Summer Steak Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing

Summer Steak Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing
Summer Steak Salad with Ginger-Lime Dressing
Known in Asia as Shaking Beef Salad, or bo luc lac, this Vietnamese classic is made by shaking essentially searing steak in a very hot pan. The older I get the more I like the saladbeef combo. Healthy but with the meat I crave.
  • Preparing Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Served Person: 4
main dish grill summer low carb beef asian white meat free tree nut free nut free contains gluten red meat free contains fish dairy free pescatarian
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • dressing
  • salad
  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce*
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced peeled
  • 1 teaspoon red jalapeno chile minced
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce*
  • 1 tablespoon medium-dry sherry
  • 2 teaspoons tamari soy sauce*
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar packed
  • 1 1/4 pounds pounds new york steak trimmed, cut into 2/3-inch cubes
  • 2 bunches watercress bottom 2 inches discarded, cut into 1-inch lengths
  • 3 cups mizuna leaves torn in half if very large (about 1 1/2 ounces)
  • 2 cups bibb lettuce lightly packed and torn about 6 large leaves
  • 1 cup thai basil leaves cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips
  • 1/2 12-oz english hothouse cucumber halved lengthwise, sliced very thinly on diagonal
  • 12 cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 red onion cut into thin wedges
  • 2 shallots sliced into thin rounds
  • 1/4 medium pineapple peeled, cored, halved lengthwise, cut crosswise into 1/3-inch-t
  • Carbohydrate 61.1029227752988 g
  • Cholesterol 80.7975 mg
  • Fat 40.2328678263597 g
  • Fiber 8.09954187745539 g
  • Protein 37.0049879174354 g
  • Saturated Fat 11.3466034458256 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 Serving (922g)
  • Sodium 2264.5860686053 mg
  • Sugar 53.0033808978434 g
  • Trans Fat 5.33254165093217 g
  • Calories 733 calories

A Busy Woman's Quick and Delicious Summer Meal: Shaking Beef Salad

As a fitness model, my days are packed. Between photoshoots, training sessions, and managing my business, finding time for healthy, delicious meals is crucial. That's why I've fallen head over heels for this Shaking Beef Salad, also known as Bo Luc Lac. It's a vibrant Vietnamese dish that's not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly quick to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The "shaking" technique—a quick sear in a hot pan—creates a perfectly cooked steak with a beautiful crust and a tender interior. This contrasts beautifully with the refreshing crunch of the salad greens and the zesty, tangy ginger-lime dressing. I often adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand and my current cravings. Sometimes I'll add a handful of edamame or swap out the watercress for spinach—the possibilities are endless!

Beyond its convenience, this salad packs a powerful nutritional punch. The lean steak provides a great source of protein to fuel my workouts, while the abundance of fresh vegetables offers essential vitamins and minerals. It’s the perfect balance of healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh greens - exactly what my body needs after an intense training session or a long day at work. Forget those complicated, time-consuming recipes that leave you feeling drained. This salad is a game-changer, offering a delicious and satisfying meal without sacrificing my precious time or energy.

The Dressing: A Symphony of Flavors

The ginger-lime dressing is the star of the show. The combination of fresh ginger, lime juice, and a touch of sweetness creates a complex and vibrant flavor profile that perfectly complements the richness of the steak and the freshness of the salad. I often experiment with different types of fish sauce for a deeper, umami flavor. The subtle sweetness of brown sugar balances the acidity of the lime and the sharpness of the ginger. It's a delicious blend that perfectly elevates this simple salad to an extraordinary culinary experience.

The Steak: Perfectly Seared, Perfectly Delicious

The secret to a perfectly cooked steak lies in the searing technique. Using a very hot pan ensures a beautiful crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. I’ve learned through trial and error that the key is to use high-quality beef and not overcrowd the pan. Working in batches ensures that each piece of steak gets the proper attention, resulting in a consistently delicious meal every time.

Beyond the Recipe: A Lifestyle Choice

For me, this salad is more than just a meal; it's a representation of my lifestyle. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or time-consuming. It's about finding quick, delicious, and nutritious options that fit seamlessly into a busy schedule. This salad is my go-to meal when I’m short on time but still want a satisfying and flavorful dinner. The recipe's versatility allows me to adapt it to my mood, incorporating different vegetables and herbs based on what's available in the market or my personal preferences.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own delicious and healthy meals, no matter how busy your life may be. Remember, healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest recipes offer the most satisfying results.

So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy yet flavorful meal, give this Shaking Beef Salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

Step-by-step

    • For dressing: Whisk all ingredients in small bowl to blend.
    • For salad: Mix oyster sauce, Sherry, tamari soy sauce, minced garlic, and brown sugar in medium bowl. Stir in steak. Marinate steak at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
    • Combine watercress, mizuna, lettuce, basil, cucumber, and tomatoes in large bowl. Add half of the dressing and toss to coat. Arrange greens mixture on large rimmed platter.
    • Heat oil in large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add onion and shallots and saute 30 seconds. Add beef with marinade. Saute until beef is brown outside but still pink inside, about 4 minutes. Add pineapple slices and stir until pineapple is heated through, about 1 minute longer.
    • Spoon steak mixture with any pan juices atop dressed greens mixture on platter. Drizzle salad with remaining dressing and serve.