Vietnamese Sizzling Beef with Caramelized Onions
Experience the vibrant flavors of Vietnam with this mouthwatering Sizzling Beef with Caramelized Onions. Tender cubes of steak marinated in an aromatic blend of garlic, ginger, and lemongrass provide a delightful taste explosion. Cooked quickly to preserve juiciness, the beef pairs perfectly with sweet, caramelized onions for a delightful balance of flavors. Ideal for serving over steamed rice, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. Just remember, the magic happens overnight as the beef marinates to perfection!
N/A
Servings
113
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tenderloin or steak fillets
500 g (cut into cubes)
Salt
1 teaspoon
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon
Garlic
3 teaspoons (crushed)
Ginger
1 teaspoon (crushed)
Lemongrass
1 stalk (chopped)
Coarse black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons
Onion
1 large (peeled and cut into cubes)
Instructions
1
1. In a large bowl, combine the beef cubes with salt, sugar, crushed garlic, crushed ginger, chopped lemongrass, and coarse black pepper. Mix well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate and marinate overnight to develop rich flavors.
2
2. The next day, heat a frying pan or wok over medium heat and add a splash of vegetable oil. Once hot, add the cubed onions and stir-fry until they become tender and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside.
3
3. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary and heat to medium-high. Working in small batches, add the marinated beef to the pan. Allow it to sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until nearly cooked through and browned, removing each batch as it is done.
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4. Once all the beef is cooked, return the caramelized onions to the pan. Increase the heat to high and stir the mixture for a couple of minutes until everything is well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5
5. Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with fresh herbs or lime wedges if desired.
Nutrition Information
6 g
Fat
5 g
Carbs
12.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vietnamese Sizzling Beef with Caramelized Onions?
It is a vibrant Vietnamese dish featuring tender steak cubes marinated in garlic, ginger, and lemongrass, then seared quickly and served with sweet caramelized onions.
What cut of meat is best for this recipe?
Tenderloin or steak fillets are the best choices because they stay tender and juicy during the high-heat searing process.
How long should I marinate the beef?
For the best flavor development, it is recommended to marinate the beef in the refrigerator overnight.
How much beef do I need for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 500 grams of beef cut into cubes.
What are the primary aromatics used in the marinade?
The marinade uses a blend of crushed garlic, crushed ginger, and finely chopped lemongrass.
Can I use ground pepper instead of coarse black pepper?
You can, but coarse black pepper provides a better texture and a more pronounced flavor profile for this specific dish.
How do I prepare the onions?
One large onion should be peeled and cut into cubes to match the size of the beef pieces.
What type of oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, which is necessary for searing the beef.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are approximately 113 calories per serving of this Vietnamese Sizzling Beef.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, it contains about 12.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The dish contains approximately 6 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this meal?
There are approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is it important to cook the beef in small batches?
Cooking in batches prevents the pan temperature from dropping, ensuring the beef sears and browns properly rather than steaming in its own juices.
How long do the onions take to caramelize?
The cubed onions should be stir-fried for about 3-4 minutes until they become tender and slightly translucent.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
This recipe requires 9 main ingredients, including the beef, seasonings, and aromatics.
How should I serve the sizzling beef?
It is best served hot over a bed of steamed rice, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or lime wedges.
Do I need a special pan for this recipe?
A standard frying pan or a wok works perfectly for this dish as long as it can handle medium-high heat.
Can I omit the sugar from the marinade?
While you can omit it, the 1/2 teaspoon of sugar helps balance the savory flavors and aids in the browning of the meat.
What heat setting should I use for the beef?
Use medium-high heat to sear the beef initially, then increase to high heat at the very end when combining everything.
Is fresh ginger required?
Yes, crushed fresh ginger provides a much brighter and more authentic flavor than dried ground ginger.
How much lemongrass do I need?
You will need one stalk of lemongrass, finely chopped.
Can I prepare this dish if I forgot to marinate it overnight?
While overnight is best, you can marinate it for at least 2 hours, though the flavors will not be as deep.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The nutritional data indicates no significant fiber content for the base recipe.
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, this aromatic Vietnamese marinade also works exceptionally well with pork or chicken.
How long does the beef take to sear?
The beef takes about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned and nearly cooked through.
Is the beef supposed to be spicy?
No, it is savory and aromatic. If you want spice, you would need to add fresh chilies or chili sauce separately.
What size should the beef cubes be?
Aim for bite-sized cubes, roughly 1 inch or 2.5 cm, for even and quick cooking.
Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
You can, but 3 teaspoons of freshly crushed garlic will provide a much stronger and more authentic aroma.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand of spices and oil to be certain.
Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?
Yes, bell peppers or snap peas make great additions and complement the caramelized onions well.