Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry with Rice Noodles

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

Tender strips of beef marinated with fragrant lemongrass and garlic stir-fried quickly with vegetables, served over soft rice noodles for a fresh, flavorful meal. This vietnamese-inspired beef (gluten free option) ready in about 35 minutes pairs minced garlic cloves, fish sauce, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak, 2 finely minced lemongrass stalks (white parts only), 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Toss to marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove beef from pan and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pan, add 1 medium thinly sliced red bell pepper, 1 medium julienned carrot, and 3 sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.
  4. Step 4: Return the beef to the pan and toss with the vegetables. Add 8 oz cooked rice noodles and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Stir everything together for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Step 5: Serve garnished with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 2 tbsp crushed peanuts for a nutty crunch.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry with Rice Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry with Rice Noodles?

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 minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry with Rice Noodles?

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 Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry with Rice Noodles 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.

Is Vietnamese-Inspired Lemongrass Beef Stir Fry with Rice Noodles gluten free option?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free option based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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