Char-Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef marinated with lemongrass and spices, grilled to smoky perfection, served with a creamy, spicy peanut dipping sauce. This asian fusion-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes blends Beef sirloin, thinly sliced, Garlic cloves, minced, Soy sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 70 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin, 2 finely chopped lemongrass stalks, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Mix well and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread marinated beef slices onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, folding to fit.
  3. Step 3: Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until beef is cooked through and edges are slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: For the peanut sauce, whisk together 0.5 cup peanut butter, 0.25 cup coconut milk, 0.5 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Serve hot beef skewers with the spicy peanut sauce on the side for dipping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Char-Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 80 minutes (70 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Char-Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Char-Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Char-Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Char-Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers with Spicy Peanut Sauce?

Asian Fusion beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.