Spicy Thai Inspired Steak Salad That Refuses to Be a Side Dish
This salad shows up pretending to be healthy, then drops bold steak, zesty heat, and serious attitude into every bite. Fresh, fiery, and slightly unpredictable, it turns lunch into a full flavor event where forks move fast and nobody misses the boring stuff.
Ingredients:
For the Marinade/Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Peppers of Key West Asian Marinade
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds of flank steak, lightly scored
For the Salad (assemble just before grilling the steak)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 cup of julienned carrots (a mandolin slicer is great for this!)
- 4 cups of torn romaine lettuce (I used mixed greens)
Directions:
- For the steak- Combine all of the marinade ingredients including the Peppers of Key West Asian Marinade in a large bowl and whisk to combine.
- Remove half of the marinade to a small bowl and reserve for dressing your salad. Pour the remaining marinade into a large seal-able plastic bag and add your steak. Seal tightly and toss to coat.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours (I did 5 hours). Remove the steak and throw away the bag with the marinade.
- Preheat your grill.
- Grill the steak to medium rare and allow to rest 5 minutes on a board. Slice thinly across the grain.
- Layer your greens, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, and carrots on a large platter or on individual plates.
- Place your steak slices on top of the prepared salad and thinly drizzle with the reserved marinade/dressing. Add additional garnishes such as scallions, roasted unsalted peanuts, avocado, Thai basil or fresh mint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes this salad stand out?
A: Peppers of Key West Asian Marinade adds bold, tangy heat with a savory kick that defines the dish.
Q: Is Peppers of Key West Asian Marinade very spicy?
A: It delivers a balanced heat with rich flavor, making it exciting without overpowering.
Q: Is this salad filling enough for a full meal?
A: Yes, it is hearty, satisfying, and perfect as a main dish.
Q: Can I adjust the spice level?
A: Absolutely, just modify the amount of marinade to suit your taste.
Q: Is this good for meal prep?
A: Yes, it holds up well and stays flavorful when prepared ahead.
