Stir-Fried Beef with Lemongrass and Chili
A vibrant stir-fry featuring tender beef slices infused with aromatic lemongrass and a spicy kick of fresh chili. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs vegetable oil, beef sirloin, thinly sliced, minced lemongrass for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp minced lemongrass
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 small chili thinly sliced red chili
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 stalks green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 1 tbsp minced lemongrass, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 small thinly sliced red chili, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef sirloin, spreading it out in the pan, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is mostly browned.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing to coat the beef evenly.
- Step 5: Continue stir-frying for another 2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens and beef is cooked through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in 2 chopped green onions and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice for brightness.
- Step 7: Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or with fresh greens.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Lemongrass and Chili take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Lemongrass 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 vegetable oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef with Lemongrass 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Lemongrass and Chili for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Beef with Lemongrass and Chili?
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.
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