Skillet Sautéed Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef with Garlic and Chili

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

Tender strips of beef infused with aromatic lemongrass, garlic, and fresh chili, quickly sautéed for a vibrant and flavorful Vietnamese-inspired dish. This Thai recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs beef sirloin, lemongrass stalks, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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: 20 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin, 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks (white part only), 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 thinly sliced red chili, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Add the beef mixture to the skillet in a single layer and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, tossing to coat. Serve immediately with steamed rice or fresh greens.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet Sautéed Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef with Garlic and Chili take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (20 min prep + 5 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Skillet Sautéed Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef with Garlic and Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef sirloin from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Sautéed Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef with Garlic and Chili?

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 Skillet Sautéed Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef with Garlic and Chili 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 Skillet Sautéed Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef with Garlic and Chili?

Vietnamese thai 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.

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