Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef marinated in fragrant lemongrass and fish sauce, skewered and grilled to smoky perfection, served with a light dipping sauce and fresh herbs. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs thinly sliced sirloin steak, minced garlic cloves, fish sauce 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks (white parts only), 3 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp vegetable oil. Add 1 lb thinly sliced sirloin steak and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated beef slices onto skewers, dividing evenly.
  3. Step 3: Grill the beef skewers for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked to desired doneness and slightly charred. Remove from heat and drizzle with 2 tbsp fresh lime juice. Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 thinly sliced red chili if using. Serve immediately with steamed rice or fresh vegetables.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers?

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 thinly sliced sirloin steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers?

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 Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers 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 Vietnamese-Inspired Grilled Lemongrass Beef Skewers?

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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