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Vietnamese Beef Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Vietnamese Beef Skewers

Beef skewers, or 'thịt bò xiên nướng,' are a cherished staple at Vietnamese family gatherings. This version brings the warmth of home-cooked meals to your table, where salt is measured by intuition and richness is embraced. Typically enjoyed during leisurely weekend lunches or festive occasions, these skewers transform simple ingredients into a memorable feast shared amongst friends and family.

Each bite offers a tender, juicy morsel of beef, kissed by the heat of the grill and seasoned with cumin's earthy warmth. The onions add a subtle sweetness, balancing the savory depth. Serve these skewers with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, embracing the spirit of Vietnamese culinary simplicity.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • as neededskewers
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Start by seasoning the 800 g beef cubes with 1 tsp cumin, fine sea salt, and black pepper to taste. Toss the beef cubes in a large bowl to ensure they are evenly coated with the spices. This step enhances the flavor and prepares the meat for cooking.
  2. Peel and finely chop the onion. Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This will add a sweet and savory base to the beef.
  3. Add the seasoned beef cubes to the skillet with the onions. Brown the beef by cooking it on each side until a deep, rich color develops. This should take about 3-4 minutes per side. The browning process locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor.
  4. If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. Thread the browned beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. If braising, keep the beef in the skillet and add a small amount of water or beef stock to cover the bottom of the pan, then cover and reduce the heat to low.
  5. Grill the skewers, turning occasionally, until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness. For braising, let the beef simmer gently until tender, which should take about 15-20 minutes. The beef should be tender and juicy, with a slight char if grilled.
  6. Taste a piece of beef for seasoning. If needed, adjust with more fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. This final seasoning ensures the flavors are balanced and to your liking.
  7. Serve the Vietnamese Beef Skewers hot, accompanied by rice, bread, or a fresh salad. This dish is perfect for sharing, bringing the authentic taste of Vietnamese home cooking to your table.
Cover of Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Vietnamese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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