Fiery Beef Salad Recipe

Season and sear

Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Rub with 1 tbs vegetable oil, 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat a heavy skillet or grill pan over high heat until very hot (2–3 minutes). Sear the steak 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temp ~130°F/54°C), adjusting time for thickness and preferred doneness. Remove from pan and let rest on a cutting board for 8–10 minutes.

Slice

After resting, slice the steak thinly across the grain into bite-sized strips. Place sliced steak on a plate and keep warm while finishing the salad.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbs fresh lime juice, 2 tbs fish sauce, 1 tbs soy sauce, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and the thinly sliced 2 red chilies. Add 1 tsp neutral or toasted sesame oil and 1/2 tsp chili flakes if using. Taste and adjust: add a little more sugar if too salty, a splash more lime if too salty, or more fish sauce if you want more umami.

Reserve about 1 tbs of the dressing to drizzle over the finished salad. Use the remainder to toss with vegetables and to briefly dress the warm sliced beef so it soaks up flavor.

Prepare vegetables and herbs: thinly slice 1 cup cucumber, 1/2 cup red onion, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, and chop 2 cups romaine lettuce if using. Combine cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup cilantro leaves and 1/4 cup mint leaves in a large bowl.

Pour most of the dressing (reserve 1 tbs) over the vegetables and toss gently to coat. Let sit 2 minutes so the onions mellow and the flavors marry.

If using lettuce as a base, arrange the chopped romaine on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the dressed vegetables over the lettuce (or directly onto plates if not using lettuce).

Arrange the warm sliced steak over the dressed vegetables. Drizzle the reserved 1 tbs dressing over the steak and salad to intensify flavor.

Scatter 2 tbs lightly crushed roasted peanuts, 2 sliced scallions, and the extra red chili slices over the top. Add lime wedges on the side for extra brightness.

Serve immediately while steak is still warm. Offer extra fish sauce, lime, or chili flakes at the table for guests to adjust heat and saltiness.