| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 534 | 32g | 12g | 17g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 3g | 49g | 2.5g |
I have to admit, I’ve fallen hard for this Vietnamese Lemon Grass Beef with Coriander. It may seem like a long way from the hearty Italian-American dishes that my Nonna and Nonno passed down, but embracing this bowlful of vibrant, zingy flavors has somehow felt like coming home. Just as I hope my grandkids are making fresh memories with me in the kitchen, this recipe is destined to stay a firm favorite.
Having the opportunity to draw on my rich culinary heritage to create new dishes is one of the most rewarding parts of being a gourmet guru. And this Vietnamese Lemon Grass Beef with Coriander is just one of those joyful discoveries.
Rekindling the Love for Fresh Ingredients
One thing I’ve learned from my Italian roots is the importance of using fresh ingredients. And this recipe is packed to the brim with them – from the cool crunch of cucumbers and mixed salad greens, to the vibrant burst of zest from the lemongrass and lime. Plus, let’s not forget the aromatic troika of coriander, mint, and basil leaves that truly make this dish sing.
And aside from how great fresh ingredients taste, they also come with a variety of health benefits. The use of beef in this recipe provides a valuable source of protein while the different herbs and greens are high in antioxidants and vitamins. Moreover, the use of red chilies in the recipe can speed up your metabolism, which supports weight loss. And who can say no to that?
From Jersey to Hanoi – A Flavor Odyssey
This Vietnamese Lemon Grass Beef with Coriander has been an odyssey of flavors for me, from my quaint kitchen in New Jersey to the bustling streets of Hanoi. While it’s definitely a leap from spaghetti and meatballs, this slice of Vietnamese cuisine has its own comforting soulfulness to it.
And if you’re interested in trying more dishes like this one, I recommend exploring Vietnamese cuisine further. You’ll find a common thread – the celebration of fresh ingredients and bold, clean flavors. I sense that my Italian Nonna and Nonno would’ve completely understood that.
So be brave in your culinary adventures, friends. You never know when a recipe like Vietnamese Lemon Grass Beef with Coriander might capture your heart and your taste buds. Buon appetito…or perhaps I should say, chúc ngon miệng!
What You’ll Need
- 2 lbs of beef steak, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons of grated fresh ginger
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 red chilies, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of fish sauce
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 cup of fresh coriander leaves
- 1/2 cup of fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
- 6 cups of mixed salad greens
- 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
Method
Step One
In a medium-sized bowl, combine finely chopped lemongrass, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and chopped red chilies.
Step Two
Add in the fish sauce, sugar, and fresh lime juice to the lemongrass mixture. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
Step Three
Place the thinly sliced beef in the bowl and toss until each slice is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for better absorption of flavours.
Step Four
After marinating, heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef, shaking off any excess marinade. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your preference.
Step Five
While the beef is cooking, prepare your salad. In a large bowl, combine the fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, basil leaves, mixed salad greens and thinly sliced cucumbers.
Step Six
Once the beef is done, let it rest for a few minutes before adding it to the salad. Toss the salad gently to ensure that the beef and herbs are well-distributed.
Step Seven
Serve your Vietnamese Lemon Grass Beef with Coriander immediately while the beef is still warm. Enjoy your meal!
