Tiger Cries Salad: A Spicy Thai Beef Delight
Description
Dive into a refreshing summer meal that brings together vibrant flavors and enticing aromas, perfect for casual dinner parties or those aiming for a healthy dish without sacrificing taste. The Tiger Cries Salad, featuring marinated beef and a zesty dressing, is a celebration of spicy and fresh ingredients that will awaken your palate. Ideal for prep-ahead enthusiasts, this dish allows you to marinate the meat and prepare the dressing the night before, making it a quick assembly come dinner time. This recipe is an amalgamation of various inspirations I encountered at Thai restaurants, creating a unique spin that is sure to impress.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 392.1 |
| Total Fat | 11.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 91.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1876 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 38.9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g |
| Sugars | 19.6 g |
| Protein | 37.4 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Servings
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
| Ingredient Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | beef sirloin steaks |
| 2 | beef tenderloin |
| 2 | teaspoons white pepper |
| 4 | tablespoons fish sauce |
| 2 | tablespoons fresh lime juice |
| 8 | teaspoons palm sugar |
| 2 | cloves garlic, minced |
| ½ | tablespoon sugar |
| 3-4 | tablespoons fresh lime juice |
| 4-6 | tablespoons fish sauce |
| 4-6 | shallots, thinly sliced |
| 2 | stalks lemongrass, minced |
| 3 | tablespoons rice powder |
| 1 | head bibb lettuce, leaves separated |
| 1 | red onion, thinly sliced |
| 1 | cup scallions, chopped |
| 1 | cup green onions, chopped |
| 1 | cucumber, thinly sliced |
| 1 | cup grape tomatoes, halved |
| 1 | tomato, diced |
| 1 | lemon, sliced |
| 1 | cup fresh mint leaves |
| 1 | cup sticky rice (for serving) |
Instructions
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Prepare Sticky Rice: Start by soaking 1-2 pounds of Thai sweet rice in lukewarm water for about 3 hours. Drain and reserve the soaking water for steaming.
-
Line Your Steamer: Use parchment paper or cheesecloth sprayed with cooking spray to line the bottom of a bamboo steamer. Add the soaked rice, cover, and set aside.
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Steam the Rice: In a wok or Dutch oven, add the reserved soaking water along with fresh water until it reaches about 3 inches in depth. Place the steamer over this water, bring it to a boil, and then reduce to a strong simmer. Steam the rice for approximately 25 minutes, letting it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes after cooking.
-
Marinade Preparation: In a resealable bag, mix the beef sirloin, beef tenderloin, white pepper, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, palm sugar, garlic, and sugar. Allow the meat to marinate for 2 to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
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Cooking the Beef: Char-grill or broil the marinated beef until it reaches medium-rare, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, let the meat rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it very thinly against the grain (aim for ¼ inch or thinner).
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Dressing Preparation: Combine the remaining fish sauce, lime juice, and other dressing ingredients in a bowl, mixing well. Let the dressing sit for at least an hour before serving, tasting and adjusting for balance—ensure it is spicy, sour, salty, and slightly sweet.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, pour half of the dressing over the red onion, lemon slices, and cucumber. Allow these to marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
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Add Remaining Ingredients: Incorporate the bibb lettuce, grape tomatoes, scallions, and fresh mint into the bowl. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top and toss gently until all ingredients are well coated.
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Serve the Salad: Plate the salad onto individual servings, topping each with slices of the cooked beef and ensuring that each plate has plenty of dressing. Serve with a side of sticky rice for a complete meal.
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Presentation Tip: For an eye-catching presentation, consider serving the salad on a bed of purple cabbage leaves for added color and crunch.
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Optional Toasted Rice Powder: For an added depth of flavor, toast raw sweet rice in a pan until light golden brown, then grind it into a fine powder using a coffee grinder or food processor. This can be sprinkled over the salad or mixed into the dressing.
Enjoy Your Tiger Cries Salad!
This spicy and refreshing dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering, delivering a symphony of flavors that make every bite an experience worth savoring.
