Spicy Thai Beef Salad with Lemongrass-Mint Vinaigrette and Nuts is a vibrant fusion dish that embodies the flavors of Thailand with a contemporary twist, courtesy of Chef Roy Yamaguchi from Roy’s Restaurant in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii. This salad not only promises bold flavors but also offers a balance of textures and a satisfying meal experience, perfect for lunch or a hearty snack.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Spicy Thai Beef Salad with Lemongrass-Mint Vinaigrette and Nuts
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Grains, Beans, Fruit, Vegetable, Nuts, Meat, Thai, Asian, Spicy, < 60 Mins, Stove Top, Inexpensive
- Chef: Roy Yamaguchi, Roy’s Restaurant, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii
- Rating: 5 stars
- Review Count: 2
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 732
- Fat Content: 52.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12g
- Cholesterol Content: 92.8mg
- Sodium Content: 1186.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 39g
- Fiber Content: 2.1g
- Sugar Content: 17.3g
- Protein Content: 26.9g
Ingredients
The recipe features a diverse range of ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture:
- Marinade: Hoisin sauce, soy sauce, fresh ginger, red wine vinegar, sugar, olive oil
- Lemongrass-Mint Vinaigrette: Lemongrass, shallot, fresh ginger, garlic, kaffir lime leaf, sugar, soy sauce, Thai fish sauce, fresh lemon juice, olive oil
- Salad Components: Fresh bean sprouts, radicchio, sweet onion, fresh ginger, garlic, fresh mint leaves, fresh basil leaves, watercress leaves, shiitake mushrooms, bean thread noodles
- Protein: Sliced steak (medium rare)
- Garnish: Macadamia nuts
Cooking Instructions
Marinade and Cooking the Steak:
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Prepare Marinade: Combine hoisin sauce, soy sauce, fresh ginger, red wine vinegar, sugar, and olive oil in a shallow dish. Add steak strips and marinate at room temperature for 5 minutes.
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Cook Steak: Heat sesame oil in a large sauté pan or skillet over high heat. Sauté marinated steak for 5 minutes per side for medium rare. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate and let rest for 10 minutes.
Lemongrass-Mint Vinaigrette:
- Prepare Vinaigrette: In the same pan used for steak, heat olive oil over high heat. Sauté lemongrass, shallot, ginger, garlic, and kaffir lime leaf until lightly browned (about 10 seconds). Stir in remaining vinaigrette ingredients. Set aside.
Stir-Fry and Noodles:
- Prepare Stir-Fry: In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat olive oil over high heat. Sauté bean sprouts, radicchio, sweet onion, ginger, garlic, mint leaves, basil leaves, watercress leaves, shiitake mushrooms until just tender (about 1 minute). Add bean thread noodles and cook for an additional minute. Set aside.
Assembling the Salad:
- Serve: Slice rested steak into 1 to 2-inch strips. Divide salad greens among 4 plates. Top with stir-fried mixture and arrange beef strips. Drizzle lemongrass-mint vinaigrette around the salads and garnish with macadamia nuts.
Chef’s Tips
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Marinade Magic: Letting the steak marinate briefly enhances its flavor, ensuring each bite is infused with the tangy-sweet notes of hoisin and soy sauces, complemented by the freshness of ginger and vinegar.
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Perfect Steak Sear: Achieve a tender, juicy steak by searing it over high heat for just the right amount of time—5 minutes per side for medium rare—ensuring a caramelized exterior and a pink, succulent center.
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Vinaigrette Balance: The lemongrass-mint vinaigrette adds a zesty, herbaceous finish to the salad, balancing the richness of the steak and the earthy stir-fried vegetables, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Conclusion
Spicy Thai Beef Salad with Lemongrass-Mint Vinaigrette and Nuts is a testament to Chef Roy Yamaguchi’s innovative approach to blending Asian flavors with contemporary culinary techniques. This recipe not only satisfies the palate with its bold, spicy, and aromatic elements but also offers a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a flavorful lunch, this dish promises to elevate your dining experience with every bite.
