Stir-fried Beef with Lemongrass and Herbs
A bowl of stir-fried beef with lemongrass is perfect for a weeknight dinner: tender beef, fragrant lemongrass and garlic, served with noodles, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and sweet and sour fish sauce. This dish is quick to make but still has the comforting flavors of home cooking; remember to mix well so that each noodle is evenly coated.
Author
bep_lan
Instructions
Marinate the beef with minced lemongrass, garlic, shallot, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cooking oil. Gently mix and let it sit for 15 minutes for the flavors to absorb.
💡 Tip: Slice the beef very thinly against the grain so it cooks quickly and remains tender, not chewy.
About 15 min
While waiting for the beef, boil the noodles until just tender, rinse with cold water, and drain. Prepare the herbs, slice the cucumber and lettuce, and get the crushed peanuts ready.
💡 Tip: Make sure the noodles are well drained so they don't dilute the dish when mixed.
About 10 min
Prepare the sweet and sour fish sauce by mixing the remaining fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and warm water. Stir until dissolved, taste to balance the salty, sweet, and sour flavors, and add chili slices if you like it spicy.
💡 Tip: It's common to make the sauce a bit stronger since it will be mixed with noodles and vegetables.
About 5 min
Heat a pan over high heat, add cooking oil, and stir-fry the beef in thin layers. Stir quickly for 2-3 minutes until the beef is just cooked, fragrant with lemongrass, and slightly charred at the edges, then turn off the heat.
💡 Tip: Don't add too much beef at once; a crowded pan will cool down and cause the meat to release water.
About 4 min
Divide the noodles into bowls, top with lettuce, cucumber, herbs, and stir-fried beef. Sprinkle with crushed peanuts, drizzle with sweet and sour fish sauce, and mix well just before eating.
💡 Tip: Adding pickled vegetables if available in the fridge will complement the dish very well.
About 3 min
