How to Cook Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef with Lemongrass

Vietnamese stir-fried beef with lemongrass, or Bò Xào Sả Ớt, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Vietnamese street food. The fragrant lemongrass, fiery chilies, and tender beef create a symphony of tastes that dance on your palate. Want to learn how to recreate this authentic dish in your own kitchen? This guide will walk you through every step, from ingredient selection to plating, and even offer insights into experiencing this dish at its finest at Com Com Restaurant in London.

The Aromatic History of Bò Xào Sả Ớt at Com Com Restaurant

At Com Com Restaurant, we believe in honouring tradition while adding our own unique flair. Our Bò Xào Sả Ớt is inspired by generations of Vietnamese street vendors, who perfected the art of balancing fresh, local ingredients. We source the highest quality beef and freshest lemongrass to ensure an authentic taste that transports you straight to the bustling streets of Vietnam. The “Com Com” in our name represents the communal nature of Vietnamese dining, sharing a meal and connecting with loved ones over a delicious plate of food. And what better dish to share than this aromatic masterpiece?

Gathering Your Ingredients: A Trip to the Vietnamese Market

Creating authentic Bò Xào Sả Ớt requires the right ingredients. While you can find most of these at your local supermarket, a trip to a Vietnamese market will unlock a world of flavor. For our version at Com Com Restaurant, we use only the freshest ingredients, hand-picked daily. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Beef: Sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain. At Com Com, we marinate our beef overnight for extra tenderness.
• Lemongrass: The star of the show! Use fresh lemongrass stalks for the most intense flavor.
• Chilies: Bird’s eye chilies for heat, or milder varieties if you prefer. We offer various spice levels at Com Com to suit all palates.
• Garlic & Shallots: Essential aromatics that form the base of the flavor profile.
• Fish Sauce & Soy Sauce: The umami powerhouses of Vietnamese cuisine.
• Sugar & Black Pepper: To balance the savory and spicy elements.
• Onions & Other Vegetables: Add some texture and color with sliced onions, bell peppers, or your favorite veggies. At Com Com, we often add crisp green beans.

Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Ingredients

Cooking Bò Xào Sả Ớt: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Marinate the Beef: Combine the sliced beef with minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight.
2. Prepare Your Aromatics: Thinly slice the remaining lemongrass and chilies. Mince the garlic and shallots.
3. Heat the Wok: Get your wok screaming hot! A high heat is essential for stir-frying.
4. Stir-fry the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry until cooked through but still tender. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
5. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced lemongrass, chilies, garlic, and shallots to the wok and sauté until fragrant.
6. Add the Vegetables: Add your chosen vegetables and stir-fry until tender-crisp.
7. Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the wok, toss everything together, and add a splash of fish sauce or soy sauce to adjust the seasoning. Serve immediately with steamed rice.

Stir-frying Beef with Lemongrass in a Wok

Tips and Variations for the Perfect Bò Xào Sả Ớt

• Lemongrass Prep: Bruise the lemongrass stalks before slicing to release more flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chilies to your liking.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute tofu or mushrooms for the beef. At Com Com Restaurant, we offer a delicious Dau Phu Xao Sa Ot (Stir-fried Tofu with Lemongrass).
• Noodles: Serve over rice noodles or vermicelli for a lighter meal.

Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

Bò Xào Sả Ớt is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Lean beef is a great source of protein and iron, while lemongrass is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The vibrant vegetables contribute vitamins and antioxidants.

Enjoying Bò Xào Sả Ớt at Com Com Restaurant

At Com Com Restaurant, we elevate this classic street food dish to a culinary experience. Our chefs meticulously prepare each serving using fresh, high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Pair your Bò Xào Sả Ớt with a refreshing Vietnamese beer or a glass of chilled white wine. We also recommend trying our other Vietnamese specialties like Pho, Bun Cha, and Gỏi Cuốn.

Com Com Restaurant's Bò Xào Sả Ớt

FAQs about Bò Xào Sả Ớt at Com Com Restaurant

• Q: What is the spice level of your Bò Xào Sả Ớt? A: We offer various spice levels to accommodate all preferences. Please let your server know your preferred level of heat.
• Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free? A: Yes, simply use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Q: Do you offer vegetarian options? A: Absolutely! We offer Dau Phu Xao Sa Ot (Stir-fried Tofu with Lemongrass).

Experience the Magic of Vietnamese Cuisine

From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the heart of London, Bò Xào Sả Ớt represents the vibrant and flavorful soul of Vietnamese cuisine. Whether you recreate this dish at home or savor it at Com Com Restaurant, we hope you experience the magic of this culinary masterpiece. Come visit us at 183-185 Battersea Park Rd, London SW11 4LB, or call us at 020 7720 9928 to make a reservation or order delivery. We’re open daily from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Come taste the difference at Com Com Restaurant, where we bring the taste of Vietnam to your table. We can’t wait to share our passion for Vietnamese stir-fried beef with lemongrass with you!