By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

Flavourful BBQ marinade with fresh herbs

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels

Quick Answer

Thai Lemongrass Beef Marinade: Combine 2 stalks lemongrass (white part, finely sliced), 3 cloves garlic (minced), and more. Marinate 4 hours to 24 hours. Grill until internal temp reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.

About This Marinade

This thai lemongrass marinade brings a fragrant, citrusy, aromatic flavour profile to your beef. Bash the lemongrass with the back of a knife before slicing to release the oils. The coconut cream helps the marinade cling to the meat.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Marinate Time

4 hours - 24 hours

Flavour Profile

fragrant, citrusy, aromatic

Best Cuts

rump steak, sirloin, skirt steak, flank steak, kebab cubes

Ingredients

IngredientAmount
lemongrass (white part2 stalks
finely sliced)As needed
garlic (minced)3 cloves
fish sauce2 tbsp
soy sauce1 tbsp
lime juice2 tbsp
brown sugar1 tbsp
fresh ginger (grated)1 tbsp
red chilli (sliced)1
coconut cream2 tbsp
handful of coriander stemsAs needed

Tougher cuts like skirt and flank benefit most from marinating. Premium cuts like eye fillet need less time.

How to Make Thai Lemongrass Beef Marinade

  1. Combine: Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or ziplock bag until well combined.
  2. Prep the beef: Pat the beef dry with paper towel. Trim any excess fat if needed.
  3. Marinate: Add the beef to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Refrigerate for 4 hours minimum, up to 24 hours for deeper flavour.
  4. Bring to temp: Remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. This helps it cook more evenly.
  5. BBQ: Shake off excess marinade and grill over high heat (220-260°C / 425-500°F) until the internal temperature reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.
  6. Rest: Let the beef rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Thai Lemongrass Beef

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Best Beef Cuts for Thai Lemongrass Marinade

The best cuts of beef for this marinade are: rump steak, sirloin, skirt steak, flank steak, kebab cubes.

Tougher, more flavourful cuts like skirt and flank steak benefit most from marinating. The acid helps break down connective tissue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate beef in thai lemongrass marinade?

Marinate beef in thai lemongrass marinade for 4 hours minimum for noticeable flavour, or up to 24 hours for deeper penetration. Overnight in the fridge is ideal for most cuts.

Can I use thai lemongrass marinade on other meats?

Yes! Thai Lemongrass marinade works well on chicken and lamb too. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein — prawns only need 15-30 minutes.

Should I marinate beef in the fridge or at room temperature?

Always marinate in the fridge for food safety. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Take the meat out 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even cooking.

What temperature should I BBQ thai lemongrass marinated beef?

Grill thai lemongrass marinated beef over high heat (220-260°C / 425-500°F). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.

Related BBQ Guides

Sources & References

1
AmazingRibs.com
The science of BBQ — temperature guides, techniques, and recipes backed by food science.
Reference
2
How to BBQ Right (YouTube)
Malcom Reed's championship-winning BBQ techniques and tutorials.
Video
3
Mad Scientist BBQ (YouTube)
Jeremy Yoder's detailed BBQ experiments and science-based cooking methods.
Video
4
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Official Australian food safety guidelines and safe cooking temperatures.
Government