Best Lemongrass Beef Recipes

VIETNAMESE LEMONGRASS BEEF AND NOODLES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add vermicelli noodles and cook until softened, 12 minutes. Drain noodles and rinse with cold water, stirring to separate the noodles. Set aside.
• Combine lemongrass, soy-based seasoning, sherry, brown sugar, and garlic in a bowl. Marinate flank steak in mixture, tossing evenly, and let sit for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, make sweetened fish sauce. Pour warm water into a small bowl; add sugar and lemon juice. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in fish sauce, Thai peppers, and garlic. Adjust to taste. Set aside.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook sliced flank steak until firm but slightly pink in the center, 5 to 6 minutes per side. Arrange cooked vermicelli noodles in bowls for serving. Place steak on top and garnish with Thai basil leaves, cilantro, and bean sprouts. Pour sweetened fish sauce over the top.

GRILLED LEMONGRASS BEEF AND NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• Make marinade:
• Thinly slice lower 6 inches of lemongrass stalks, discarding remainder of stalks. In a food processor or blender finely grind together sliced lemongrass and garlic. Add remaining marinade ingredients and blend well.
• In a large resealable plastic bag combine marinade and steak and seal bag, pressing out excess air. Marinate steak, chilled, turning bag once or twice, at least 4 hours or overnight.
• In a large bowl soak noodles in hot water to cover 15 minutes, or until softened and pliable.
• Prepare grill (or preheat broiler). Bring a kettle of salted water to a boil for noodles.
• Discard marinade and grill steak on an oiled rack set 5 to 6 inches over glowing coals 3 to 5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. (Alternatively, steak may be broiled on rack of a broiler pan about 3 inches from heat about same amount of time.) Transfer steak to a cutting board and let stand 5 minutes.
• While steak is cooking, drain noodles in a colander and cook in boiling water 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until just tender. In a colander drain noodles and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Drain noodles well.
• In a large bowl toss noodles with herbs and half of nuoc cham. Divide cucumber among 4 bowls or plates and top with noodles. Sprinkle each serving with 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons rice powder. Thinly slice steak on the diagonal and divide among noodles, mounding it. Sprinkle chilies over each serving and garnish with herb sprigs. Serve remaining nuoc cham on the side.

LEMONGRASS BEEF STEW WITH NOODLES

Steps:

• Put the ginger, garlic, lemongrass, coriander and 1 chilli in a food processor, then pulse until puréed. Heat the oil in a pan over a low heat. Add the purée and cook for 5 mins. Stir in the beef, soy, five-spice, sugar and stock. Put on a lid and bring to the boil, then lower heat and simmer for 1 hr 15 mins. Remove the lid and cook for a further 15 mins until the beef is tender.
• Just before serving, prepare noodles following pack instructions. Drain well, then divide between 2 bowls and spoon over the beef stew. Serve sprinkled with the remaining chilli and coriander leaves, with lime wedges for squeezing over.

THAI BEEF STEW WITH LEMONGRASS AND NOODLES

Steps:

• Process lemongrass, garlic, makrut lime leaves, ginger, and 2 chiles in a food processor until a fine paste forms.
• Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook beef, turning occasionally, until browned, 10-15 minutes; transfer to a plate.
• Cook lemongrass paste in same pot, stirring often, until lemongrass is beginning to soften, 5-8 minutes. Add star anise, cinnamon, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, beef with any juices, and 10 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer, partially covered, skimming occasionallly, until beef is tender and liquid is slightly thickened, 2 1/2-3 hours.
• Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Toast coconut flakes on a rimmed baking sheet, tossing occasionally, until golden around the edges, about 4 minutes; set aside.
• Add shallots and carrots to stew and cook, partially covered, until vegetables are soft and beef is falling apart, 35-45 minutes. Mix in scallions (they should wilt slightly).
• Meanwhile, cook noodles according to package directions.
• Divide noodles among bowls and ladle stew over; top with toasted coconut and more scallions. Serve with lime wedges.
• DO AHEAD: Stew (without noodles) can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.

