How to Make Vietnamese Spicy Beef Salad with Lemongrass
Vietnamese Spicy Beef Salad with Lemongrass is a vibrant dish that combines tender beef with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, delivering a delightful explosion of flavors in every bite. This guide will help you create this delicious salad in the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients
To prepare this mouth-watering salad, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 500g beef (thinly sliced)
- 2 stalks lemongrass (finely chopped)
- 1 cucumber (sliced thinly)
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced thinly)
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- Fresh herbs (mint and cilantro)
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1-2 red chilies (sliced, to taste)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
Start by marinating the sliced beef. In a bowl, mix the thinly chopped lemongrass, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add the beef, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for a deeper flavor, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Beef
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, or until the beef is cooked to your desired level (medium-rare is preferred for this salad). Remove the beef from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Prepare the Salad Base
While the beef is cooling, prepare the salad base. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, and bean sprouts. Toss gently to mix the vegetables evenly.
4. Combine Ingredients
Once the beef has cooled, add it to the bowl of vegetables. Toss everything together carefully to avoid breaking the vegetables. Add the fresh herbs, including mint and cilantro, and the sliced red chilies for an extra kick.
5. Dress the Salad
For the final touch, drizzle a little more fish sauce and lime juice over the salad, adjusting the quantity based on your taste preference. This will enhance the flavors and add an authentic Vietnamese touch.
Serving Suggestions
This Spicy Beef Salad with Lemongrass is best served fresh. You can either plate it individually or serve it family-style in a large bowl. Pair it with steamed rice or rice noodles for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a refreshing appetizer.
Final Tips
For those who love heat, feel free to add more chilies or a dash of chili oil. Also, experimenting with other fresh vegetables like radishes or green beans can add variety and texture to your salad.
With its bold flavors and zesty dressing, Vietnamese Spicy Beef Salad with Lemongrass is a satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your culinary journey into Vietnamese cuisine!