Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lemongrass Infused Cambodian Beef Skewers?
They are a traditional Cambodian-inspired dish featuring sirloin cubes marinated in a savory-sweet blend of garlic, mushroom soy sauce, and black pepper, then seared and served with a tangy lime dipping sauce.
What cut of meat is best for these skewers?
This recipe specifically calls for 1.5 lbs of sirloin, cut into 1/2 inch cubes for optimal tenderness and quick cooking.
How long should I marinate the beef?
You should marinate the beef for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator, though longer marination will result in more enhanced flavors.
What ingredients make up the marinade?
The marinade consists of sugar, freshly ground black pepper, mushroom soy sauce, and seven crushed garlic cloves.
What is in the lime dipping sauce?
The dipping sauce is a simple yet flavorful mixture of lime juice, water, and freshly ground black pepper.
How do I cook the beef cubes?
Heat canola oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and sautรฉ the beef in batches for 3 to 4 minutes until medium-rare or your preferred doneness.
Can I grill these skewers instead of pan-searing?
Yes, the recipe is perfect for either grilling or pan-searing depending on your preference.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 4 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 312 calories, 20g of fat, 5g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein.
Is this recipe suitable for a main dish?
Absolutely. While it works great as an appetizer, you can serve it over steamed jasmine rice to make it a hearty main course.
What type of lettuce should be used for serving?
The recipe recommends using a layer of green leaf lettuce on the serving platter.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
This recipe uses 7 crushed garlic cloves to provide a robust aromatic flavor.
What is mushroom soy sauce?
Mushroom soy sauce is a type of dark soy sauce infused with the essence of straw mushrooms, providing a deeper, earthier flavor than regular soy sauce.
Can I use regular soy sauce if I don't have mushroom soy sauce?
Yes, while mushroom soy sauce adds a unique depth, regular soy sauce can be used as a substitute.
What type of oil is recommended for sautรฉing?
Canola oil is recommended due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Is there any sugar in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sugar in the marinade to balance the savory and tangy flavors.
How much black pepper is required?
A total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper is used, divided between the marinade and the dipping sauce.
How small should the beef be cut?
The sirloin should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Standard soy sauce contains wheat; to make it gluten-free, you should use a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
How should I present the beef for an appetizer?
Arrange the cooked beef on a bed of lettuce and serve with toothpicks for easy finger-food access.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a vibrant, sweet, and tangy profile with strong aromatic notes from the garlic and black pepper.
Is this a spicy dish?
The heat primarily comes from black pepper, making it flavorful but not typically 'spicy' in the sense of chili heat.
How much water is added to the dipping sauce?
Only 1 teaspoon of water is added to the lime and pepper mixture to balance the acidity.
Should the lime juice be fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
Can I use a different protein?
While sirloin is recommended, you could try this marinade with chicken or pork, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
Does the recipe contain fiber?
The recipe is very low in fiber as it consists mainly of protein and seasonings.
What tags define this recipe?
Tags include Cambodian, marinated beef, skewers, grilling, appetizer, main dish, and Asian cuisine.
Can I prepare the beef cubes ahead of time?
Yes, you can cut the beef and even start the marination process several hours in advance.
What if I don't have a grill pan?
A regular large skillet works perfectly for sautรฉing the beef cubes over medium-high heat.
Why serve it with toothpicks?
Toothpicks are suggested for serving as an appetizer to make the beef cubes easy for guests to pick up and dip.