Smoky Honey-Ginger Beef with Lemongrass

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

Flank steak marinated in lemongrass, garlic, and honey, then grilled until tender with a smoky-sweet glaze that pairs perfectly with rice. This asian-inspired grilling ready in about 40 minutes pairs Flank steak, Lemongrass, Garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.1 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Finely mince 2 stalks lemongrass and 5 cloves garlic, then mix with 2 tbsp fish sauce, 3 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sesame oil, and 2 tbsp soy sauce in a bowl to form a smooth marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.2 lbs flank steak in a shallow dish, pour marinade over it, and rub to coat; cover and marinate in refrigerator for 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Heat grill to medium-high (400°F) and oil grates with a brush.
  4. Step 4: Grill steak for 8-10 minutes per side for medium doneness, turning once, until charred and caramelized on the edges.
  5. Step 5: Rest steak for 5 minutes, slice thinly against the grain, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Honey-Ginger Beef with Lemongrass take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Smoky Honey-Ginger Beef with Lemongrass?

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 flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Honey-Ginger Beef with Lemongrass?

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 Smoky Honey-Ginger Beef with Lemongrass 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 Smoky Honey-Ginger Beef with Lemongrass?

Asian grilling 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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