Daging Masak Serai - Beef Recipes for Dinner

Welcome, food adventurers! Get ready to dive into the vibrant and aromatic world of lemongrass beef dishes with a truly exceptional recipe that's perfect for any night of the week. While our journey today takes us through the broader inspiration of Southeast Asian beef recipes, we're specifically zeroing in on a beloved Vietnamese classic: Bún Bò Xả Ớt, or Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef. This isn't just another one of those beef recipes for dinner; it's a culinary experience that perfectly balances savory, tangy, and spicy notes, making it one of the most satisfying meals to cook with beef.
So, why this recipe? Because it's a fantastic example of authentic Vietnamese flavors brought right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly quick to prep, incredibly versatile, and delivers a punch of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're a seasoned chef looking for new food recipes with beef or a beginner eager to cook with beef for the first time, this dish promises an engaging, practical, and utterly delicious experience. Get ready to discover lemongrass beef dishes that are not only easy but also packed with the kind of deliciousness that makes for truly good meals with beef. Let's get cooking!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or beef strips for a different texture)
• 3-4 stalks fresh lemongrass, finely chopped
• 2 large shallots, minced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece galangal, grated (or fresh ginger as a substitute)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Cooking oil (vegetable or canola)

Directions

1. Prepare Your Lemongrass Begin by preparing your lemongrass. Remove the tough outer layers and trim off the very top and bottom. Finely chop the tender inner stalk. The finer you chop it, the more flavor it will release into your dish. This aromatic herb is the star, so take your time with it!
2. Brown the Beef Heat a tablespoon of cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef (or beef strips) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the pan. This keeps the dish from being greasy and allows the other flavors to shine.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Spices Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped lemongrass, minced shallots, minced garlic, and grated galangal (or ginger) to the pan with the beef. Sauté for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the aromatics are fragrant and slightly softened. Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, and chili powder, cooking for another minute until the spices are toasted and aromatic.
4. Add Flavor Balancers Pour in the fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and palm sugar. Stir everything together well, ensuring the beef and aromatics are thoroughly coated. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed – you might want a bit more lime for tang or sugar for sweetness.
5. Garnish and Serve! Remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer your Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef to a serving platter. Generously garnish with fresh cilantro, mint, and basil leaves. The fresh herbs add a wonderful burst of color and counteract the richness of the beef. Serve immediately with your preferred accompaniments!