Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that combines the perfect balance of tender, juicy steak, silky rice noodles, and vibrant vegetables in one mouthwatering dish. This Asian-inspired rice noodle salad is not just a meal; it's a symphony of flavors that will transport you to the bustling street markets of Southeast Asia with every single bite. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to wow your guests, this recipe promises to deliver maximum taste with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz rice noodles
- 1 lb steak, grilled and sliced
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup carrots, shredded
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the rice noodles according to package instructions. Typically, this involves soaking them in hot water for about 8-10 minutes until they are tender. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- While the noodles are soaking, prepare the steak. Season the 1 lb of steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness is reached. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced bell peppers and shredded carrots. Toss them together to mix evenly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce and lime juice. Pour this dressing over the bell pepper and carrot mixture, tossing to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add the cooked rice noodles to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently toss everything together until the noodles are well combined with the bell peppers and carrots.
- Finally, add the sliced steak on top of the noodle salad. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the dish for added flavor and freshness. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve the rice noodle salad with steak immediately, or refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to serve it cold. Enjoy your delicious Asian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Noodle Perfection: Always follow package instructions precisely when cooking rice noodles. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, while undercooking results in tough, chewy noodles.
- Steak Selection: Choose a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak for the best results. Let the meat rest after grilling to ensure maximum juiciness.
- Chill Factor: For a refreshing twist, you can serve this salad cold, making it an excellent option for summer meals or meal prep.
- Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add extra heat with some sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes if you enjoy a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Variations: Don't hesitate to swap bell peppers and carrots with seasonal vegetables like cucumber, radishes, or snap peas.
- Protein Alternatives: If steak isn't your preference, try grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for an equally delicious meal.
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare all components in advance and assemble just before serving to save time during busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 75mg