SPICY THAI BEEF SALAD WITH LEMONGRASS-MINT VINAIGRETTE AND NUTS

Steps:

• ---To make the marinade---.
• In a shallow dish, combine all the marinade ingredients.
• Add the steak strips and let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
• In a large sauté pan or skillet over high heat, heat the sesame oil and sauté the steak for 5 minutes per side for medium rare.
• Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
• Using slotted spoon, transfer the steak to a plate and let rest for 10 minutes.
• ---To make the vinaigrette---.
• In the same pan over high heat, heat the olive oil and sauté the lemongrass, shallot, ginger, garlic, and lime leaves for about 10 seconds, or until lightly browned.
• Stir in the remaining ingredients.
• Set aside.
• ---To make the stir-fry---.
• In a large sauté pan or skillet over high heat, heat the olive oil and sauté all of the ingredients except the noodles for 1 minute, tossing frequently.
• Add the noodles and cook 1 minute.
• Set aside.
• ---To serve---.
• Slice the steak into 1-inch to 2-inch strips.
• Divide the salad greens among 4 salad plates.
• Divide the stir-fry sprout mixture over the greens, and then top with beef strips.
• Drizzle vinaigrette around the salads and garnish with macadamia nuts.

BUN BO (GRILLED LEMONGRASS BEEF NOODLE SALAD)

Steps:

• To make the marinade paste, pound the onion, garlic and lemongrass with a mortar and pestle or with a food processor until coarse. Add in the salt, black pepper, curry powder if desired, and fish sauce. Stir mixture over the beef and marinate for 1 hour or overnight if possible.
• Bring a saucepan of water to the boil, add the vermicelli noodles and cook for 3-5 minutes or until tender. Drain, refresh under cold water, drain again and set aside.
• Thread the meat strips onto the bamboo skewers. Grill till done to taste.
• To serve, place a portion of noodles in a large soup bowl. Then place the beef, lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, mint leaves, fresh coriander, carrot and 1 teaspoon crushed peanuts on top of the noodles. Dress the ingredients with 2 tablespoons nuoc cham, or more to taste - I use around 4 tablespoons for each serving. Toss the ingredients together and serve. Repeat the process for each serving.

LEMONGRASS BEEF SKEWERS

Steps:

• Soak 8 bamboo skewers in cold water for 30 minutes.
• Whisk together lemongrass, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and oil. Slice beef very thinly against the grain. Add to marinade, and toss. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes.
• Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread beef onto skewers. Grill until browned, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a platter, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle with peanuts. Serve with the remaining ingredients on the side, bundling the meat, cucumber, and herbs inside the lettuce leaves if desired.

LEMONGRASS GROUND BEEF SKEWERS

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
• Place lemon grass, onion, and garlic in the container of an electric blender or food processor. Cover and blend or process until finely chopped, about 10 seconds. Scrape lemon grass mixture into a bowl, and stir in beef, salt, pepper, sugar, cornstarch, oyster sauce, and sesame oil.
• Form meat mixture into 12 meatballs. Thread onto skewers.
• Cook on the preheated grill until the meatballs are well done, about 7 minutes per side. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C).

BEEF STEW WITH CURRY AND LEMONGRASS

Steps:

• Bring 4 cups water to boil in large saucepan. Add bouillon and stir to dissolve; set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large pot over high heat. Working in batches, add beef and sauté until brown, about 6 minutes per batch. Using slotted spoon, transfer beef to bowl. Add 1 tablespoon oil, onions and garlic to same pot; sauté until onions are tender, about 5 minutes. Add bouillon mixture, tomatoes with juices, lemongrass, curry powder and bay leaves. Return beef and any accumulated juices to pot. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until beef is almost tender, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour.
• Add carrots, potatoes and mushrooms to stew and simmer until vegetables are just tender, about 20 minutes. Uncover and simmer until potatoes are very tender and stew is slightly thickened (potato pieces will thicken liquid), about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer to serving bowl. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve.

LEMONGRASS BEEF AND ONION NOODLE SALAD (BUN BO)

Steps:

• To make the dipping sauce: In a mortar, pound together the garlic and red chili with a pestle until pureed (or pass the garlic clove through a garlic press). Mix in the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar and water and add the carrot. Set aside.
• Noodles: Drain the noodles in a colander, then pour boiling water over them. Let them sit in the hot water for about 5 minutes until tender. Drain, rinse thoroughly with cold running water and drain again. Set aside.
• Salad: To make the salad, in a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, cucumber, bean sprouts, carrot, basil and mint.
• Beef and onions: In a mortar and pestle, pound together the lemongrass, 3 garlic cloves and sugar until it is well combined. Add fish sauce and pepper to produce a paste. Add one tablespoon of the oil, mix well and add the meat; cover and set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat a wok or deep-fry pan over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the remaining 2 Tbs. oil and the remaining 3 garlic cloves and stir-fry until light golden brown, about 30 seconds. Add the onion and stir-fry until the layers separate, about 30 seconds more. Remove the onion and garlic from the pan.
• Add additional oil if the pan is dry (it shouldn't be). When the oil is hot, add a batch of the beef mixture and spread it over the bottom of the pan. Cook until the beef is nicely seared on the bottom, about 1 minute. Turn the beef over and sear the other side, about 1 minute more. Transfer the beef and onion to a plate. Fry the remaining beef mixture in batches.
• When all of the beef is seared, return the beef and onion to the wok and toss for a few seconds to reheat if required.
• To assemble: Divide the salad and noodles evenly among 4 shallow bowls or plates. Spoon one quarter of the beef-onion mixture over each salad. Garnish with the peanuts and fried shallots. Pour the dipping sauce into individual bowls and encourage diners to toss the salad to their liking, and add their own nuoc cham to taste.

