Embark on a culinary journey to Cambodia with this tantalizing dish, Char Kreung Sach Ko. Bursting with vibrant flavors and fragrant spices, this traditional Cambodian stir-fry showcases the rich culinary heritage of the Khmer people. Char Kreung Sach Ko, which translates to "lemongrass stir-fry," is a beloved dish known for its exquisite blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic elements. Tender strips of beef are marinated in a harmonious mixture of lemongrass, garlic, shallots, and spices, creating a symphony of taste sensations. Served alongside steamed rice, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it a favorite among Cambodian households and food enthusiasts alike. Follow along with this recipe to recreate the authentic flavors of Cambodia in your own kitchen and experience the magic of Char Kreung Sach Ko firsthand.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb beef (such as sirloin or flank steak), thinly sliced into strips
• 3 stalks lemongrass, white part only, finely minced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

For the Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)
• Chopped peanuts for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a bowl, combine the minced lemongrass, garlic, shallots, soy sauce, fish sauce, palm sugar, and vegetable oil. Mix well to create the marinade.

2- Add the sliced beef to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight for the best flavor.

3- After marinating, thread the beef strips onto the soaked wooden skewers.

4- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates.

5- Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the beef is cooked to your desired doneness and has a nice charred exterior.

6- While the beef is grilling, prepare the dipping sauce by combining lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili (if using) in a small bowl. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

7- Once the beef skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and serve hot with steamed rice and the dipping sauce on the side.

8- Garnish with chopped peanuts, if desired, and enjoy your delicious Cambodia Char Kreung Sach Ko!

This dish is perfect for sharing with friends and family, and its fragrant lemongrass marinade will transport you straight to the streets of Cambodia.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the ingredients used in the Cambodia Char Kreung Sach Ko recipe:

Beef (1 lb):

• Calories: 1000
• Protein: 100g
• Fat: 65g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, which are essential for muscle growth, energy production, and overall health.

Lemongrass (3 stalks, white part only):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Contains antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation, relieve bloating, and promote healthy digestion.

Garlic (4 cloves):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0.5g

benefits: Known for its antimicrobial properties, garlic may boost the immune system, improve heart health, and lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Shallots (2):

• Calories: 30
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E, shallots support immune function, promote healthy skin, and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: While high in sodium, soy sauce adds flavor and provides small amounts of protein, iron, and antioxidants.

Fish Sauce (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Adds depth of flavor and is a source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

Palm Sugar (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 45
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: A natural sweetener with a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar, palm sugar provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and iron.

Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contains healthy unsaturated fats and vitamin E, vegetable oil supports heart health and helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

Lime Juice (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 10
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, lime juice boosts immunity, aids digestion, and may help prevent kidney stones.

Chili (1 small, finely chopped):

• Calories: 5
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health when consumed in moderation.

Sugar (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 15
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Provides quick energy, but excessive consumption can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

Peanuts (for garnish, optional):

• Calories: 80 (per tablespoon)
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits: A good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, peanuts promote satiety, heart health, and may help lower the risk of diabetes.

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as specific brands used and preparation methods.