Prepare for a culinary adventure to Vietnam with this irresistible Banh Mi recipe featuring tender, aromatic lemongrass beef! This classic Vietnamese sandwich is a symphony of textures and flavors, a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy. Imagine the juicy, marinated beef, bursting with the fragrant citrus notes of lemongrass, nestled between a crisp baguette, alongside crunchy pickled carrots and daikon, fresh cilantro, and a creamy spread of mayonnaise and sriracha. It's a street food sensation that's easily recreated at home.
This recipe breaks down the process of making authentic lemongrass beef Banh Mi, from preparing the flavorful marinade to assembling the perfect sandwich. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve a truly exceptional result that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Vietnam. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let's get started!
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Mortar and pestle
- Pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Tender beef: 10 oz
- Lemongrass: 1 stalk
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Ground pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Five spice powder: 1 teaspoon
- Fish sauce: 1 tbsp
- Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
- Dark soy sauce: 1/4 teaspoon
- Corn starch: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable oil: 3 tbsp
- Carrot: 5 oz
- Daikon radish: 5 oz
- Small onion: 1
- Mini pepper or chili: 1
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- White vinegar: 2 tbsp
- Onions: 2
- Spring onion: 1
- Cilantro: 0.5 oz
- Mayonnaise: 1 tbsp
- Bread
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Marinate and Prepare Ingredients
- Slice 10 oz of tender beef thinly. In a bowl, combine sliced beef with 1 lemongrass stalk (remove small end and tough outer leaves), 1/4 tsp salt, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp ground pepper, 1 tsp five-spice powder, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1/4 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Mix well and set aside.
- Cut 5 oz each of carrot and daikon into julienne strips. Combine with 1 small onion, 1 mini pepper, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp white vinegar. Mix and set aside.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Cook Beef
- Slice 2 onions and 1 spring onion lengthwise. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan over high heat. Add onions and stir for 3 minutes until softened.
- Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan. Add the marinated beef and stir for 1 minute. Mix everything together for 30 seconds, then turn up the heat and cook briefly. Transfer the beef to a bowl to keep it tender and juicy.
Step 3. Assemble the Banh Mi
- Spread 1 tbsp of mayonnaise on a bread roll. Layer with pickled vegetables, sauteed onions, cooked beef, spring onion, and cilantro.
Read more: Vietnamese Grilled Pork: A Delicious BBQ Recipe
Tips
- Using lemongrass will give a delicious lemony flavor to the meat and make it more tender.
- The perfect sandwich for any occasion!
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make the lemongrass beef ahead of time?
Absolutely! The lemongrass beef is even better the next day after the flavors have melded. Marinate it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
2. What can I substitute for the baguette?
While a traditional baguette is ideal, you can use other crusty rolls or even sub rolls. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold the fillings.
This lemongrass beef Banh Mi recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients combined with bold flavors. Enjoy the satisfying crunch, the aromatic beef, and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy in every bite. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this authentic taste of Vietnam!