Vietnamese Beef Salad

Vietnamese Beef Salad Recipe from Vietnam with Hoisin and Soy Sauce

Region / culture: Vietnam | Servings: - 4

Introduction

Vietnamese Beef Salad is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the bold flavors of beef, garlic, ginger, and spices with the freshness of lettuce, cucumber, and carrot. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is packed with protein and nutrients.

History

Vietnamese Beef Salad is a popular dish in Vietnamese cuisine that is known for its balance of flavors and textures. It is often served as a light and refreshing meal, especially during the hot summer months. The combination of beef, herbs, and vegetables in this salad reflects the influence of French and Chinese culinary traditions on Vietnamese cuisine.

Ingredients

400 g of lean beef mince
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 cm piece of grated ginger
1 tsp of five spice powder
2 tbsp of hoisin sauce
2 tbsp of low sodium soy sauce
1 to 2 hot red chiles, finely chopped and seeded
4 large lettuce leaves
1 medium Lebanese cucumber, julienned
1 medium carrot, julienned

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine fried beef, garlic, ginger, five spice powder, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and red pepper.
In a separate bowl, prepare a garnishment by mixing sliced red capsicum, julienned Lebanese cucumber, carrot, celery strips, and spring onions.

Variations

Substitute the beef mince with chicken or tofu for a different twist on this salad.
Add peanuts or cashews for a crunchy texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use lean beef mince for this recipe to keep it healthy and low in fat.

- Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

- Adjust the amount of red chiles to suit your spice preference.

- Be sure to julienne the vegetables thinly for a crisp and fresh texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Vietnamese Beef Salad with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

- Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-fry the beef mince until browned and cooked through.

- Julienne the vegetables thinly for a crisp and fresh texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef mince.

- Substitute the hoisin sauce with oyster sauce for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can marinate the beef in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Vietnamese Beef Salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation. - Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this salad with a light and refreshing Vietnamese iced coffee or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250 per serving

Carbohydrates

15g per serving

Fats

8g per serving

Proteins

25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and gluten from the hoisin sauce and soy sauce.

Summary

This Vietnamese Beef Salad is a balanced meal that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates and fats. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Vietnamese Beef Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. Packed with protein and nutrients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Vietnamese Beef Salad. It was many years ago, during a trip to Vietnam with my husband. We had decided to explore the vibrant street food scene in Hanoi, known for its delicious and flavorful dishes.

As we wandered through the bustling streets, the smells of grilled meats and aromatic herbs filled the air. We stumbled upon a small food stall tucked away in a narrow alley, where a friendly elderly woman was busy preparing a dish that caught our eye.

Intrigued by the tantalizing aroma wafting from her makeshift kitchen, we approached her and struck up a conversation. She was more than happy to share her recipe for Vietnamese Beef Salad with us, a dish that she had been making for her family for generations.

I watched intently as she expertly sliced the beef into thin strips, marinated it in a mixture of fish sauce, lime juice, and garlic, and grilled it over an open flame until it was perfectly cooked. She then tossed the beef with a vibrant mix of fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and crunchy peanuts, creating a symphony of flavors and textures.

After tasting the first bite of the salad, I was immediately hooked. The combination of the savory beef, zesty marinade, and fragrant herbs was a revelation to my taste buds. I knew that I had to learn how to make this dish myself, so I asked the woman to teach me her recipe.

She graciously agreed and invited me to join her in the kitchen. Over the course of the afternoon, she patiently guided me through each step of the cooking process, explaining the importance of balancing flavors and textures to create a harmonious dish.

I watched as she carefully selected the freshest ingredients, from tender beef to crisp lettuce and fragrant herbs, ensuring that each component would contribute to the overall dish. She showed me how to prepare the marinade, adjust the seasoning to taste, and assemble the salad with care and attention to detail.

As we worked side by side, I marveled at the woman's skill and expertise in the kitchen. Her hands moved with a grace and precision that only comes from years of experience and practice. I could see the love and care she put into each dish, a reflection of her dedication to her craft and her family.

After several hours of cooking and tasting, the Vietnamese Beef Salad was finally ready. I eagerly took my first bite, savoring the complex flavors and textures that danced on my palate. The tender beef, tangy marinade, and crunchy peanuts were a perfect marriage of sweet, savory, and spicy elements.

I thanked the woman profusely for sharing her recipe and her culinary wisdom with me. She smiled warmly and told me that she was happy to pass on her knowledge to someone who appreciated it. I left her kitchen that day with a full heart and a newfound passion for Vietnamese cuisine.

Since that fateful day in Hanoi, I have made Vietnamese Beef Salad countless times for my own family and friends. Each time I prepare this dish, I am transported back to that tiny alley in Vietnam, where I first discovered the magic of street food and the joy of sharing a meal with others.

The recipe for Vietnamese Beef Salad has become a treasured part of my culinary repertoire, a reminder of the kindness and generosity of the woman who shared it with me. I am grateful for the experience and the memories that I have gained from my time in Vietnam, and I look forward to passing on this recipe to future generations of cooks and food lovers.