CHEF DONNY SIRISAVATH
Lemongrass Skirt Steak Skewers
Serves 10
Active Time: 30 min
Total Time: 50 min
Make it.
Ingredients:
2 pounds skirt steak, preferably Angus, about 1/4 inch thick, silver skin removed
1 cup finely chopped cilantro stems
1/2 cup Asian-style lager beer (such as Lucky Buddha)
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (such as Lee Kum Kee Panda Brand Oyster-Flavored Sauce)
1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce (such as Viet Huong Three Crabs Brand)
1 tablespoon finely chopped lemongrass
1 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
20 (6-inch) flat bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 1 hour
Grapeseed oil, for grill grates
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
Mixed microgreens or thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
Procedure:
Step 1
Cut skirt steak crosswise (with the grain) into 8-inch-long pieces. Working with 1 piece at a time, cut lengthwise (against the grain) into 1-inch strips. (If any of the pieces are thicker than 1/4 inch, carefully butterfly thick pieces crosswise and open up to create larger 1/4-inch-thick pieces.) Set aside.
Step 2
Stir together cilantro, beer, garlic, oyster sauce, sugar, fish sauce, lemongrass, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add steak, and toss to coat. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes, tossing occasionally.
Step 3
Remove steak from marinade, and thread onto skewers, folding back and forth, accordion-style. Transfer skewers to a rimmed baking sheet. Cover and chill until ready to use (up to 4 hours).
Step 4
Open bottom vent of a charcoal grill completely. Light 2 charcoal chimney starters filled with briquettes. Let charcoal burn until you see white rings around the charcoal on the top of the chimney, (there can still be flame). Pour briquettes evenly onto bottom grate of grill. Adjust vents as needed to maintain an internal temperature of 500°F to 550°F. Coat top grill grate with oil; place grate on grill.
Step 5
Season skewers all over with salt. Place skewers on oiled grates; grill, uncovered, turning occasionally, until charred and cooked to desired degree of doneness, 6 to 8 minutes for medium. Transfer skewers to a serving platter. Garnish with microgreens or scallions.
Make Ahead: Steak can be marinated up to 4 hours before grilling.