Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef Noodles

Ingredients

For the Lemongrass Beef Marinade

• 500 g (1.1 lb) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely minced (white parts only)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Noodles & Bowl

• 250 g (9 oz) rice vermicelli noodles
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• Fresh herbs: mint, cilantro, Thai basil
• Roasted peanuts, crushed
• Fried shallots (optional)

For the Nuoc Cham Dressing

• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small red chili, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup warm water

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef
   In a bowl, combine lemongrass, garlic, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Add sliced beef and toss well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
2. Cook the Noodles
   Prepare rice vermicelli noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
3. Prepare the Nuoc Cham Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, garlic, chili, and warm water until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
4. Cook the Beef
   Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated beef in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Assemble the Bowls
   Divide vermicelli noodles among serving bowls. Top with lettuce, bean sprouts, cucumber, carrot, fresh herbs, grilled beef, crushed peanuts, and fried shallots if using.
6. Serve
   Drizzle generously with nuoc cham dressing and serve immediately.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Calories: ~490 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4

Tips & Variations

• Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Add pickled daikon and carrot for extra tang.
• Swap beef with chicken or tofu for an easy variation.