On our trip to Asia last year, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a old friend and colleague that I worked with years ago. Su, a native of Thailand, came to the United States for college and started her career in IT at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We became great friends and because we were both food enthusiasts, we shared many meals together. I learned a good bit about Thai cooking from Su. Unfortunately for me, Su and her American husband moved back to Thailand many years ago.
I contacted Su on Facebook when I knew that we would be visiting Bangkok and she graciously offered to spend a day with us touring around the city. We spent a delightful day with Su and her three children, visiting the Grand Palace and eating some amazing Thai food.
Su and I had not seen each other or really even communicated in many years, however the minute I saw her it was if no time had passed at all. That’s the amazing thing about great friendships.
Seeing the Grand Palace was one of the highlights of the trip. I’ve never seen so much gold in my life.
After a day in Bangkok, we took a trip to Damnoen Saduak to the floating market. If you’ve never heard of a floating market, it really is exactly as it sounds. The market is built around canals and you make your way through the market in a long boat driven by a guide. Purveyors of everything from trinkets, to clothes, to food and spices aggressively compete for your attention.
We wrapped up the day with an elephant ride. I’ve always been fascinated by elephants, but experiencing them up close and personal gave me so much more respect for these giant pachyderms. They truly are amazing creatures.
My trip to Thailand inspired today’s post. Su had a big influence on my love for Thai food and I made this Grilled Thai Beef Salad as I thought about her and our friendship. This salad is completely versatile and could be made with shrimp or chicken. I used Napa cabbage and romaine lettuce, but you could substitute other greens as well.
This light and healthy salad hits the spot as we move into hot weather. If you like Thai flavors, I think you’ll love this dish.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (more or less depending on how much heat you want)
1 large clove garlic, finely minced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 1/2 pound flank steak
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cups sliced Napa cabbage
4 cups sliced romaine lettuce
1 cup thinly sliced radishes
1/2 cup thinly sliced Vidalia onion
1/2 cup scallions, green part only
1/2 cup roughly chopped mint leaves
1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
Instructions
Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, Sriracha, and garlic. Continue whisking and slowly add oil until incorporated.
1. Season steak with salt and pepper and drizzle with oil.
2. Preheat grill to high heat. Grill steak on each side for 3 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 130 degrees for medium rare or 135 for medium.
3. Remove from heat and let rest for 15 minutes.
4. Slice steak into thin strips against the grain.
1. Toss cabbage, lettuce, radishes, Vidalia onion, scallions, mint, and cilantro in a large bowl.
2. Divide greens on to 6 salad plates. Drizzle with dressing to taste. Top each plate with steak strips and roasted peanuts.
https://southernboydishes.com/2014/05/23/grilled-thai-beef-salad/You may also like:
- Roasted Cauliflower and Fennel Soup - November 8, 2015
- Smoky and Sweet Turkey Chili{+ a Cookbook Giveaway} - October 27, 2015
- Black-Eyed Pea and Collard Stew with Turkey Sausage - October 16, 2015
Beautiful pictures – you have a gift!
I never cook beef because I kill it every time! I either over cook or under cook so I just hang at Ruth Chris’ when I get a hankerin’ for beef…but maybe, just maybe I can pull this off?
Kathi
Fun pictures, great salad. Totally enjoyable read — thanks.
Wow-what a trip, and you’ve got the photographs to prove it! This dish sounds fabulous. I always enjoy Thai food, and I bet I will enjoy this one.
Thailand looks like an amazing place! I would love to visit someday, but for now I just console myself with Thai food. This salad is so bright and colorful! Definitely a must make for the summer!
This is what I love about food….It’s connection is deep. What a way to discover a new food culture and maintain lasting friendships. Love it!!!