Here’s a Vietnamese-inspired recipe for skillet-cooked tenderloin that balances savory, sweet, and tangy notes.
Vietnamese Skillet Tenderloin

Ingredients:
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For the Marinade:
- 1 lb beef tenderloin (sliced into medallions or thin strips)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 stalk lemongrass, finely chopped (white part only)
- 1 tbsp lime juice (or rice vinegar)
- 1 small chili pepper, thinly sliced (optional, adjust for spice)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or another neutral oil)
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To Serve:
- Fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, or Thai basil)
- Steamed rice or vermicelli noodles
- Optional: Pickled vegetables or sliced red onions for garnish

Instructions:
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Marinate the Tenderloin:
- In a bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chopped lemongrass, lime juice, chili slices, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the sliced beef tenderloin and ensure every piece is well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours. (Avoid marinating too long to preserve the meat’s texture.)
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Heat the Skillet:
- Place a heavy skillet (a cast iron skillet works great) over medium-high heat.
- Add the vegetable oil and let it heat until shimmering.
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Sear the Tenderloin:
- Remove the beef from the marinade (allowing excess liquid to drip off) and arrange the slices in a single layer in the hot skillet.
- Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust the time to your desired doneness. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.
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Rest and Garnish:
- Transfer the cooked beef to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and, if desired, drizzle any remaining juices or a quick reduction of the leftover marinade over the meat.
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Serve:
- Serve your Vietnamese-style skillet tenderloin with steamed rice or vermicelli noodles, and add pickled vegetables or sliced red onions for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy this dish that brings together the bright, aromatic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine with the simplicity of skillet cooking!
>> See more: Lemongrass Pork Chop
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CONTACT – PHO L’AMOUR CAFE
➢ Pho L’amour Cafe – one of the greatest Asian restaurant in Milwaukee, where specializing in selling Asian, Vietnamese foods, especially the best pho in Milwaukee.
Website : https://pholamourcafe.com
Address: 16960 W. Greenfield Ave suite 2 Brookfield WI 53005
Open: 10:30 – 20:30
Hotline: 2622028018 or 4142490402 (Whatsap- Viber)