Chha Kh'nhei with Lemongrass and Kaffir Lime

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 3 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely chopped 3 stalks lemongrass, white parts only, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, finely chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped
• 2 red chilies, thinly sliced 2 red chilies, thinly sliced
• 4 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced 4 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 8g, 4g
• Protein: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the beef, lemongrass, garlic, shallots, red chilies, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
3. 3.
   Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
4. 4.
   Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with steamed rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lemongrass — To release the maximum flavor, bruise the lemongrass stalks with the back of a knife before finely chopping them.
• Kaffir lime leaves — Remove the tough central vein before slicing the leaves into thin strips for a more pleasant texture in the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add more red chilies or include some sliced bird's eye chilies.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds from the red chilies before slicing.
• For a healthier option, you can substitute the beef with chicken or tofu.
• Adjust the sugar and fish sauce according to your taste preferences.
• To make the dish more colorful, add some sliced bell peppers or carrots during the stir-frying process.

Serving advice

Serve the Chha Kh'nhei hot over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. This dish pairs well with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple cucumber salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stir-fried beef on a plate, ensuring that the vibrant colors of the dish are visible. Garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro for an appealing touch. Serve with a side of steamed rice in a separate bowl to create an inviting presentation.