Delicious Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad Recipe
Come closer, my fellow food enthusiasts. I have a culinary confession – there are a few dishes that I can never resist, and Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad is one of them. This dish stole my heart with its savory beefy goodness, the warmth of garlic and ginger, the freshness of vegetables, and the tanginess of lime juice.
As I kept experimenting with this dish, I found that it’s more than just a salad; it’s an amalgamation of various Vietnamese flavors cooked in a wok to create a masterpiece. The beauty of this dish is not just in its delicious taste but also in its effortless preparation. With the right ingredients and foolproof recipe guidance, you can create your own Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad at home with ease.
Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure with me? Let me take you through a step-by-step guide to create this remarkable dish at home. Get ready to indulge in the mouthwatering flavors from Vietnam, right in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
As a chef specializing in Vietnamese and Asian cuisine, I guarantee that this Vietnamese stir-fried beef salad recipe will become one of your new favorite dishes! The combination of tender filet of beef with the crunchiness of fresh vegetables and herbs creates an explosion of flavors and textures in your mouth.
What sets this recipe apart is the homemade sauce that elevates the taste to a whole new level. The savory soy sauce, tangy lime juice, pungent fish sauce, and sweet brown sugar come together to create a symphony of deliciousness that will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Not only is this recipe easy to master, but it’s also versatile. You can swap out the vegetables for your favorites or add rice vermicelli noodles for a heartier meal. You can also adjust the spiciness level by adding more or less garlic paste and red pepper flakes.
But what truly makes this dish irresistible is its health benefits. The combination of protein from the beef, fiber from the vegetables, and low carb content make this dish ideal for anyone looking for a healthy yet flavorful meal.
Trust me when I say that once you try this Vietnamese stir-fried beef salad recipe, you’ll keep coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Give it a go and let me know what you think – I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Vietnamese stir-fried beef salad recipe:
For the beef marinade:
- 500g filet of beef, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the salad dressing:
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
For the salad:
- 4 cups watercress, roughly chopped
- Handful of snow peas, roughly chopped
- 3 tomatoes, thinly sliced
Optional garnishes:
- Grilled beef or lemongrass beef (bun bo luc lac)
- Rice vermicelli noodles (bun)
- Broccoli
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before starting, it makes the cooking process much more enjoyable and organized!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Here are the step-by-step instructions to make your own Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad Recipe.
Preparing the beef
- Begin by slicing 500g of filet of beef into thin slices, against the grain.
- In a bowl, mix together 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, and black pepper according to taste.
- Place the sliced beef in the marinade and mix well to make sure they are coated evenly.
- Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge.
Making the sauce
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp of garlic ginger paste, 1 tbsp of fish sauce, 2 tbsp of lime juice, and 1 tsp of sesame oil together.
- Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
Cooking the beef
- Heat up a pan with 2 tablespoon of vegetable oil on medium heat.
- Once hot, add in the garlic cloves (chopped 1-2 cloves garlic) and stir for a few seconds until fragrant.
- Next, add in the marinated beef to stir-fry until browned on all sides.
- Add salt and pepper according to taste.
- Remove from heat once cooked.
Preparing the salad
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine roughly chopped watercress, sliced spring onions, and chopped snow peas.
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes for extra freshness
- Next, add some cooked rice vermicelli or your choice of noodles.
- Mix all salad ingredients thoroughly.
Assembling the salad
- On a large plate or platter, layer the mixed salad and sliced beef.
- Drizzle sauce 1 on top of the beef and salad mix.
- Sprinkle crushed peanuts or sesame seeds over the dish for that extra crunch.
Your Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad Recipe is now ready to be served!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to cooking, we always love to play around and experiment with the ingredients. This Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad recipe is no exception. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try to customize the flavors according to your preferences:
1. Protein: Instead of using beef, you can use chicken, shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. Noodles: You can substitute the rice vermicelli noodles with soba noodles or even spaghetti if you don’t have any on hand.
3. Vegetables: You can swap the snow peas with broccoli, carrots or even bell peppers for some added crunch and flavor. You can also add some blanched asparagus, sliced cucumber or bean sprouts.
4. Dressing: Instead of using the Vietnamese-style dressing provided in this recipe, try adding a Thai-style dressing by mixing lime juice, fish sauce, brown sugar and chili flakes for a spicy kick.
