Lemongrass-Grilled Beef Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce
Tender beef marinated in fragrant lemongrass and grilled to perfection, served with a classic Vietnamese sweet and tangy dipping sauce. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 80 minutes blends finely minced lemongrass stalks, minced garlic cloves, fish 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 320 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced into 1-inch strips beef sirloin
- 2, finely minced lemongrass stalks
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1, finely sliced red chili
- 1, minced garlic clove
- 8-10, soaked in water for 30 minutes wooden skewers
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin with 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks, 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Mix thoroughly and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce by whisking together 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup water, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 finely sliced red chili, and 1 minced garlic clove until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread the marinated beef strips onto the soaked wooden skewers, folding strips as needed.
- Step 4: Grill the beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until the edges are slightly charred and the meat is cooked through but still juicy.
- Step 5: Serve the lemongrass grilled beef skewers hot alongside the Nuoc Cham dipping sauce for a vibrant Vietnamese main dish experience.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemongrass-Grilled Beef Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping 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 Lemongrass-Grilled Beef Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping 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 Lemongrass-Grilled Beef Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping 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 Lemongrass-Grilled Beef Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping 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 Lemongrass-Grilled Beef Skewers with Nuoc Cham Dipping Sauce?
Vietnamese 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.
