef

Grilled Lemongrass Beef Recipe from Vietnam - Delicious Asian Cuisine

Region / culture: Asia, Southeast Asia, Vietnam | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Grilled Lemongrass Beef is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines tender slices of beef with the zesty and citrusy flavors of lemongrass. This dish is a popular Vietnamese recipe that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick and easy weeknight meal.

History

Grilled Lemongrass Beef is a traditional Vietnamese dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Lemongrass is a staple ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine, known for its bright and refreshing flavor. When combined with tender slices of beef, lemongrass adds a unique and delicious twist to this classic dish.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) sirloin tip, cut into 0.13-inch thick slices
0.5 cup peeled fresh lemongrass, chopped
0.33 cup shallots, chopped
2 tbsp Vietnamese fish sauce (also known as "nuoc mam" or "nam pla")
1.5 tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp vegetable oil
6 medium-sized garlic cloves, smashed
2 serrano chiles, seeded and chopped
low fat cooking spray

How to prepare

In a food processor, combine lemongrass, shallots, fish sauce, sugar, oil, salt, garlic, and chilies.
Process for 1 minute or until smooth.
In a small bowl, add beef and lemongrass mixture and stir to coat evenly.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for about 2 – 3 hours.
Prepare the grill. Remove beef from the bowl and discard excess marinade.
Coat the grill with low-fat cooking spray, then grill the beef on each side for about 1 minute or until desired doneness.
Serve hot and plain with rice or vegetables.

Variations

Try using chicken or pork instead of beef for a different twist on this dish.
Add extra chilies for a spicier version of Grilled Lemongrass Beef.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the beef for at least 2-3 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.

- Use a food processor to finely chop the lemongrass and shallots for a smooth marinade.

- Grill the beef over high heat for a quick sear and to lock in the juices.

- Serve the Grilled Lemongrass Beef hot off the grill for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Grilled Lemongrass Beef with steamed rice and a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the beef for at least 2-3 hours for maximum flavor.

- Grill the beef over high heat for a quick sear and juicy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find fresh lemongrass, you can use lemongrass paste or powder as a substitute.

- Substitute soy sauce for fish sauce if you have a fish allergy.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Grilled Lemongrass Beef on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts and a wedge of lime for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Grilled Lemongrass Beef with a crisp and refreshing Vietnamese beer or a glass of chilled white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

- Reheat the Grilled Lemongrass Beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

280 per serving

Carbohydrates

5g per serving

Fats

12g per serving

Proteins

35g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of iron, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish sauce, which may not be suitable for those with fish allergies.

Summary

Grilled Lemongrass Beef is a high-protein dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and fats. It is also a good source of iron and vitamins.

Summary

Grilled Lemongrass Beef is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick and easy weeknight meal. With its tender slices of beef marinated in lemongrass and spices, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Serve it with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Grilled Lemongrass Beef. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting a local farmer's market in search of fresh ingredients for a dinner party I was hosting that evening. As I wandered through the stalls, a fragrant aroma caught my attention and led me to a small Vietnamese food stand.

The stand was run by a friendly elderly woman named Mrs. Nguyen. She greeted me with a warm smile and began to tell me about her traditional Vietnamese dishes. As she spoke, I couldn't help but be drawn in by her passion for cooking and the delicious scents that wafted from her grill.

One dish in particular caught my eye - Grilled Lemongrass Beef. Mrs. Nguyen explained that the dish was a family recipe passed down through generations, and she graciously offered to share it with me. I eagerly accepted, and she began to walk me through the steps of preparing the marinade.

First, she showed me how to finely chop lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and chili peppers to create a fragrant paste. She then added fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and a splash of lime juice to the mixture, creating a savory and tangy marinade that would infuse the beef with flavor.

After marinating the beef for several hours, Mrs. Nguyen demonstrated how to grill it to perfection. The meat sizzled on the hot grill, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma. As I watched her expertly flip the beef and baste it with the remaining marinade, I knew that this dish would be a hit at my dinner party.

That evening, as my guests gathered around the table, I proudly served the Grilled Lemongrass Beef. The tender, flavorful meat was a hit with everyone, and they all asked for the recipe. I shared Mrs. Nguyen's instructions with them, along with a few tips of my own, and they were amazed at how simple it was to make such a delicious dish.

From that day on, Grilled Lemongrass Beef became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself on quiet evenings at home. Each time I prepared the dish, I thought of Mrs. Nguyen and the kindness she had shown me in sharing her family recipe.

As the years passed, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own twists and variations to make it my own. I experimented with different cuts of beef, adjusted the seasonings to suit my taste, and even tried grilling the meat on skewers for a fun twist on the traditional dish.

Now, whenever I make Grilled Lemongrass Beef, I think back to that fateful day at the farmer's market and the serendipitous meeting with Mrs. Nguyen. Her recipe has become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the joy of discovering new flavors and techniques, and the importance of sharing them with others.

So the next time you find yourself in search of a new recipe to try, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and explore the world of flavors waiting to be discovered. You never know what delicious surprises you might stumble upon, just like I did with Grilled Lemongrass Beef. Happy cooking!