5. Spices: If you like your food spicier, add some chopped chili peppers into the dressing or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Remember, these substitutions and variations are just suggestions – feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
Serving and Pairing
Nothing complements Vietnamese stir-fried beef salad more than a tall glass of iced tea. The combination of savory and fresh flavors in this dish make it the perfect accompaniment to the subtle sweetness of classic Vietnamese iced tea.
When serving this dish, I recommend arranging the beef on top of a bed of crisp watercress leaves for a beautiful presentation. If you’re looking for something heartier, try adding some cooked rice vermicelli or snow peas to make it a full meal.
This dish also pairs well with other Vietnamese classics such as bun bo luc lac (lemongrass beef), pho, or even a simple broccoli stir-fry. The lightness of the salad makes it an ideal match to heavier dishes, while also being versatile enough to stand on its own as a light lunch or dinner.
For those who want to imbibe, a light dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would enhance the flavors of the dish without overpowering them. If you prefer beer, try something crisp and refreshing like a pilsner or lager.
Whatever you choose, just remember that the goal is to enjoy every bite and savor every flavor. You deserve a treat after all that hard work in the kitchen!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead, storing and reheating this Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad Recipe, you’ve got a few options.
Firstly, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in separate containers in the fridge until ready to assemble. This way, you can quickly put the salad together when you’re ready to serve. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Remember not to add the dressing until just before eating, as it will make the vegetables soggy if left too long.
To reheat the beef, I recommend doing so on a stovetop or in the oven. Avoid using a microwave, as it may toughen up the meat. Simply heat up some vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat and stir-fry the beef strips for a few minutes until hot.
For best results, I recommend consuming this dish fresh and avoiding reheating the vegetables as they will lose their crunchiness and vibrant color with time. If you have leftover vermicelli noodles, they can be enjoyed cold and added to your favorite salads for added texture and flavor.
Overall, this Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad Recipe is perfect for meal prep or for a quick weeknight dinner that can easily be made ahead of time with minimal effort!
Tips for Perfect Results
For the perfect Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad, I have some tips to share with you.
Firstly, marinate the beef for a few hours or overnight. This will help tenderize the meat, and give it time to soak up all of the flavors from the marinade.
Secondly, make sure your pan is hot before adding the beef. You want to sear the outside of the meat quickly without overcooking it. It’s best to do this in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan.
Thirdly, chop your vegetables and herbs right before serving. This will ensure maximum freshness and prevent any wilting or discoloration in your dish.
Fourthly, when making the dressing, be sure to taste it before adding it to your salad. Adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more lime juice, fish sauce, or sugar to suit your taste preference.
Lastly, don’t forget about presentation! Arrange your ingredients thoughtfully on a large platter or individual plates. Sprinkle with extra herbs or sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture.
By following these simple tips, you’ll have a flavorful Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad Recipe will unquestionably provide you a unique and flavorful dining experience. With its blend of savory and tangy flavors, this recipe will undoubtedly keep you wanting more. Be sure to follow the steps in the recipe precisely to achieve the best taste possible. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a quick lunch idea, this dish is an excellent addition to your menu.
Moreover, by using fresh and quality ingredients, you are not only ensuring your dish’s quality but also your health. It’s impressive how engaging in minor adjustments can improve the nutritional value of one’s diet. Vietnamese cuisine is so delicious and creative, with exciting flavors that are hard to resist.
I trust that implementing this recipe into your diet will be beneficial for both your lifestyle and taste buds. Don’t wait to try it out! Delight in the vibrant colors, various textures, and meaty goodness in every bite of this Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad Recipe!
Vietnamese Stir-Fried Beef Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons Chinese white rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- salt
- pepper
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 6 tablespoons spring onions, finely sliced
Marinade
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (nuoc mam or nam pla)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- pepper
Salad
- 1 lb lean filet of beef, sliced against the grain 1/4-inch thick and 2-inches long
- 3 tablespoons peanut oil
- 5 tablespoons garlic, coarsely chopped
- 8 ounces soft salad leaves (2 cups)
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually beat in the sesame oil and peanut oil.
- Stir in the onions; then, set aside.
- In a bowl, mix all marinade ingredients well and let meat marinate in mixture for 20 minutes.
- Heat wok over high heat until very hot, then add peanut oil.
- When it's hot, stir-fry the garlic until it turns golden brown (20 seconds).
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Reheat the oil, and when it's very hot and smoking slightly, add the beef and cook until it's just barely cooked through (2 minutes).
- Remove and let drain through a sieve.
- Add the leaves to the dressing in the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat.
- Garnish with garlic and top with beef.
- Serve immediately.