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Sweet Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef and Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowls with Peanut Sauce. image

Vietnamese Lemongrass Beef and Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowls with Peanut Sauce.

Tender lemongrass-ginger marinated beef served over spaghetti squash with sautéed bok choy and mushrooms and a creamy Thai-style peanut sauce.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemongrass chopped (or 1 tablespoon lemongrass paste)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce found in the Asian aisle
  • 2 cloves garlic minced or grated
  • 1 pound beef skirt steak sliced thin against the grain
  • 1 medium spaghetti squash
  • 3 tablespoons peanut or sesame oil
  • 1 head bok choy chopped
  • 8 ounces mushrooms sliced
  • garnishes chopped peanuts, sliced red chilies, shredded carrots, fresh mint, fresh Thai basil, chopped lemongrass, for serving
  • 1 ounce can coconut milk 14 oz can, lite or regular
  • 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons Thai red curry paste use 1 teaspoon for less heat

Equipment

  • mixing bowl or zip-top bag
  • Sharp Knife
  • microwave-safe plate or baking sheet
  • Large Skillet
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Medium Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Make the marinade by whisking chopped lemongrass, grated ginger, honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, fish sauce and minced garlic together in a bowl; add the sliced skirt steak, seal in a zip-top bag or cover bowl, and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes or overnight.
  2. Cook the spaghetti squash: pierce it several times with a sharp knife and microwave whole on high about 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes, until just tender; let cool slightly, then halve lengthwise and scrape the strands with a fork.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add a drizzle of peanut or sesame oil; sauté chopped bok choy and sliced mushrooms about 8–10 minutes until bok choy wilts and mushrooms caramelize, season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  4. Return the skillet to high heat with another drizzle of oil; add the marinated steak in a single layer and sear 2–3 minutes, toss and cook another 2–3 minutes until cooked through; pour any remaining marinade into the pan and cook 1 minute more, then remove and keep warm with the vegetables.
  5. Make the peanut sauce by combining the coconut milk, peanut butter, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce and Thai red curry paste in a medium saucepan; warm over medium heat, stirring until smooth and just simmering.
  6. Assemble bowls by dividing spaghetti squash among bowls, topping with bok choy, mushrooms and sliced beef, then drizzle with peanut sauce and finish with desired garnishes (chopped peanuts, sliced chilies, shredded carrots, mint, Thai basil, or chopped lemongrass).

Notes

  • Marinate the beef longer for deeper flavor.
  • Roast the squash in a 400°F oven for about 30 minutes instead of microwaving, if preferred.
  • Use 1 teaspoon curry paste to reduce heat.
  • Scrape squash strands while warm for easier shredding.