BEEF AND LEMONGRASS SKEWERS CAMBODIAN STYLE

Steps:

• Slice beef into long thin strips 1/8 inch by 1 inch by 5 inches long.
• Combine the garlic, lemongrass, coriander, sugar and fish sauce in a mortar and pestle until mixture is a paste. Use a blender or food processor if you have to. Marinate meat for 12 to 24 hours in this mixture.
• Make Peanut Sauce: Heat the oil in a small pan and add the garlic, chili paste and tomato paste. Fry until the garlic turns light golden brown. Add the broth, peanut butter, hoisin and sugar, and simmer for 3 minutes. Cool and add the peanuts and chilies. Set aside.
• Thread beef onto skewers, grill briefly to medium rare over high direct heat and serve with the sauce for dipping, garnishing with the nuts.

BEEF STEWED WITH TOMATO, STAR ANISE, AND LEMONGRASS

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the beef, lemongrass, fish sauce, five-spice powder, ginger, brown sugar, and bay leaf. Mix well with chopsticks to coat the beef evenly. Set aside to marinate for 30 minutes.
• In a heavy-bottomed 5-quart Dutch oven, heat the oil over high heat until hot but not smoking. Working in batches, add the beef and sear on all sides, then transfer to a plate. Each batch should take about 3 minutes. Reserve the lemongrass and bay leaf from the marinade and discard the rest.
• Lower the heat to medium-low, add the onion, and cook gently, stirring, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until fragrant and soft. Add the tomato and salt and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the mixture is fragrant and has reduced to a rough paste. Check occasionally to make sure the tomato mixture is not sticking to the bottom of the pan. If it is, stir well and splash in some water.
• When the paste has formed, add the beef, lemongrass, bay leaf, and star anise, give the contents of the pot a bit stir, and cook, uncovered, for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and penetrate the beef. Add the water, bring to a boil, cover, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 1/4 hours, or until the beef is chewy-tender (a sign that it is close to being done). To test for doneness, press on a piece; it should yield but still feel firm.
• Add the carrots and return the stew to a simmer, adjusting the heat if needed. Cook, uncovered, for about 30 minutes, or until the carrots and beef are tender. (This stew may be made up to 2 days in advance. Let cool, cover, and refrigerate, then bring to a simmer before continuing.)
• Just before serving, do a final taste test. Add salt or a shot of fish sauce to intensify the overall flavor. Or, splash in a bit of water to lighten the sauce. Transfer the stew to a serving dish, removing and discarding the lemongrass, bay leaf, and star anise. Garnish with the Vietnamese coriander and serve.
• How to Seed Tomatoes
• Holding each tomato half over a bowl or the sink, squeeze gently to release the seeds and gelatinous insides. For reluctant seeds, use a finger to loosen them. Then, with a swift shaking motion of the wrist, empty out the seeds.

GRILLED LEMONGRASS BEEF SKEWERS

Steps:

• To make the marinade, combine the shallot, brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a mortar and pound into a rough paste. (Or, use an electric mini-chopper.) Transfer to a bowl, add the shrimp sauce, fish sauce, oil, lemongrass, and sesame seeds, and stir to mix. Set aside.
• If you have time, place the beef in the freezer for about 15 minutes. It will firm up, making it easier to cut. Slice the beef across the grain into thin strips a scant 1/4 inch thick, about 1 inch wide, and 2 to 3 inches long. (You may need to angle the knife to yield strips that are wide enough.)
• Add the beef to the marinade and use your fingers to combine, making sure that each strip is coated on both sides. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate at room temperature for 1 hour. (For more tender meat, marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes prior to skewering.) Meanwhile, soak 24 to 30 bamboo skewers, each 8 to 10 inches long, in water to cover for at least 45 minutes.
• To grill the beef, prepare a medium-low charcoal fire (you can hold your hand over the rack for no more than 5 or 6 seconds) or preheat a gas grill to medium-low. To broil the beef, position a rack about 4 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven for 20 minutes so it is nice and hot.
• While the grill or broiler heats, drain the skewers and thread the beef onto them, putting 1 or 2 strips on each skewer. If you are broiling, put the skewers on an aluminum foil-lined baking sheet. Place the skewers on the grill rack or slip the baking sheet under the broiler. Grill or broil, turning the skewers once, for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the beef is browned and a little charred at the edge.
• Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve at once with the sauce on the side. Diners can dip the skewers in the sauce or spoon the sauce onto the skewers.

