Try this flavorful Vietnamese beef salad recipe today!
Attention all food enthusiasts! Are you in search of a nutritious and flavorful recipe that won’t break the bank? If so, look no further than this delicious Vietnamese Beef Salad! As a culinary expert specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I can promise you that this recipe is a true game-changer.
Not only is this salad incredibly easy to make, but its ingredients also make it an ideal choice for those seeking a healthy and balanced diet. This recipe features low-carb and low-calorie options making it perfect for someone with special dietary requirements. The sweet-savory flavor of the salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds while providing essential nutrients like protein and vitamins.
Furthermore, this dish is an excellent way to experiment with exotic flavors while staying within the comfort zone of familiar ingredients. By using grilled beef slices tossed with fresh vegetables in a zesty dressing, this dish offers a unique twist on traditional beef salad recipes.
So what are you waiting for? Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just seeking some fresh ideas for healthy meals, give this Vietnamese Beef Salad recipe an excellent go-ahead. Your taste buds and tummy will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of tasteless and mundane salads? Look no further! This Vietnamese Beef Salad recipe will leave you wanting more, thanks to its perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite.
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re trying to keep a flat belly or sticking to a low-carb diet, this salad is perfect for you. Packed with fresh ingredients like crunchy carrots, cucumbers, and red onions, it’s easy to make and will help you stay on track with your healthy lifestyle choices.
But don’t be fooled by its simplicity; the combination of cilantro leaf, sweet basil, garlic, sugar, water lime juice, and soy sauce adds depth and complexity to every mouthful. The star ingredient is the sliced flank steak, which brings out the rich flavor of the dish while also providing protein.
Furthermore, this recipe can be easily customized to suit your preferences – whether that means reducing the amount of sugar or increasing the spice level. It can also be served warm or cold, making it an ideal meal for any time of the day.
In short, this Vietnamese Beef Salad is a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and healthy dinner recipe. Don’t hesitate to give it a try today!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredient list for our Vietnamese Beef Salad recipe. This salad is packed with fresh herbs and veggies that are bursting with flavors and textures, making it a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly
- 1 English (seedless) cucumber, sliced thinly
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- A handful of cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- A handful of sweet basil leaves, roughly chopped
For the dressing, you’ll need:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (preferably Vietnamese lime)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably reduced-sodium)
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
The combination of these ingredients gives this beef salad its sweet-tart-crispy-crunchy-tangy flavors that are truly irresistible. You can find most of these items in your local grocery store or at a nearby Asian market. Let’s move on to the next section to learn how to put everything together!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you know the ingredients, let’s dive into how to make this Vietnamese beef salad.
Step 1: Preparing the beef
Start by slicing 1 lb of flank steak against the grain into thin strips. Get your grill or grill-pan heated up and ready to cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt and pepper over the meat before putting it on the heat.
Once cooked, set aside and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Step 2: Making the dressing
The key to an amazing Vietnamese beef salad is having a great dressing. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of lime juice, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 1 tablespoon of garlic, 1 tablespoon of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water. Set aside this mixture.
Step 3: Adding vegetables
In a separate bowl, combine 2 cups of carrots (julienned), 2 cups of English seedless cucumbers (julienned), and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion. Toss these vegetables together with your hands.
Step 4: Putting everything together
Now it’s time to combine all the ingredients in one large mixing bowl. Add the sliced steak, prepared vegetable mix, and slowly pour in the dressing while tossing everything together. Make sure every ingredient gets evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Adding fresh herbs
Finish off by adding some chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro leaf and sweet basil which will enhance the flavor profile of your Vietnamese beef salad.
Warm Vietnamese Beef Noodle Salad Variation
For another variation, try this recipe with warm beef noodle salad. Cook thin rice noodles according to package instructions and toss them with the prepared vegetables. Add lemongrass beef to the dish, which can satisfy lovers of Thai beef salad.
There you have it! A delicious, healthy Vietnamese beef salad recipe that is sure to impress.
Substitutions and Variations
This Vietnamese Beef Salad recipe is already a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory with a combination of refreshing vegetables and tender beef. However, there are different ways to customize the recipe according to your preference or to make use of what’s available in your pantry. Here are some substitutions and variations that you can try:
– Protein: Instead of using beef, you can use thinly sliced pork or chicken breast. You can also make a vegetarian version by replacing the meat with fried tofu or tempeh.
– Vegetables: If you can’t find English seedless cucumbers or red onions, you can use regular cucumbers or white onions. You can also add other vegetables like shredded cabbage, bell peppers, or bean sprouts.
– Herbs: Cilantro and sweet basil are essential in this salad but if you don’t have them, you can substitute with Thai basil or mint. Adding some chopped scallions or garlic chives will also add extra flavors.
– Dressing: The dressing for this salad uses a combination of lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, and water but you can try substituting with fish sauce, tamarind paste, or rice vinegar for a different tangy taste. If you want to make the dressing less sweet, replace the sugar with honey or agave nectar.
– Noodle Salad: To turn this Vietnamese Beef Salad into a noodle salad (bun bo xao), cook some vermicelli noodles and mix it together with the salad ingredients. You can also add crushed peanuts and pickled carrots as toppings.
