Ingredients

  • 1 stalk fresh lemongrass or 1 tablespoon dried lemon grass
  • 1 dash fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce (nuoc mam)
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 6 ounces fatty beef chuck, sliced paper thin
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 2 shallots or 2 scallions, slice white part of
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 1/2 beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped (Chinese parsley)
  • 2 scallions, green part only,chopped

Method

  • Sprinkle the black pepper, 1 teaspoon of the fish sauce, and chopped garlic over the meat; mix well and allow the meat to absorb the flavors for a few minutes.
  • Heat the oil and fry the shallots over a high flame.
  • Add the lemon grass and fry for about 1 minute, then add the meat.
  • Cook until all traces of redness are gone.
  • Add the water, bring to a boil, and add the beef bouillon cubes, remaining 1 teaspoon fish sauce, and salt.
  • Immediately before serving, bring the soup to a boil.
  • Pour into bowls and sprinkle with the chopped coriander and scallion.