Ingredients You Will Need
For the Grilled Beef:
- Beef: 1 pound of flank steak or sirloin. These cuts are ideal for grilling as they are tender and flavorful.
- Marinade:
- Two tablespoons of soy sauce
- One tablespoon of fish sauce
- One tablespoon of oyster sauce
- One tablespoon of sugar (preferably brown sugar)
- One tablespoon of minced garlic
- One tablespoon of minced shallots
- One tablespoon of lemongrass (finely chopped)
- One tablespoon of vegetable oil
- One teaspoon of black pepper
For the Rice:
- Rice: 2 cups of jasmine rice. Jasmine rice is fragrant and has a slightly sticky texture that pairs well with grilled beef.
For the Vegetables and Garnishes:
- Vegetables: Fresh lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes for a refreshing side salad.
- Pickled Vegetables: Carrots and daikon radish, pickled in vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Garnishes: Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and chopped peanuts for added crunch.
For the Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm):
- Sauce:
- Three tablespoons of fish sauce
- Two tablespoons of lime juice
- Two tablespoons of sugar
- One clove of garlic, minced
- One small chili, finely chopped (optional for heat)
- 1/4 cup of warm water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Selecting the Beef
Choosing the proper cut of beef is crucial for this dish. Flank steak or sirloin is an excellent choice because it is tender and holds up well to grilling. Ensure the meat is fresh and has a lot of marbling, adding flavour and juiciness.
Marinating the Beef
- Slice the Beef: Cut the beef into about 1/4-inch-thick thin strips. This helps the meat cook quickly and evenly on the grill.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, minced garlic, minced shallots, lemongrass, vegetable oil, and black pepper. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Marinate the Beef: Place the beef strips in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavours to penetrate the meat, making it more flavorful and tender.
Step 2: Cooking the Rice
Choosing the Rice
Jasmine rice is the preferred choice for this dish due to its aromatic qualities and slightly sticky texture. It complements the grilled beef beautifully.
Cooking the Rice
- Rinse the Rice: Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming too sticky.
- Cook the Rice: Combine 2 cups of jasmine rice with 3 cups of water in a rice cooker or a pot. If using a rice cooker, turn it on and let it cook. If using a pot, bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff the Rice: Once the rice is cooked, let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.
Step 3: Preparing the Vegetables and Garnishes
Fresh Salad
- Lettuce: Wash and tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Cucumber: Slice the cucumber into thin rounds.
- Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into wedges or slices.
Arrange the lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes on a plate to create a simple and refreshing side salad.
Pickled Vegetables
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and julienne carrots and daikon radish.
- Make the Pickling Solution: In a bowl, mix equal parts vinegar, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Pickle the Vegetables: Place the julienned vegetables in the pickling solution and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. You can prepare these for a few hours or even the day before for a more robust flavour.
Garnishes
- Herbs: Wash and roughly chop fresh cilantro and mint leaves.
- Peanuts: Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, then chop them coarsely.
Step 4: Making the Dipping Sauce (Nước Chấm)
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and finely chopped chilli (if using).
- Add Water: Stir in 1/4 cup of warm water to dilute the sauce slightly and balance the flavours.
- Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients as needed, adding more lime juice for acidity, sugar for sweetness, or chilli for heat.
Step 5: Grilling the Beef
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You can use a grill pan or a broiler if you don't have a grill.
- Grill the Beef: Remove the beef from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Grill the beef strips for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are nicely charred and cooked to your desired level of doneness.
- Rest the Beef: Transfer the grilled beef to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.
Step 6: Assembling the Dish
- Serve the Rice: Scoop a generous portion of jasmine rice onto each plate.
- Add the Beef: Arrange the grilled beef strips on the rice.
- Add the Salad: Place the fresh salad of lettuce, cucumber, and tomatoes on the side of the plate.
- Add the Pickled Vegetables: Add a small pile of pickled carrots and daikon radish next to the salad.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped herbs and peanuts over the grilled beef and rice.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Serve the dish with a small bowl of dipping sauce (Nước Chấm) on the side.
Step 7: Enjoying Your Meal
Now that your Grilled Beef on Rice (Cơm Bò) is ready, it's time to enjoy the fruits of your labour. Combining tender, flavorful beef, aromatic rice, and fresh, crunchy vegetables creates a harmonious balance of textures and flavours. The dipping sauce adds a tangy, savoury note that ties everything together.
Tips and Variations
- Marinade Variations: Feel free to experiment with the marinade. You can add a bit of honey for sweetness or some chilli paste for extra heat.
- Vegetable Variations: Add other vegetables to your salad, such as bell peppers, radishes, or sliced avocado.
- Rice Options: While jasmine rice is traditional, you can use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Grilling Options: If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the beef on a stovetop grill pan or even a broiler.
- Serving Style: For a more traditional Vietnamese presentation, serve the beef and rice in a bowl, with the vegetables and dipping sauce on the side.
Nutritional Benefits
Grilled Beef on Rice (Cơm Bò) is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits:
- Protein: The beef provides a good source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The fresh vegetables add vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomatoes and cucumbers and vitamin A from the carrots.
- Healthy Carbohydrates: Jasmine rice is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day.
- Healthy Fats: The marinade's use of vegetable oil adds healthy fats, while the peanuts contribute additional protein and healthy fats.
To Sum Up
Making Grilled Beef on Rice (Cơm Bò) at home is a rewarding culinary experience that brings the vibrant flavours of Vietnamese cuisine to your kitchen. Following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious, restaurant-quality dish to impress your family and friends. With its perfect balance of savoury, sweet, and tangy flavours, this dish will become your household's favourite.
So why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and enjoy the process of creating this classic Vietnamese dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply enjoying a flavorful meal at home, Grilled Beef on Rice (Cơm Bò) is a dish that will delight your taste buds and bring a taste of Vietnam to your table.
Here are some delicious food and drinks to try when ordering from PHO restaurants in Toronto:
Pork and Shrimp Roll (Gỏi Cuốn Tôm Thịt)
Grilled Beef, Grilled Chicken, and Steamed Crab Meat (Cơm Bò Gà Chả)
Shrimp and Chicken Pad Thai (Padthai Tôm Gà)
Udon Noodle Soup with Crab Meat (Bánh Canh Cua)
Grilled Pork Chop on Rice (Cơm Sườn)
Grilled Pork, Grilled Chicken, and Fried Egg (Cơm Sườn Gà Ốpla)
