Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef Stir-Fry

Dustin Luther on March 23, 2025

  • Serves: 3
  • Time: ~25–30 minutes
  • Protein: 1.5–2 lb beef stew meat (thinly sliced)

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:

  • 1.5–2 lb beef stew meat, thinly sliced across the grain
  • 2 tbsp lemongrass paste or 2 stalks lemongrass, finely minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sugar or honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 shallot or ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • Optional: sliced chili for heat (Thai chili or Fresno)
  • 1 bunch scallions (greens for garnish, optional)

To Serve:

  • Jasmine rice or rice noodles
  • Fresh mint and cilantro
  • Cucumber slices (optional but refreshing)

Prep First

  1. Freeze beef for ~15–20 minutes if needed, then slice into thin strips across the grain (⅛–¼”).
  2. Prep marinade: In a large bowl, combine sliced beef with lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar/honey, and lime juice. Toss well and let marinate while prepping other ingredients (10–15 minutes is enough).
  3. Slice bell pepper into thin strips.
  4. Thinly slice shallot or red onion.
  5. Chop herbs and scallions if using.
  6. Cook rice or soak noodles according to package instructions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Sear the Beef
    • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
    • Add 1 tbsp oil, then add the beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming).
    • Sear 1–2 minutes per side until browned and caramelized. Remove and set aside.
  2. Cook the Veggies
    • In the same pan, add a touch more oil if needed.
    • Sauté sliced shallots and bell pepper until softened and just starting to char (about 3–4 minutes).
    • If using chili, add it here.
  3. Combine & Finish
    • Return beef to the pan and toss everything together over high heat for another minute or two.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning — add a splash of fish sauce, lime, or sugar if you want to balance it out.

Serve It Up

  • Serve over rice or rice noodles.
  • Top with fresh mint, cilantro, and scallion greens.
  • Add sliced cucumber on the side for a cool crunch