thai beef salad
This Thai Beef Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring tender beef, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy lime dressing. It's perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, offering a balanced mix of protein, vitamins, and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- 500 g lean beef sirloin or flank steak
- 1 cup mixed lettuce
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 carrot julienned
- 1/2 cucumber thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts crushed
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 small red chili finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Beef:
- Start by cooking the beef. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then cook for about 3-4 minutes per side (for medium rare), or adjust the cooking time to your preferred level of doneness. Once cooked, let the beef rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain. This will keep it tender and juicy.
Prep the Veggies:
- While the beef is resting, get your veggies ready. Thinly slice the red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Julienne the carrot for a fresh crunch. Toss all the vegetables together in a large bowl and add the fresh cilantro and mint for an aromatic kick.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and chopped red chili (if you’re using it). This dressing brings a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and sweet flavors that will coat the salad beautifully.
Assemble the Salad:
- Add the sliced beef on top of the prepared veggies. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are coated in that vibrant, flavorful dressing.
Add the Finishing Touch:
- To finish, sprinkle the crushed roasted peanuts on top for a crunchy, savory contrast. Serve immediately for the freshest experience!