Description
This vibrant Thai Beef Salad features tender grilled flank steak tossed with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, dressed in a tangy, spicy lime and fish sauce dressing. Perfect as a light, flavorful meal that balances savory, sweet, and spicy notes, this dish combines the boldness of grilled beef with refreshing salad greens and a zesty dressing for an authentic Thai experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, grilled or pan-seared
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 Thai chili or red chili, finely sliced (optional)
Salad
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Steak: Season the flank steak or sirloin generously with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the meat’s natural flavor.
- Cook the Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill or pan-sear the steak for about 3 to 4 minutes per side until it reaches medium-rare doneness. Once cooked, remove the steak and let it rest for 10 minutes to retain juices.
- Slice the Steak: After resting, slice the steak thinly against the grain, which ensures tenderness in each bite.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sliced chili if using. This creates a balanced dressing with tangy, salty, sweet, and spicy elements.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine mixed salad greens, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, fresh mint, and cilantro leaves. Add the sliced steak on top.
- Toss and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Serve the Thai beef salad immediately to enjoy the freshness and contrast of flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option to make the dish versatile.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred heat level or omit it for a milder salad.
- For added texture and flavor, top the salad with crushed peanuts or crispy shallots before serving.