THAI BEEF AND LEMONGRASS RICE BOWLS

Steps:

• To make the rice. Add the coconut milk and water to a medium size pot. Bring to a low boil and then add the rice, sesame oil and lemongrass. Stir to combine, then place the lid on the pot and turn the heat down to the lowest setting possible. Allow the rice to cook ten minutes on low and then turn the heat off completely and let the rice sit on the stove, covered for another 15-20 minutes (don't take any peeks inside!). After 15-20 minutes remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork and stir in 1-2 tablespoons chopped peanuts if desired. Note that rice can cook differently for everyone, this is just what works for me.
• While the rice is cooking, make the beef. Add the carrots, peppers, hot red pepper, green onions fish sauce, honey, lime juice and 2 tablespoons soy sauce to a medium bowl. Toss well and set aside.
• Heat a large wok or heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and once hot add the garlic and ginger. Cook 15-30 seconds then add the beef. Season the beef with black pepper and brown all over, breaking it up as it cooks, about 5 minutes. Once the beef is browned, add 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup sweet thai chili sauce and 1 cup of fresh basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce coats the beef, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup fresh basil.
• Divide the rice among the bowls, top with equal amounts of beef. Add the carrots + pepper on top of the beef. Garish with chopped peanuts, fresh basil and toasted sesame seeds. EAT!

LEMONGRASS BEEF STEW

Steps:

• 1 Place the beef in a bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the oil, sprinkle with the salt and pepper, and stir to coat. Let stand while you prepare all of the other ingredients. 2 In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons oil over high heat. When the oil is hot, working in batches, add the beef and cook, turning as needed, for about 8 minutes, until browned on all side. As each batch is ready, transfer it to a rimmed baking sheet. 3 Decrease the heat to medium and add the onion to the now-empty pot. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until the onion is a deep golden brown. Stir in the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds more. Add the lemongrass, tomato paste, ginger, star anise, and whole chile to taste and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a large clay pot. 4 Add the beef and any accumulated juices to the clay pot and pour in the stock. Bring the liquid to a boil over medium heat, decrease the heat so the liquid is at a gentle simmer, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 1/2 hours, until the meet is just tender. 5 Add the carrots and daikon, re-cover, and cook for 30 minutes longer, until the vegetables are cooked through and the meat is very tender. Remove from the heat and stir in the fish sauce, 1 tablespoon at a time, to taste. 6 Serve the stew directly from the clay pot. To

THAI BRAISED COCONUT & LEMONGRASS WAGYU BEEF TOP ROUND ROAST

Steps:

• PREPARING THE LEMONGRASS MIXTURE: Chop the lemongrass, shallot, green onion, garlic cloves, and small thumb of ginger. Combine the ingredients in a food processor. Season with a little salt and freshly ground pepper.Process the ingredients until the mixture is finely processed and turns into a paste (lemongrass is fibrous, so you want to be sure it's fully processed).Set the lemongrass mixture aside
• PREPARING THE FULLBLOOD WAGYU TOP ROUND ROAST: Cut the Fullblood Wagyu top round roast into 2-inch cubes.Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat.Season the cubes of Fullblood Wagyu beef with salt and freshly ground black pepper.Working in batches (to avoid crowding), sear all sides of the beef in the pot. Adjust the heat, as needed, so you don't burn the fond that builds on the bottom of the pot.After all of the pieces are seared, set the Fullblood Wagyu top round roast aside.
• BRAISING THE BEEF: Preheat the oven to 325°F.When the oven is ready, add a tablespoon of olive oil and the lemongrass mixture to the Dutch oven. Sauté the mixture for 3 minute over medium heat until fragrant. Then, add the seared beef back into pot (as well as any drippings), and stir.After a couple of minutes, add the coconut milk and half a quart of coconut water to the pot (you will use the remaining coconut water for the rice). Bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a tight fitting lid, and place it in the oven. Cook it in the oven for 2 1/2 hours.
• PREPARING THE POTATOES, RICE, BABY BOK CHOY, AND MUSHROOMS: While the beef braises, wash the potatoes. Slice the potatoes into half-inch-thick coins. Slice the baby bok choy in half lengthwise, and rinse out any sand in the leaves and near the stem.Slice the mushrooms.Prepare the brown rice by cooking it with the rest of the coconut water (ratio: 1 cup of rice to 1 1/2 cups of coconut water).
• FINAL STEPS: After 2 1/2 hours, remove the pot from the oven. Carefully, remove the lid. Using a slotted spoon, remove the chunks of beef from the braising liquid. Set the beef aside in a bowl.Place the pot on the stove, and set it to medium or medium-low heat.Add the potato coins to the pot, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes. After 12 minutes, add the beef back to the pot, as well as the sliced mushrooms and baby bok choy halves. Cover, and cook for another 8-10 minutes.Spoon portions of the Fullblood Wagyu beef, gravy, potatoes, and vegetables onto plates. Serve with the coconut brown rice, and enjoy!

