How many calories are in lemongrass beef vietnamese food?

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

While some versions of Vietnamese lemongrass beef salads can have as few as 300 calories, a larger, richer portion served with noodles can exceed 700 calories. This significant variance means understanding how many calories are in lemongrass beef Vietnamese food depends heavily on preparation style and ingredients.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for Vietnamese lemongrass beef varies significantly based on ingredients like the beef cut, oil, and accompaniments. Portions with rice or noodles are higher in calories than those served as a salad. Reducing oil and choosing leaner meat offers healthier alternatives.

Key Points

High Variance: The calorie count for Vietnamese lemongrass beef varies significantly, ranging from roughly 300 to over 700 calories depending on the specific dish.
Key Influencers: Factors like the beef's fat content, the amount of cooking oil, and the type of accompaniment (rice, noodles, or salad) are the main drivers of the total calorie count.
Lower-Calorie Option: Lemongrass beef served as a salad, known as Goi Viet, is generally the lowest-calorie option, as it replaces high-calorie starches with fresh vegetables.
Calorie Reduction: To reduce calories, use lean cuts of beef, minimize oil, and increase the vegetable content of your dish.
Nutritional Value: Despite potential calorie variations, lemongrass beef is typically a good source of protein, while fresh herbs and vegetables provide fiber and vitamins.
Be Mindful of Sauces: Sauces, including the traditional nước chấm, can add hidden calories and significant sodium due to sugar and fish sauce content.

A definitive calorie count for Vietnamese lemongrass beef is not possible without specifying the exact preparation method. The term can refer to several different dishes, from a light salad (Goi Viet) to a hearty noodle bowl (Bún Bò Xào) or a stir-fry served with rice (Cơm Bò Xào Sả Ớt). The range can span from approximately 300 calories to over 700 calories or more per serving, influenced by key nutritional factors.

Factors That Influence the Calorie Count

Beef Cut and Fat Content

The cut of beef used is one of the most significant factors affecting the calorie count. Leaner cuts contain fewer calories per ounce. For example, a sirloin or flank steak has considerably less fat and fewer calories than a fattier cut like ribeye. Some preparations may even use ground beef, and opting for a 93% lean or higher grade can substantially reduce calories.

Cooking Oil

Most traditional Vietnamese lemongrass beef dishes involve stir-frying. The amount and type of oil used for this process can add significant calories. A single tablespoon of oil, such as olive or vegetable oil, adds approximately 120 calories. Reducing the amount of oil, using a non-stick pan, or draining excess grease can help lower the final calorie count.

Accompaniments: Noodles, Rice, or Salad

The most dramatic difference in calories comes from what the lemongrass beef is served with. A dish served over a bed of fresh herbs and lettuce will be much lower in calories than one served with a large portion of rice or rice noodles. For example, a lemongrass beef salad might be around 323 calories, while a noodle bowl could be over 500 calories.

Sauce Ingredients

While sauces are essential for flavor, they can also contain hidden calories, especially if they include high amounts of sugar or oil. The Vietnamese dipping sauce (nước chấm), often used with these dishes, contains sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice. While flavorful, the sugar content can add up. Some recipes for bò xào sả ớt also incorporate brown sugar or other sweeteners into the marinade.

Calorie Comparison by Dish Type


Dish Type	Average Calories	Serving Style	Key Contributing Factors
Lemongrass Beef Salad (Goi Viet)	~300-400 calories	Mixed with fresh lettuce, herbs, and vegetables.	Lean beef, minimal oil, low-calorie vegetables.
Lemongrass Beef Noodle Bowl (Bún Bò Xào)	~500-700 calories	Served over a generous portion of rice noodles.	Rice noodles add significant carbohydrates and calories.
Lemongrass Beef Stir-fry (Cơm Bò Xào Sả Ớt)	~400-650 calories	Served with a side of white or brown rice.	The calorie count is determined by the portion size of the beef and rice.

How to Reduce Calories in Lemongrass Beef

Here are practical tips for enjoying this flavorful dish while managing your calorie intake:

Choose a leaner cut of beef: Opt for sirloin, flank steak, or a lean ground beef to minimize fat content.
Use less oil: When stir-frying, use a high-quality non-stick pan to reduce the amount of oil needed. Draining excess fat after cooking is also an effective strategy.
Maximize vegetables: Bulk up your meal with extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. This adds volume, fiber, and nutrients without excess calories.
Control sauce portions: Be mindful of the amount of dipping sauce you use. While delicious, many sauces contain sugar and sodium. Consider making a lower-sugar version at home.
Opt for salad over noodles: If watching your carbohydrate intake, choose a lemongrass beef salad over a noodle or rice dish. This swaps high-calorie starch for low-calorie vegetables.

Understanding Nutritional Context

Beyond just calories, Vietnamese lemongrass beef offers valuable nutrients. It is typically a high-protein dish, essential for muscle repair and a feeling of fullness. The recipe's fresh herbs and vegetables provide vitamins and dietary fiber. However, the sodium content from ingredients like fish sauce and soy sauce can be high, so it's important to be mindful of this, especially if you have blood pressure concerns.

Conclusion

The calorie content of Vietnamese lemongrass beef is not a single number but a spectrum influenced by preparation style and ingredients. By making mindful choices about the cut of beef, the amount of oil, and the portion size of accompaniments like rice or noodles, you can significantly alter the dish's nutritional profile. Enjoying a flavorful, healthier version is entirely possible, ensuring you get a delicious meal that fits your dietary goals. For an authentic recipe, consider sources like the New York Times Cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vietnamese lemongrass beef can be a healthy, protein-rich dish, especially when served as a salad with lots of vegetables. However, its healthiness depends heavily on the preparation, with versions containing leaner beef, less oil, and fewer carbs being the most nutritious.

The calorie difference can be significant. A lemongrass beef salad (Goi Viet) can contain around 323 calories, while a noodle bowl (Bún Bò Xào) can easily exceed 500-700 calories due to the added carbohydrates from rice noodles.

To make the dish less fattening, use a lean cut of beef, reduce the amount of oil used for cooking, drain excess grease, and serve it with more vegetables and less rice or noodles.

For a lower-calorie version, opt for a lean cut of beef such as flank steak, sirloin, or tenderloin. These cuts have less fat and fewer calories per serving while still offering great flavor.

Yes, the rice noodles commonly used in a lemongrass beef bowl (Bún Bò Xào) contribute a large portion of the total calories and carbohydrates to the meal.

The traditional dipping sauce (nước chấm) contains sugar and can contribute calories, though typically less than the main components like meat and starch. Monitoring the quantity of sauce used can help manage your intake.

The high sodium content often comes from ingredients like fish sauce and soy sauce used in the marinade and dipping sauce. You can reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or controlling the amount of sauce you add.