Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers

Time: 30 Minutes

Created by

Andrea Nguyen

I’m Andrea Nguyen, the award-winning cookbook author, teacher, and consultant. My work centers on Asian food and cooking. I’ve had a newsletter for years via my blog, Viet World Kitchen.

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These grilled lemongrass beef skewers are a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the aromatic flavors of lemongrass with tender beef. The marinade infuses the meat with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

If you're using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes.

Ingredients

for 4 - 6 servings

4 - 6

Marinade

2 tbspshallots, chopped

1/4 tspfine sea salt

1 tspbrown sugar, packed

2 tbspKroeung Seasoning Paste

1 1/2 tspfish sauce

1/2 tspcurry powder

Skewers

10 ozbeef steak (such as picanha, coullote, or bavette), trimmed

1 tbspcanola oil

1/8 tspbaking soda

Instructions

Make the Marinade

Step 1

Use a mortar and pestle to aggressively pound the shallot with 1/4 tsp fine sea salt and sugar into a wet mush.

Step 2

Use a spoon to scrape together, add the kroeung, then pound to combine.

Step 3

Add the fish sauce and curry powder, then gently pound (and or stir) to create a heady paste.

Step 4

Scrape together then taste to ensure it’s saltier than your normal comfort zone. If needed, pound in salt by the pinch or fish sauce by the 1/2 tsp. Want more kreung flavor? Pound it in by the teaspoon and retaste.

Step 5

Stir in the 1 Tbsp oil.

Slice the Steak

Step 1

Cut the steak across the grain into pieces about 1/4 inch (6mm) thick and 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5cm) long.

Step 2

Transfer to a medium bowl.

Step 3

Sprinkle on the baking soda and 2 tsp water. Massage the diluted soda into the meat. It will feel slippery and the beef will absorb all the liquid.

Step 4

Scrape the marinade into the bowl them massage well to evenly and thoroughly coat the beef.

Step 5

Thread the beef onto the skewers.

Grill the Skewers

Step 1

Prepare a medium-hot fire or preheat a grill to medium-high. Brush oil on the beef then grill the skewers until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 2

Let them sear at first for about 2 minutes, then turn often thereafter. If you close the lid, don't keep it closed for long! To test doneness, knick the beef with the tip of a knife. The beef will continue cooking after you pull it off the grill.