Asian Noodle and Beef Salad with Fresh Vegetables (Print version)

A fresh beef noodle salad with tender sirloin, rice noodles, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy ginger-lime sesame dressing.

# Ingredients:

For the dressing

01 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) gluten-free tamari or reduced-sodium soy sauce
02 - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
03 - 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
04 - 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
05 - 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger
06 - 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

For the salad

08 - 1 lb (450 g) top sirloin steak, about 1 inch thick
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil, for searing or brushing the grill
11 - 6 oz (170 g) thin rice noodles
12 - 1 cup (120 g) julienned zucchini
13 - 2 medium carrots, thinly sliced or cut into ribbons
14 - 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
15 - 1/3 cup fresh cilantro or Thai basil leaves
16 - 2 tablespoons sliced scallions
17 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, optional

# Instructions:

01 - Whisk the tamari, lime juice, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside while you prepare the salad.
02 - Pat the steak dry and season with black pepper. Heat a lightly oiled grill or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your preferred doneness.
03 - Transfer the steak to a cutting board and rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice thinly against the grain into bite-size strips.
04 - Soak or boil the rice noodles according to the package directions until tender but springy. Rinse under cold water and drain very well.
05 - Cut the zucchini, carrots, and celery into thin pieces. Keep the herbs and scallions ready for tossing.
06 - Combine the noodles, vegetables, sliced beef, herbs, scallions, and most of the dressing in a large bowl. Toss gently, rest for 10 minutes, then add more dressing and sesame seeds if desired.

# Good to know:

01 - Serve at room temperature or lightly chilled.
02 - For meal prep, store the dressing separately and toss before serving.
03 - Use gluten-free tamari if you need the recipe to be gluten-free.