THAI STEAK SALAD

Thai Steak Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender slices of steak with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy, spicy dressing. This salad is inspired by the bold flavors of Thai cuisine, with a balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy elements that create an irresistible, refreshing dish. The grilled steak is paired with crunchy greens, julienned carrots, cucumber, and herbs like cilantro and mint, all tossed together in a zesty dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. It’s perfect for a light, healthy meal or as a hearty side dish that complements any Asian-inspired meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or lettuce)
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 small red chili, finely chopped (or 1/2 tsp chili flakes)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steak: Season the flank steak or sirloin with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is ideal). Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chopped chili, vegetable oil, and sesame oil (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more sugar for sweetness, lime for acidity, or chili for extra heat.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, cilantro, mint, and red onion (if using). Toss everything together gently.
4. Add the Steak and Dressing: Add the sliced steak on top of the salad and drizzle the dressing over the top. Toss the salad gently to combine all the flavors.
5. Serve: Serve the Thai Steak Salad immediately, garnished with extra cilantro, mint, or chili if desired. It pairs beautifully with a side of jasmine rice or as a stand-alone meal.

Thai Steak Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that packs a punch with its bright, zesty dressing and tender grilled steak. It’s perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, with the balance of textures and flavors making every bite a delight.