Lemongrass Beef Soup

Lemongrass Beef Soup Recipe from Hawaii, USA

Region / culture: Hawaii, North America, USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemongrass Beef Soup is a flavorful and aromatic dish that combines the citrusy taste of lemongrass with tender slices of beef in a comforting broth. This soup is a popular dish in Southeast Asian cuisine, known for its refreshing and light flavors.

History

Lemongrass Beef Soup has its origins in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine, where lemongrass is a commonly used herb in cooking. The combination of lemongrass, beef, and aromatic herbs creates a harmonious balance of flavors that is both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

1 stalk of lemongrass
2.5 qt (2.36 liter) of water
0.5 lb (227 g) of thinly sliced top sirloin
1 tbsp of uncooked white rice
4 tsp of lime juice
2 tsp of white sugar
2 tsp of seeded and chopped chili pepper (optional)
1 tbsp of Thai fish sauce
4 tsp of chopped purple basil
4 tsp of chopped green onions
freshly cooked jasmine rice
grated lime zest

How to prepare

Crush the lemongrass and cut it in half.
In a large saucepot, add the lemongrass, water, and 1 tbsp of rice.
Cover and bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
Cut the beef slices into 2-inch strips and place them in a large soup bowl.
Add lime juice, sugar, chili pepper, fish sauce, basil, and green onions.
Pour the hot stock into the bowl and stir before serving.
Serve it hot with cooked jasmine rice, then garnish with the lime zest.

Variations

Add vegetables such as bok choy or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein option.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the soup to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to crush the lemongrass before adding it to the soup to release its aromatic oils.

- Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Adjust the amount of chili pepper to suit your spice preference.

- Garnish the soup with fresh herbs and lime zest for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Lemongrass Beef Soup with freshly cooked jasmine rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the soup on low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

- Stir the soup before serving to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemongrass paste or dried lemongrass if fresh lemongrass is not available.

- Substitute soy sauce for fish sauce if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

The soup can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Lemongrass Beef Soup with fresh herbs and lime zest for a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the soup with a side of fresh spring rolls or a light salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 200 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 8g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish sauce and beef, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Lemongrass Beef Soup is a nutritious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Lemongrass Beef Soup is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With the aromatic lemongrass, tender beef, and fragrant herbs, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy it hot with a side of jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one I won't soon forget. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the windows of my kitchen as I sifted through old cookbooks and recipe cards that I had collected over the years. I had always loved to cook, and trying out new recipes was one of my favorite pastimes.

As I flipped through the pages of an old cookbook that had belonged to my mother, a faded piece of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor. Curious, I picked it up and saw that it was a handwritten recipe for Lemongrass Beef Soup. Intrigued by the exotic combination of flavors, I decided to give it a try.

I had never cooked with lemongrass before, but I had heard of its use in Asian cuisine. I remembered my friend Mei, who had taught me some Chinese cooking techniques many years ago. Perhaps she would be able to help me decipher this recipe.

I gave Mei a call and she was delighted to hear from me. When I mentioned the Lemongrass Beef Soup recipe, she exclaimed, "Oh, that's one of my favorite dishes to make! I learned how to make it from my grandmother when I was a little girl."

Mei invited me over to her house the next day to show me how to make the soup. When I arrived, the fragrant aroma of spices and herbs filled the air. Mei had already prepared all of the ingredients, neatly arranged on the kitchen counter.

"First, we need to prepare the lemongrass," Mei explained, showing me how to trim the stalks and bruise them with the back of a knife to release their aromatic oils. She then demonstrated how to thinly slice the lemongrass and set it aside.

Next, Mei showed me how to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. She explained that the marinade would infuse the meat with flavor and help tenderize it. While the beef was marinating, Mei prepared the broth by simmering beef bones, onions, and ginger in a large pot of water.

Once the broth had simmered for several hours and developed a rich flavor, Mei added the marinated beef, lemongrass, and other ingredients such as sliced onions, mushrooms, and chilies. The soup simmered gently on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, Mei shared stories of her grandmother and how she had passed down her love of cooking to her. I felt grateful for the opportunity to learn this new recipe and to spend time with a dear friend.

After I returned home, I made the Lemongrass Beef Soup for my family. They were impressed by the complex flavors and the depth of the broth. My husband even said it was the best soup he had ever tasted!

Since then, Lemongrass Beef Soup has become a staple in my household. I love making it on cold winter days when a warm bowl of soup is just what we need to lift our spirits. I always think of Mei and her grandmother whenever I make this dish, grateful for the chance to learn from their culinary expertise.

I have added the Lemongrass Beef Soup recipe to my collection of treasured recipes, alongside those passed down from my own mother and grandmother. Each recipe tells a story, a connection to the past that brings joy and comfort to the present.

And as I continue to cook and share these recipes with my loved ones, I know that the tradition of good food and good company will live on for generations to come. Cooking is not just about nourishing our bodies, but also about nourishing our souls and creating lasting memories with those we hold dear.