Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad

Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad Recipe - Fresh Ginger, Crushed Red Pepper, Carrots, Peanuts

Region / culture: Taiwan | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 6 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

This Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender strips of sirloin steak with a mix of fresh greens, carrots, and crunchy peanuts. The dressing adds a zesty kick with a hint of ginger and red pepper.

History

This recipe takes inspiration from Taiwanese cuisine, which is known for its bold flavors and use of fresh ingredients. The combination of beef, greens, and peanuts creates a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Ingredients

Italian Dressing Mix

0.5 cup of prepared italian dressing
2 tbsp of soy sauce
1 tsp of grated fresh ginger
0.25 tsp of crushed red pepper

Beef Salad

1-0.25 lb (113 g) of boneless beef top sirloin steak, cut into 1 inch thick pieces
1 (10 oz (283 g)) package of triple-rinsed European or Italian-style mixed greens (about 8 cups)
1-0.5 cup of packaged shredded carrots
0.5 cup of chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts

How to prepare

To make the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl.
To make the salad, cut the steak lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 0.25 inch-thick strips. In a medium bowl, combine the beef and 2 tbsp of the dressing mixture; toss to coat. Let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, carrots, and peanuts; toss gently. Set aside.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 2 tbsp of the dressing over medium-high heat until hot. Stir-fry the beef in 2 batches for 2 to 3 minutes each, or until the outside surface is no longer pink. Arrange the beef on top of the salad. Drizzle with the remaining unused dressing.

Variations

Substitute the sirloin steak with chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Add sliced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the beef for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use a nonstick skillet to stir-fry the beef quickly and evenly.

- Toss the salad gently to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the beef salad with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the beef quickly over high heat to keep it tender and juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of mixed greens or salad greens in place of the European or Italian-style mixed greens.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef and prepare the dressing ahead of time for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the beef strips on top of the salad for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this beef salad with a refreshing iced tea or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 15g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 22g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy sauce.

Summary

This Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a mix of tender beef, fresh greens, and crunchy peanuts, it is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was wandering through the bustling streets of Taipei, taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city. As I passed by a street vendor selling delicious looking beef salad, the aroma wafted towards me, drawing me in like a magnet.

I approached the vendor, a friendly elderly woman with a warm smile, and asked her about the dish she was preparing. She told me that it was a traditional Taiwanese recipe that had been passed down through generations in her family. Intrigued, I watched as she skillfully sliced the beef into thin strips, marinated it in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, and then stir-fried it with an assortment of fresh vegetables.

As she plated the dish and handed it to me, I took a bite and was instantly hooked. The tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce combined perfectly to create a symphony of flavors in my mouth. I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this dish myself.

I asked the vendor if she would be willing to share her recipe with me, and to my delight, she agreed. She wrote down the ingredients and instructions on a small scrap of paper, and I tucked it away carefully in my pocket, knowing that this recipe would become a treasured addition to my collection.

When I returned home from my trip to Taiwan, I wasted no time in trying out the recipe for Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad. I gathered all the necessary ingredients and followed the instructions to the letter, savoring every step of the cooking process. The familiar aromas of soy sauce and ginger filled my kitchen, transporting me back to the streets of Taipei.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it up and took a bite, closing my eyes in delight as the flavors exploded on my taste buds. It tasted just as delicious as I remembered, and I felt a sense of accomplishment knowing that I had successfully recreated a traditional Taiwanese dish in my own kitchen.

Over the years, I continued to make Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad for my family and friends, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my own tastes. I shared the recipe with anyone who asked, passing on the knowledge and love that had been shared with me by that kind street vendor in Taipei.

As I grew older, my collection of recipes expanded, but the Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of the incredible experiences I had during my travels, and the kindness of strangers who had shared their culinary secrets with me.

Now, as I stand in my kitchen, preparing the dish once again, I can't help but smile as I think back on the journey that led me to this recipe. It's more than just a dish - it's a connection to a culture and a memory of a time and place that will always hold a special significance for me.

And as I take that first bite of Taiwan-Ease Beef Salad, I am filled with gratitude for all the wonderful experiences and flavors that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, but it's the stories behind the recipes that truly make them come alive. And this recipe, with its origins in a bustling street market halfway across the world, will always be a reminder of the power of food to bring people together and create lasting memories.