Go Back
Delicious Lemongrass Coconut Braised Beef with Mushrooms served in a bowl.

Lemongrass Coconut Braised Beef with Mushrooms

A delightful dish combining earthy beef, aromatic lemongrass, and rich coconut milk, perfect for family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Southeast Asian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Braised Beef
  • 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1.5-inch pieces Use fresh, high-quality beef for tenderness
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced Button or shiitake work beautifully
  • 2 stalks lemongrass, chopped finely Use fresh lemongrass for the best flavor
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
  • 2 cups coconut milk Opt for full-fat coconut milk for creaminess
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Once hot, add the beef chunks, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sear them until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the mushrooms, lemongrass, garlic, and ginger. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the coconut milk, followed by the fish sauce and brown sugar. Stir everything together.
  5. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it braise for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender.
  6. After cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or fish sauce as desired.
  7. Serve the aromatic beef in bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Choose your beef wisely: Chuck is recommended for its marbled fat, but brisket or short ribs can be used. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. For a vegetarian option, substitute beef with jackfruit and use vegetable broth instead of fish sauce.