Escape the ordinary with this vibrant and refreshing Vietnamese Beef Salad with Crispy Vegetables. Bursting with the crunch of fresh vegetables, tender strips of savory beef, and a bright, tangy dressing, this dish is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. It’s a light and healthy meal that works beautifully for a weeknight dinner or as a stunning appetizer for your next get-together.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 3 carrots
- 7 oz (200g) beef tenderloin or a lean steak cut
- A head of butter lettuce or other crisp leafy greens
- 1 large shallot (or half a red onion)
- A few sprigs of fresh mint
- 2 tbsp chopped lemongrass (citronella)
- 2 tbsp finely chopped green onions
- 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, crushed
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- A pinch of ground chili flakes (or more to taste)
- 1 tbsp olive or sesame oil
- Juice of 1 lime (or half a lemon)
- 3 tbsp fish sauce (nước mắm) (can be replaced with soy sauce for a different flavor)
- A pinch of sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prep the Greens: Wash and dry the lettuce leaves, then tear them into large pieces.
- Chop the Veggies: Grate the carrots or cut them into thin, matchstick-sized strips. Thinly slice the shallot. Mix the sliced shallot with the chopped green onions and lemongrass.
- Assemble the Salad Base: Combine the lettuce, carrots, and the shallot-lemongrass mixture in a large bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, oil, ginger, chili flakes, fish sauce, and sugar.
- Cook the Beef: Season the beef with salt and pepper. Quickly pan-sear or grill it to your desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
- Garnish: Lightly crush the roasted peanuts and remove the skins.
- Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Arrange the warm beef strips on top, then sprinkle with the crushed peanuts and fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately while the beef is warm and the vegetables are crisp.
Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, add a touch more sesame oil to the dressing or garnish the salad with a few thin slices of fresh chili. If you’d like to make this a heartier meal, serve it with a side of steamed jasmine rice. This salad is a delicious way to enjoy a light and flavorful dinner that feels both exotic and comforting.
