Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef Patties

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 2 stalks lemongrass, finely minced 2 stalks lemongrass, finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), for serving Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil), for serving
• Pickled vegetables (such as carrots and daikon), for serving Pickled vegetables (such as carrots and daikon), for serving
• Dipping sauce (such as nuoc cham or hoisin sauce), for serving Dipping sauce (such as nuoc cham or hoisin sauce), for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 6g, 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, lemongrass, garlic, onion, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, sesame oil, and breadcrumbs. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
2. 2.
   Shape the mixture into small patties, about 2 inches in diameter.
3. 3.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. 4.
   Grill the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and slightly charred.
5. 5.
   Serve the Lemongrass Beef Patties with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a side of dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To easily mince lemongrass, remove the tough outer layers and finely chop the tender inner part. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to finely chop it.
• Fish sauce — Look for a high-quality fish sauce that is made from anchovies or other small fish. It adds a unique umami flavor to the patties.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra burst of flavor, marinate the ground beef mixture in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before shaping into patties.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the patties on a stovetop grill pan or in a regular frying pan.
• Customize the dipping sauce according to your preference by adding chili, lime juice, or garlic.

Serving advice

Serve the Lemongrass Beef Patties as a main dish accompanied by steamed rice or vermicelli noodles. Create a DIY lettuce wrap station by providing lettuce leaves for guests to wrap the patties and fresh herbs in.

Presentation advice

Arrange the grilled Lemongrass Beef Patties on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve the pickled vegetables and dipping sauce in separate bowls for guests to customize their own flavors.