STIR-FRIED LEMONGRASS BEEF WITH ASIAN GREENS

Steps:

• Freeze beef 30 minutes. Using large knife, thinly slice beef crosswise. Mix meat, lemongrass, 3 tablespoons fish sauce, soy sauce, 3/4 teaspoon sugar, and garlic in large bowl. Sprinkle generously with black pepper. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes or chill up to 3 hours.
• Whisk 3 tablespoons oil, lime juice, shallot, chili, 1 tablespoon fish sauce, and 3/4 teaspoon sugar in bowl to blend. Season dressing with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
• Place mustard greens, bok choy, onions, and basil in large bowl. Add 3/4 of dressing; toss to coat. Season salad with salt and pepper.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Working in 2 batches, stir-fry meat until cooked to desired doneness, about 35 seconds for rare. Add to greens. Add remaining dressing and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
• *Available at Asian markets and in the Asian foods section of many supermarkets.
• **Opal basil has purple leaves and a milder flavor than sweet basil. It is available at Asian markets and some supermarkets.

VIETNAMESE LEMONGRASS BEEF NOODLE BOWL

Steps:

• 1. For the beef Mix the marinade ingredients together and add the beef. Place in fridge and let marinate overnight.
• 2. For the mushrooms Heat the oil in a wok or saute pan. Add the Shiitake mushroom and cook until browned. Add the garlic and ginger and cook another 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup water the soy sauce, and the sugar. let simmer 5 minutes.
• 3. Add 1/2 water to a saucepan. Add the lime juice, fish sauce and rock sugar. Cook until sugar has melted. Remove from heat and let cool. Stir in the garlic and chilis. Set aside in fridge
• 4. For the dish. Add oil to a wok or skillet. add the shallots and cook until browned. Add the beef with half the marinade discarding the rest Stir in the car stir fry 1 minutes. Add the mushrooms, carrots, bok choy and green onions. Cook 1 minutes.
• 5. Add the noodles Stir well. Add half of the dipping sauce. Remove from heat. Place into bowls. top with bean sprouts, basil, and peanuts. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over just before eating.

THAI GLAZED BEEF WITH CHILE-LEMONGRASS SAUCE

Steps:

• In medium bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of the oil, the garlic, gingerroot, pepper, coriander and beef. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
• In 12-inch skillet (preferably nonstick), heat remaining 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot. Add marinated beef. Cook 6 to 8 minutes, stirring constantly so garlic doesn't burn, until beef is browned and cooked through. Drain fat.
• In small bowl, mix sugar, lime juice, 2 tablespoons fish sauce and the vinegar. Add mixture to skillet with beef. Stir and heat to boiling. Watch carefully as liquid evaporates to avoid scorching. When only about 1 tablespoon liquid is left, use slotted spoon to remove beef to bowl; cover to keep warm.
• Add onion to skillet and cook 1 minute, stirring frequently. Stir in lemongrass, garlic and chile. Cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add broth, 2 tablespoons fish sauce and the oyster sauce. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium and simmer 1 minute longer. Return beef to skillet and cook 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Serve with rice.

LEMONGRASS BEEF

Steps:

• Place all the ingredients (except the oil and peanuts) in a bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for about 4 hours.
• Heat the oil in a wok and stirfry the beef in a few batches for about 3 minutes or until just browned.
• Move the meat constantly around the wok, so the onion and lemongrass don't catch and burn.
• Return the meat to the wok, and add the peanuts.
• Serve at once over rice or noodles, garnished with chopped cilantro if you wish.