Recipes

Lemongrass Beef Rolls with Rice Noodles

Name: Lemongrass Beef Rolls with Rice Noodles
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak (1 inch thick), sliced across the grain 1/8 inch thick; 2 stalks of fresh lemongrass, tender white inner bulb only, chopped; 2 large shallots, chopped; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 6 tablespoons sugar; 2 teaspoons ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 1/2 cup fish sauce; Vegetable oil; 1 medium carrot, sliced lengthwise with a vegetable peeler and cut into slivers; 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice; 3 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1/2 cup water; 5 jalapeños, thinly sliced; 1/4 pound rice vermicelli; 3 tablespoons chopped unsalted roasted peanuts; One large handful each of basil, mint and cilantro; 1 1/2 cups mung bean sprouts; 1 large head of Boston lettuce, separated into leaves

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Inspired by Vietnamese bo bun, these flavorful rolls combine rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and sirloin steak. Plus: More Beef Recipes and Tips

By Steven Raichlen

Updated on June 24, 2021

Lemongrass Beef Rolls with Rice Noodles — Photo: © Jim Franco

Yield:

6

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak (1 inch thick), sliced across the grain 1/8 inch thick
2 stalks of fresh lemongrass, tender white inner bulb only, chopped
2 large shallots, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
6 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup fish sauce
Vegetable oil
1 medium carrot, sliced lengthwise with a vegetable peeler and cut into slivers
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 cup water
5 jalapeños, thinly sliced
1/4 pound rice vermicelli
3 tablespoons chopped unsalted roasted peanuts
One large handful each of basil, mint and cilantro
1 1/2 cups mung bean sprouts
1 large head of Boston lettuce, separated into leaves

Directions

Soak 2 dozen 8-inch bamboo skewers in warm water for 30 minutes. Thread the steak onto the skewers and place on a large baking sheet.
In a food processor, combine the lemongrass, shallots, two-thirds of the garlic, 3 tablespoons of the sugar and the coriander and pepper. Pulse until a smooth paste forms. With the machine on, add 3 tablespoons of the fish sauce and 2 tablespoons of oil. Brush the beef with the marinade and let stand for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, on a cutting board, use the side of a large knife to mash the remaining garlic and 3 tablespoons of sugar to a paste. In a small bowl, toss the garlic paste with the carrot slivers and let stand for 15 minutes. Stir in the remaining 5 tablespoons of fish sauce, the lemon juice, rice vinegar, water and one-third of the jalapeños.
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the rice noodles until just wilted, about 1 minute. Drain and rinse under cold water. Drain well, then transfer to a platter.
Light a grill. Lightly oil the grate. Grill the beef skewers over a medium-hot fire for 1 to 2 minutes per side for medium-rare meat. Arrange the skewers over the noodles and sprinkle with the peanuts. Serve with the dipping sauce, fresh herbs, bean sprouts, lettuce and the remaining two-thirds of the jalapeños so your guests can make their own bundles.