Coconut-Marinated Short Rib Kebabs with Peanut-Chile Oil

Tender strips of beef short ribs marinated in a fragrant coconut-lemongrass mixture, grilled to perfection and served with a spicy peanut-chile oil. This Southeast Asian-inspired dish combines rich, savory flavors with a gentle heat and nutty finish.

4 servings
3 hr

Ingredients

  • 1 stalk lemongrass stalk
  • 1 large shallot
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 piece ginger
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 whole guajillo chiles
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ cup crushed peanuts
  • 2 teaspoons fish sauce
  • pounds beef short ribs
  • 1 stalk lemongrass stalk
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 piece ginger
  • ¾ cup coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 pieces metal skewers

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Remove tough outer layers from lemongrass. Trim off top third of stalk; discard. Bruise remaining stalk by whacking a few times against a cutting board. Transfer lemongrass to a small saucepan and add shallot, garlic, ginger, oil, and salt and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook, reducing heat as needed to keep at a low boil, until shallot is soft and just beginning to turn golden around edges, 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and add chiles and red pepper flakes, pushing down with a spoon and stirring occasionally until chiles soften slightly. Purée in a blender until chiles are broken down to small flecks (be careful not to overprocess). Transfer to a small bowl; stir in peanuts and fish sauce.

    20 min

  2. 2.

    To make them easier to slice, freeze ribs just until very firm around edges, 20-30 minutes.

    25 min

  3. 3.

    Meanwhile, remove tough outer layers from lemongrass. Finely grate bottom third of stalk; discard remainder or freeze for another use. Combine lemongrass, garlic, ginger, coconut milk, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, and turmeric in a large resealable plastic bag. Slice short ribs lengthwise against the grain into 1/4"-thick strips and add to bag. Seal bag, pressing out air, and chill at least 2 hours and up to 2 days.

    120 min

  4. 4.

    Prepare a grill for medium-high heat; oil grates. Remove beef from marinade, letting excess drip off. Thread onto 6-8 skewers, folding back and forth in accordion style; season lightly with salt. Grill, turning once, until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes. Serve beef with peanut-chile oil.

    15 min

  5. 5.

    Peanut-chile oil can be made 1 week ahead. Cover and chill. Bring to room temperature before using.