Spicy Beef Salad

Thai Spicy Beef Salad Recipe with Lemongrass and Fresh Ginger

Region / culture: Thailand | Servings: 4

Introduction

Spicy Beef Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that combines tender grilled steak with a zesty Thai-inspired dressing and crisp vegetables. This salad is perfect for a light and satisfying meal that is packed with bold flavors.

History

The origins of Spicy Beef Salad can be traced back to Thailand, where it is known as "Yam Nua". This traditional Thai dish is typically made with grilled beef, fresh herbs, and a spicy dressing made with ingredients like Thai chilies, lemongrass, and fish sauce. Over time, variations of this dish have been created to suit different tastes and preferences.

Ingredients

1 large tomato, cut into thin wedges
1 large sweet onion, cut in half and thinly sliced
1 cucumber, diced
2 green onions, chopped
1 lb (454 g) flank steak
1.5 tsp salt, divided
2 tsp ground coriander, divided
2 small fresh Thai peppers or serrano peppers
1 stalk lemongrass, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic
1 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
0.25 cup sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp sugar
mixed greens
sliced green onions (to garnish)

How to prepare

Combine tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, and chopped green onions. Set aside.
Rub the steak with 0.5 tsp of salt and 1 tsp of coriander.
In a food processor, process the remaining 1 tsp of salt, 1 tsp of coriander, Thai peppers, lemongrass, fresh lemon juice, rice wine vinegar, sauce, vegetable oil, and sugar until smooth. Chill the dressing for 1 hour.
Grill the steak, covered with a grill lid, over medium-high heat (350°F-400°F (204°C)) for 6 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
Let the steak stand for 5 minutes, then thinly slice it.
To serve, place the steak and vegetable mixture in a large bowl, drizzle with the dressing, and toss to coat.
Serve over salad greens and garnish with sliced green onions, if desired.

Variations

Substitute the flank steak with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to the vegetable mixture for added crunch and color.
For a vegetarian version, omit the steak and add grilled portobello mushrooms or tempeh instead.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to let the steak rest for 5 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful meat.

- For a milder dressing, remove the seeds from the Thai chilies before blending them with the other ingredients.

- To add an extra layer of flavor, marinate the steak in the dressing for a few hours before grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Spicy Beef Salad over a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing meal. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread for a more filling option.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the steak adds a smoky flavor to the dish and creates a nice char on the outside. Make sure to preheat the grill and oil the grates before cooking the steak to prevent sticking.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find Thai serrano peppers, you can use jalapenos or red pepper flakes for a similar level of heat. Lemongrass can be substituted with lemon zest or lemon juice for a citrusy flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vegetable mixture and dressing ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Grill the steak just before serving to ensure it is hot and fresh.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced steak and vegetable mixture on a platter and drizzle the dressing over the top for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Spicy Beef Salad with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling, to complement the spicy flavors of the dish. For a non-alcoholic option, serve with a glass of iced green tea or sparkling water with lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Spicy Beef Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over low heat or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 10g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of the recommended daily intake per serving

Iron: 15% of the recommended daily intake per serving

Alergens

Allergens: None

Summary

This Spicy Beef Salad is a well-balanced dish that is rich in protein and vitamins. It is a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Spicy Beef Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. With a zesty Thai-inspired dressing, tender grilled steak, and crisp vegetables, this salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy it on its own or paired with your favorite side dishes for a complete and flavorful meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Spicy Beef Salad. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the countryside. My mother had invited some friends over for a dinner party, and she asked me to help her prepare the meal. As I watched her bustling around the kitchen, I couldn't help but be in awe of her culinary skills. She seemed to know exactly what to do at every moment, effortlessly creating delicious dishes out of simple ingredients.

That night, as we sat down to eat, one of my mother's friends brought a dish that was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was a Spicy Beef Salad - tender strips of beef, marinated in a tangy and spicy dressing, tossed with crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs. The flavors exploded in my mouth, leaving me craving more.

I immediately asked my mother's friend for the recipe, and she graciously shared it with me. She explained that she had learned to make the dish during her travels in Southeast Asia, where she had picked up various cooking techniques and flavor combinations. I was so excited to try my hand at making the Spicy Beef Salad myself, and I vowed to perfect the recipe.

Over the years, I have made the Spicy Beef Salad countless times, tweaking the ingredients and proportions until I found the perfect balance of flavors. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all raved about it and asked for seconds. It has become one of my signature dishes, a go-to recipe for dinner parties and gatherings.

The key to making a stellar Spicy Beef Salad lies in the quality of the ingredients. I always make sure to use the freshest beef I can find, preferably a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak. I marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, which infuses it with a rich and savory flavor.

I also pay close attention to the vegetables that I use in the salad. I like to include a mix of crunchy and colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and carrots. I julienne them thinly so that they can soak up the dressing and provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.

The dressing is what really sets this dish apart. It is a delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, achieved through a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and chili paste. I adjust the proportions of these ingredients to suit my taste, adding more or less of each until I achieve the perfect harmony.

Once the beef is marinated and the vegetables are prepared, I quickly sear the beef in a hot skillet until it is cooked to my liking. I then toss it with the vegetables and dressing, making sure that every piece is coated in the flavorful sauce. Finally, I sprinkle the salad with fresh herbs, such as cilantro and mint, which add a burst of freshness and fragrance.

The end result is a dish that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the tender slices of beef, and the aromatic herbs come together in a beautiful presentation that never fails to impress.

I am grateful to my mother's friend for introducing me to the Spicy Beef Salad recipe all those years ago. It has become a beloved staple in my repertoire, a dish that never fails to bring joy and satisfaction to those who taste it. I hope that this story inspires you to try your hand at making this flavorful and exotic dish - who knows, it may become a favorite in your own kitchen as well.