Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef & Noodles

Why Make This Recipe
Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef & Noodles is a vibrant and delicious dish that brings together fresh flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying meal that is both hearty and light. The lemongrass adds a unique citrusy zing that pairs beautifully with the beef, while the fresh vegetables provide a crunchy contrast. It’s an easy-to-make dish that is sure to impress family and friends!
How to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef & Noodles
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp lemongrass (minced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 red chili (sliced)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish
Directions
- Marinate Beef: In a bowl, mix the lemongrass, garlic, red chili, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add the thinly sliced beef to the mixture and marinate for 30 minutes.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them with cold water and drain well.
- Grill Beef: Heat a skillet or grill over high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until slightly charred and cooked through.
- Assemble Bowl: In a serving bowl, layer the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and fresh cilantro. Place the grilled beef on top.
- Garnish: Finish the dish with crushed peanuts and lime wedges. You can add extra herbs if desired.
How to Serve Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef & Noodles
Serve this dish warm, with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick. You can enjoy it as a main course or as part of a larger meal with other Vietnamese dishes. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to satisfy your cravings!
How to Store Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef & Noodles
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop it in the microwave or gently heat it in a skillet until warmed through. Note that the noodles may become a bit sticky, but you can add a little water to help them separate.
Tips to Make Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef & Noodles
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly for quicker marination and cooking.
- Adjust the level of chili according to your spice preference.
- Freshly minced lemongrass makes a big difference in flavor.
- If you can’t find rice vermicelli noodles, you can substitute with other types of noodles, but the texture will be different.
Variation
You can customize this dish by adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or cucumbers. For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with marinated tofu or mushrooms.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye, but make sure they are thinly sliced for best results.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the beef a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cook it fresh before serving.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free fish sauce and double-check the soy sauce for gluten-free options. The rice vermicelli noodles are also gluten-free.

Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef & Noodles
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced Can substitute with sirloin or ribeye.
- 2 tbsp lemongrass, minced Freshly minced lemongrass is recommended.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili sliced Adjust according to spice preference.
- 2 tbsp fish sauce Ensure gluten-free if needed.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce Double-check for gluten-free options.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
For the Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 oz rice vermicelli noodles Gluten-free option.
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- as desired lime wedges, for serving For an extra zesty kick.
- as desired crushed peanuts, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix the lemongrass, garlic, red chili, fish sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Add the thinly sliced beef to the mixture and marinate for 30 minutes.
Cooking
- Boil the rice vermicelli noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, rinse them with cold water and drain well.
- Heat a skillet or grill over high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until slightly charred and cooked through.
Assembly
- In a serving bowl, layer the cooked noodles, shredded carrots, bean sprouts, and fresh cilantro. Place the grilled beef on top.
Garnish
- Finish the dish with crushed peanuts and lime wedges. You can add extra herbs if desired.