By experimenting with different ingredients and flavors, you can come up with your own unique version of this Vietanmese Beef Salad that suits your taste buds. Don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Serving up this Vietnamese Beef Salad is a delight for the senses. The sweet-tart, crispy, crunchy and tangy flavors mix beautifully with the tender, sliced steak. It’s a dish that can be served as a light main or a side salad, depending on your preference. Add some rice noodles to make it a bowl meal, or even serve it wrapped in lettuce leaves for some extra crunch.
To make this already delicious salad even better, consider pairing it with a white wine such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc. The crispness of the wine and acidity will complement the sharp flavors in the dressing, while the sweetness will balance out any saltiness in the soy sauce.
If you prefer non-alcoholic pairings, try serving this salad with a refreshing glass of iced tea or freshly squeezed limeade. The clean and cool taste will complement the spicy notes of garlic and red onion.
Overall, the Vietnamese Beef Salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal. However you choose to serve it, be sure to garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and sweet basil for the perfect finishing touch.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a chef, I understand the importance of meal prep and planning ahead. The great thing about this Vietnamese beef salad recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later consumption.
To make this recipe more convenient for busy weekdays, you can prepare the beef salad dressing up to five days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also slice up the ingredients such as carrots, English seedless cucumbers, red onion, cilantro leaf, and sweet basil ahead of time and keep them in separate containers, so they are ready to be added to your beef salad when you’re ready to eat.
If you have leftover beef salad, you can store it in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap. To reheat the beef salad, you can warm it up on low heat in a pan on the stove or using a microwave-safe dish for a quick meal.
Another option is to turn your leftover beef salad into a noodle dish by adding rice noodles or vermicelli to it. Simply mix everything together along with some Vietnamese lime juice or fish sauce and lemongrass beef for some extra flavor.
In conclusion, this recipe is perfect for those who want to save time and effort while still enjoying flavorful and healthy Vietnamese cuisine. Make it ahead of time, store it properly, and reheat when necessary for a warm and satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect Vietnamese beef salad, there are a few tips that can help you get there. Here are some of my tried and tested tips:
1. Marinate the beef: Marinating the beef overnight will help infuse it with flavor and tenderness. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own by mixing soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and fish sauce.
2. Use fresh ingredients: It’s essential to use fresh herbs like cilantro and sweet basil to bring out the flavors of the dish. Additionally, crisp vegetables like carrots, English seedless cucumbers, and red onions add a lovely crunch to the salad.
3. Slice the beef thinly: Slicing the beef as thin as possible will make it more tender and easier to chew.
4. Don’t overcook the steak: Overcooking the steak will result in a chewy texture, which is not pleasant in salads. Grill or pan-fry until medium-rare or to your desired doneness.
5. Toss lightly: When mixing all ingredients in the salad bowl, toss lightly so as not to crush crunchy vegetables or break apart tender chunks of beef.
6. Lime juice for dressing: For that added tangy kick, use fresh-squeezed lime juice for your dressing.
7. Try substitutes: If you don’t eat meat, you can substitute it with grilled tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian spinoff of Vietnamese Salad.
8. Add nuts as toppings: Toasted peanuts or cashews may add an extra crunch to your salad.
By following these tips and recommendations, you can ensure that your Vietnamese beef salad is packed with flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vietnamese Beef Salad recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to incorporate healthy and delicious meals into their diet. With its blend of fresh ingredients, flavorful seasonings, and lean beef, it serves as a perfect option for those wanting to maintain healthy eating habits without sacrificing taste. Whether you are on a special diet or simply looking for dinner ideas, this recipe will not disappoint. So, gather your carrots, cucumbers, and cilantro leaves because it’s time to take your taste buds on an adventure with this tropical flat belly salad. Try it out today!
Vietnamese Beef Salad (Flat Belly Diet Recipe) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce, reduced sodium
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chili paste
- 1/2 lb flank steak
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup sweet basil
- 1 cup cilantro leaf
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced (about 1 1/4 cups)
- 2 large English seedless cucumbers, with peel, julienned (about 4 c)
- 4 medium carrots, julienned (about 2 c)
- 1/2 cup dry-roasted unsalted peanuts (MUFA, chopped)
Instructions
- COMBINE soy sauce, lime juice, water, sugar, garlic, and chile paste in medium bowl. Whisk to blend. Pour 3 tablespoons into a resealable plastic bag. Cover and refrigerate the remaining dressing. Add steak to bag, seal, and turn to coat. Chill 30 minutes to marinate.
- HEAT grill or broiler to medium-high heat. Grill steak 8 to 10 minutes, turning once, or until medium-rare. Let rest 5 minutes and slice thinly at an angle, across the grain.
- PLACE greens, basil, and cilantro in large bowl and toss. Evenly divide mixture among 4 plates. Sprinkle on onion, cucumbers, and carrots. Top with sliced steak, drizzle salad with reserved dressing, and sprinkle with peanuts.
- Nutritional Info Per Serving.
- 323 cal, 22 g pro, 30 g carb, 8 g fiber, 14.5 g fat, 3 g sat fat, 21 mg chol, 654 mg sodium.
- Make It a Flat Belly Diet Meal!
- Serve with 1 cup of seedless grapes for an additional 60 calories.