Lemongrass Beef Kabobs
Grilled lemongrass beef kabobs are tender, smoky, and full of bold, aromatic flavor — thanks to a vibrant overnight marinade of lemongrass, garlic, cilantro, soy, and lime. Finished with a tangy-spicy scallion oil, they strike the perfect balance of savory heat and citrusy brightness. Ideal for summer cookouts or weekend gatherings, this make-ahead recipe is easy to prep, grill-ready in minutes, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Tasty Team
Total Time
8 hr 40 min
8 hr 40 min
Prep Time
30 minutes
30 min
Cook Time
10 minutes
10 min

Total Time
8 hr 40 min
8 hr 40 min
Prep Time
30 minutes
30 min
Cook Time
10 minutes
10 min
Ingredients
for 8 servings
Marinated Beef
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (about 1 large bunch)
- ⅓ cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup mirin
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 6 garlic cloves
- Zest of 3 limes
- 4 lemongrass stalks, chopped
- 3 lb boneless tri-tip steak, cut into medium-sized (about 1½-inch) cubes
- Neutral cooking oil (grapeseed or canola oil), for grilling
Spicy Scallion Oil
- 1 bunch scallion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ⅓ cup unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Nutrition Info
- Calories 509
- Fat 36g
- Carbs 11g
- Fiber 0g
- Sugar 8g
- Protein 34g
Estimated values based on one serving size.
Preparation
- Make the marinated beef: Place the cilantro, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, oyster sauce, black pepper, salt, garlic, lime zest, and lemongrass in a blender. Process until smooth, about 3 minutes.
- Place the steak in a large bowl, and pour the marinade over the meat. Toss well to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 8 hours or up to 12 hours.
- Make the spicy scallion oil: Stir together the scallions, vegetable oil, rice vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, and salt in a bowl. Let stand at room temperature until ready to serve, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the marinade, and thread it evenly onto 8 metal or wooden skewers.
- Heat a grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates. Grill the kabobs, uncovered, for about 4 minutes per side, or until charred and cooked to your desired doneness.
- Drizzle the spicy scallion oil over the grilled kabobs, or serve on the side for dipping.
- Enjoy!
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