Thai Steak Salad with Sweet and Spicy Tahini Dressing and Sesame Chili-Lime Cashews
You can add the dressing just before serving or add it and let the salad sit in the fridge a few hours. The kale holds up nicely and the flavors have a chance to mend together in the fridge, but I love this salad slightly warm!
You can add the dressing just before serving or add it and let the salad sit in the fridge a few hours. The kale holds up nicely and the flavors have a chance to mend together in the fridge, but I love this salad slightly warm!
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 pound flank steak
- 2 stalks (chopped)
- 4 green onions (chopped)
- 1 1/3 cups raw cashews
- 1-2 teaspoons honey
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (don't be afraid!)
- 4 cups baby kale or other dark leafy green
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1 lime (zested)
- 2 limes (juiced + the zest of 1 lime)
- 2 tablespoons ponzu sauce (or soy sauce (but ponzu sauce is bes
- 2-3 tablespoons sweet thai chili sauce (i used 3
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced or grated (depending on i used 1))
- 2-3 tablespoons tahini (may sub peanut butter (bu sesame seed paste)
- 1 ounce bag frozen shelled edamame (defrosted and cooked
- 3 carrots (shredded or chopped)
- 2 bell peppers (red (yellow and or orange) sliced thin)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mango (chopped into chunks)
- 3/4 cups of fresh basil (cilantro and mint (i only used 1/
- 4 hard boiled eggs (chopped (optional))
- 1/4 cup black and/or white sesame seeds (toasted)
- Carbohydrate 60.0690233333333 g
- Cholesterol 158.7573295 mg
- Fat 121.797512929 g
- Fiber 5.70230000495911 g
- Protein 124.298257580667 g
- Saturated Fat 30.8929619452667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (670g)
- Sodium 280.731546466667 mg
- Sugar 54.3667233283742 g
- Trans Fat 8.43753788669999 g
- Calories 1793 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the sesame oil, cashews and chili powder, toss well. Cook over medium heat until lightly toasted and browned, about five minutes. During the last minute of cooking add in the honey (I used 2 tablespoons). Remove from the heat and add the lime zest and 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds. Toss well and set aside.
- Add the steak to a glass pyrex dish or gallon size ziplock bag.
- In a glass measuring cup or bowl whisk together the lime juice + zest, fish sauce, ponzu sauce, sweet thai chili sauce, garlic and ginger. Pour about 1/4 -1/3 of the dressing over the steak, cover or seal the bag and place in the fridge while you prep the rest of the salad, at least 15 minutes (the longer the better).
- Meanwhile add the tahini to a small bowl and microwave until melted and smooth, about 15-20 seconds. Add the melted tahini to the dressing, whisk until smooth. Taste and add more tahini or sweet thai chili sauce to your liking, set aside.
- In a large bowl add the kale, edamame, carrots, bell peppers, mango chunks, lemon grass and green onions. Give it all a good toss.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to high heat.
- Once hot sear the steak for 5-8 minutes, flip and sear another 5 minutes or until your desired doneness is reached. Remove the steak and allow to rest 5 minutes. Slice steak thinly against the grain and add to the salad.
- Add the dressing and remaining sesame seeds. Toss to coat and massage the dressing into the veggies for 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs and cashews.
- Serve warm or cover and place in the fridge until ready to eat. I personally love this served warm.
A Busy Woman's Guide to a Flavorful and Healthy Thai Steak Salad
Life as a working professional is a whirlwind. Between meetings, deadlines, and the occasional unexpected crisis, finding time for a healthy and satisfying meal can feel like a monumental task. But what if I told you that a vibrant, delicious, and nutritious meal could be ready in under an hour? This Thai Steak Salad is my go-to recipe for those evenings when I want something quick, exciting, and undeniably good for me. It's a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed, without sacrificing valuable time.
This salad transcends the usual lunchtime fare. It's a dish I often serve to friends, always met with rave reviews. The combination of tender, flavorful steak, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing is simply irresistible. The vibrant colors alone make it a feast for the eyes, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary experience. And the best part? It’s incredibly adaptable! Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences and what's available. Want to add some shrimp instead of steak? Go for it! Prefer a different type of leafy green? Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, allowing you to personalize it to match your unique taste.
The Secret to Success: The key to this salad's deliciousness lies in the balance of flavors. The sweet Thai chili sauce provides a delightful sweetness that's balanced perfectly by the tangy lime juice and the savory notes of the fish sauce and ponzu. The creamy tahini dressing adds richness and depth, while the toasted cashews and sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch. Each component contributes to a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Beyond the fantastic taste, this salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with lean protein from the steak, fiber-rich kale, and an abundance of vitamins and minerals from the colorful vegetables, this meal will keep you feeling full and energized throughout your busy day. It's the perfect fuel for conquering your to-do list and tackling whatever challenges life throws your way. The prep time is minimal, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, and the flavors are so bold and satisfying, you'll forget you're eating something healthy!
I often prepare the dressing and marinate the steak in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. This means less work for me when I'm already pressed for time. The salad itself comes together in minutes, requiring only a quick toss of ingredients. Even on my busiest days, this recipe ensures I have a satisfying and healthful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
So, whether you're a busy professional, a stay-at-home mom juggling multiple responsibilities, or simply someone who appreciates a quick and delicious meal, this Thai Steak Salad is a recipe you'll want to keep in your culinary arsenal. It’s a culinary shortcut to a balanced, flavorful, and energizing meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and ready to conquer the world. Try it today and experience the difference!
Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, you can buy pre-cut vegetables and pre-cooked steak to further simplify the process. However, grilling your own steak adds a certain level of satisfaction and ensures the best flavor.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables and proteins. Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp would all be delicious additions. You can also add other nuts or seeds for added texture and flavor. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
Ingredients You'll Love
The ingredients are simple, readily available at most grocery stores, and lend themselves to a wonderful array of flavors and textures. From the peppery kick of the chili powder to the nutty richness of the tahini, each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a truly memorable dish.
Beyond the core ingredients, I encourage you to explore variations. Adding a handful of toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds brings a delightful crunch. Substituting a different type of leafy green, such as spinach or romaine lettuce, alters the texture while retaining the nutritional benefits. Even swapping the mango for another fruit, such as pineapple or peaches, can introduce a completely new dimension to the dish’s flavor profile.
This is a recipe that grows with you. It starts as a simple, satisfying salad, and with a little experimentation, becomes a culinary canvas for your own personal creativity. Don't hesitate to experiment with different spice levels, vegetable combinations, and protein sources. The result will always be a delicious and healthy meal that fits seamlessly into your busy lifestyle.
