Products

Ever since I came back from a conference in Bethesda Maryland a few weeks ago, I've been in the mood for a Thai style beef salad like one I had at a prepared food's place called Eatzi's. Their web site was kind enough to list the basic ingredients, minus what was used in the dressing. From there, I came up with my own version, which I thought came pretty close.

For Salad:

• 1 lb flank steak, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper - grilled medium rare and thinly sliced
• 1 bag babby letuces (Trader Joe's)
• 1 English cucumber, seeded and cut into cubes
• 2 carrots, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts (unsalted)
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

For Dressing:

• 6 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp fish sauce (nam pla)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp crushed red pepper
• 3 stalks lemongrass (bottom 1/3), finely chopped
• 2 kaffir lime leaves, finely chopped
• salt and pepper to taste

Whisk first five ingredients, then add red pepper, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, salt, and pepper. Add dressing to salad ingredients and toss well to combine.