These lemongrass and cilantro beef sausage patties are deeply savory with a bright, herbaceous kick—perfect for quick breakfasts or casual dinners. The fresh aromatics do the heavy lifting, while the emulsified beef mixture gives you that classic sausage-like spring and juiciness in every bite.
Pan-fried with jalapeños and finished with fresh basil, they’re as good wrapped in warm pita with yogurt as they are next to a runny egg. Big flavor, minimal fuss—this is your new go-to sausage recipe.
How to Make Lemongrass & Cilantro Beef Sausage Patties
To make these lemongrass and cilantro beef sausage patties, start by combining one pound of 80/20 ground beef in a large mixing bowl with 1/2 cup finely diced red onion, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, a 4-inch piece of lemongrass that’s been finely minced, and two cloves of garlic, also minced.
Add in 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes (or substitute with red chili flakes), 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly until fully combined. Then, continue mixing the meat until it begins to take on a paste-like texture—this emulsification step is what gives the patties their signature snap and bounce when cooked.
Working quickly to keep the fat cold, form the mixture into 8 flat oval patties. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add two jalapeños sliced lengthwise into strips, followed by the patties. Fry the patties until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. These sausage patties are delicious with warm pita and yogurt, or alongside fried eggs for a vibrant breakfast spread.
Herb Hack: Lemongrass Without the Fuss
Lemongrass is definitely the star of the show in this lemongrass and cilantro beef sausage patties recipe. Lemongrass adds that unmistakable citrusy aroma and depth of flavor, but prepping it can be a little intimidating if you haven’t worked with it before. Here’s how to make it easy:
Buy the right stalks: Look for firm, pale stalks with a slight green top and a fragrant, lemony smell. Avoid anything dried out or mushy.
Prep like a pro: Peel off the tough outer layers, then use only the bottom 4 inches of the stalk. That’s where the most flavor lives. Mince it super fine—like confetti—so it melts right into the beef and doesn’t leave you chewing on woody bits.
Shortcut: If fresh lemongrass isn’t available, you can sub in frozen minced lemongrass (found at many Asian markets) or use a tablespoon of lemongrass paste in a pinch. Just know the paste is a little more mellow and blended with oil, so dial back other wet ingredients if needed.
Lemongrass & Cilantro Beef Sausage Patties Remix: How to Serve It Six Ways
These lemongrass & cilantro beef sausage patties are endlessly versatile. Once you’ve made a batch, here are some fun and delicious ways to remix them:
1. Banh Mi-Style Breakfast Sandwich
Slide a warm patty into a toasted baguette with pickled carrots, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, and a swipe of mayo or sriracha.
2. Rice Bowl Hero
Top a bowl of jasmine rice with a sliced patty, soft egg, cucumber ribbons, and a drizzle of chili oil or nuoc cham.
3. Pita Pocket Picnic
Tuck them into warm pita with Greek yogurt, cucumber, basil, and a handful of greens. Wrap and pack for an on-the-go lunch.
4. Larb-Inspired Lettuce Wraps
Crumble the patties and serve in butter lettuce leaves with lime juice, toasted rice powder, and crushed peanuts.
5. Noodle Bowl Add-In
Slice the patties into strips and toss them into a bowl of ramen or rice noodles with fresh herbs and broth.
6. Breakfast for Dinner
Fry up a couple patties, crack a sunny-side egg on top, and add some crispy smashed potatoes for a cozy, satisfying dinner.
More Recipes from Rustic Joyful Food
If you loved this Lemongrass & Cilantro Beef Sausage Patties recipe, you’ll love any of these equally delicious options!
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs
- The Easiest Weeknight Meatloaf
- Fennel, Orange & Olive Ground Lamb Quinoa Bowls
Purchase Books by Danielle Kartes of Rustic Joyful Food from these booksellers:
Lemongrass & Cilantro Beef Sausage Patties
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting Board
- Large skillet
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 4- inch piece lemongrass finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- 1/4 teaspoon Aleppo chili flakes or red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 jalapeños sliced lengthwise into strips
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, red onion, cilantro, lemongrass, garlic, chili flakes, coriander, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Continue mixing until the meat begins to look slightly paste-like—this is the emulsification step, which creates that classic sausage bounce. Work quickly to keep the fat cold.
- Form the mixture into 8 flat oval patties.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced jalapeños, then place the patties into the pan.
- Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Serve hot with warm pita and a dollop of yogurt, or enjoy with fried eggs for a vibrant breakfast.