Spicy Thai Beef Salad with Mango and Basil

Experience a symphony of flavors with this unique take on the classic Thai beef salad, elevated with the sweetness of ripe mango and the aromatic freshness of basil.

Ingredients:

1. 500g tender beef steak (e.g., sirloin or ribeye)
2. 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and thinly sliced
3. 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
4. 2 red chillies, thinly sliced
5. 3 green onions, chopped
6. 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
7. 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, crushed
8. 2 tbsp fish sauce
9. Juice of 2 limes
10. 1 tbsp brown sugar
11. 2 cloves garlic, minced
12. 1 tsp grated ginger
13. 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
14. Mixed salad greens (e.g., lettuce, arugula, spinach)

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Beef:

• Season the beef steak with salt and pepper.
• In a hot skillet with a bit of oil, sear the steak on both sides until it’s cooked to your desired doneness. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

2. Making the Dressing:

• In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Assembling the Salad:

• In a large bowl, toss the salad greens, mango slices, red chillies, green onions, cilantro, and basil leaves.
• Layer the thinly sliced beef on top of the salad.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and garnish with crushed roasted peanuts.

Pairing: A cold glass of Thai iced tea, with its sweet and creamy notes, balances the spiciness of the salad and complements the tangy dressing, making for a refreshing and harmonious dining experience.