I can’t begin to quantify the sheer number of new ingredients and splendidly unexpected flavors that my friends in the Nguyen family introduced me to many years ago, but it is their barbecues that really hold a special place in my heart. Besides falling in love with the delicate, fragrant aroma of lemongrass, I couldn’t help but feel welcomed by their astounding hospitality
Recipe information
Yield
makes 6 to 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Remove the tough, outermost layers from the lemongrass stalks. Discard along with the top green portion and the root end. Mince the remaining pale bottom portion. In a pestle, combine with the garlic, green onions, ginger, and sugar, and make them into a paste using a mortar. Or process in a food processor until very finely minced. Mix in the soy sauce, Sriracha, honey, sesame oil, and sesame seeds, stirring to combine. In a large bowl, pour the marinade over the ribs, tossing lightly to coat the ribs evenly. Refrigerate, covered, for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 2
Preheat the grill or broiler to high heat. Shake excess marinade off the ribs. Cook the ribs until they reach medium-well, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Serve over steamed rice. Garnish with Sriracha, if desired.
OVER THE TOP TIP
Step 3
Serve your short ribs over Sriracha and SPAM Fried rice (page 75). The Nguyen family barbecues always had a tray of torn iceberg lettuce and sliced cucumbers with a side of ranch dressing. I like to do the same, but with SriRANCHa (page 20)!
