Not too long ago I go an email asking me if I had ever been to a Houston’s restaurant and if I had tried their ‘evil jungle noodle salad’. That was the first that I had heard of either but the description that I had been given of the salad sounded really good. It was described as containing: mango, avocado, cucumber, lettuce, cilantro and mint along with the noodles and that was all topped off with some lightly seared sliced beef. This salad is just jam packed with so many good things and with the mango and avocado it reminded me a little of the mango, avocado and grilled shrimp salad with a peanut dressing that I had made a while ago and enjoyed so much. After reading the description and a quick search for recipes I threw together this version of a Thai beef noodle salad that turned out really well. (Don’t let the long list of ingredients deter you as this is one really nice salad.) Once again I was amazed by the creamy avocado and sweet and juice mango combination that really brought this salad over the edge. The combination of the classic western salad ingredients worked really well with the more Asian ingredients and flavours and the steak of course finished the salad off nicely turning it into a more of a light meal.
Thai Beef Noodle Salad
ingredients
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 lime (juice)
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar (grated or brown sugar)
- 1/2 pound steak (your choice of cut)
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 ounce rice noodles
- 1/2 cup lettuce (shredded)
- 1/2 cup cabbage (shredded)
- 1 carrot (julienned)
- 1 avocado (stoned, scooped and diced)
- 1 mango (stoned scooped and diced)
- 1/2 cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes
- 2 birds eye chilies (sliced)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 1 handful cilantro (chopped)
- 1 handful mint (chopped)
- 1 handful basil (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut milk
- 1 lime (juice and zest)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon palm sugar (grated or brown sugar)
- 1 clove garlic (grated)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1 handful peanuts (roasted and chopped)
directions
- Marinate the steak in the fish sauce, lime, and sugar for 20-30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a pan.
- Grill the steak until medium rare, abut 2-3 minutes per side and set aside to rest.
- Pour boiling water over the noodles and let them soak until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Mix the salad.
- Mix the dressing.
- Toss the salad in the dressing and serve topped with the steak.
James says
March 24, 2010 at 1:26 amPerfect timing – just been looking for summer buffet ideas….. looks goooood.
Foy Update - Garden Cook Write Repeat says
March 24, 2010 at 1:38 amI love how you show case different culture's food. Thai is one of my favorites. I wish you would include more things that didn't have a strong meat base though.
Nirvana says
March 24, 2010 at 1:49 amAmazzzzing spring recipe! Can't wait to try it!
Nina Timm says
March 24, 2010 at 7:07 amSitting down at your table must be heavenly, not only the feast for the eyes, but you are the king of flavor!!
Marisa says
March 24, 2010 at 7:22 amThe photo & your description makes me want to reach in and take a big forkful of that yummy salad.
Joanne says
March 24, 2010 at 10:13 amI definitely don't eat enough avocadoes, mangoes, or thai food for my own satisfaction. This should change that. Love how colorful it is!
bunkycooks says
March 24, 2010 at 10:39 amThis salad looks so go and healthy. Just in time for spring!
Racey B. Burton says
March 24, 2010 at 11:16 amThis is interesting… as thai noodles soup has been my comfort food since forever.. i just have to try this salad for a different twist.., who knows i'll find better comfort :>
Cara says
March 24, 2010 at 12:32 pmAll of your Thai-style salad look so colorful and delicious!
Susan @ One Less Thing says
March 24, 2010 at 2:27 pmLooks like there are peanuts in the photo but not mentioned in the recipe. Are there peanuts?
Rachael says
March 24, 2010 at 5:16 pmThis looks ammmaaazzzing- right up my alley!
Rambling Tart says
March 24, 2010 at 7:10 pmOh my, such loveliness all in one dish! I have a hankering for noodles these days, and with all that gorgeous fresh stuff packed in, this recipe is splendid. 🙂
The Short (dis)Order Cook says
March 24, 2010 at 8:32 pmGreat flavors here indeed. How can you not love noodles, mango, and avocado all in one dish? Gorgeous photo too.
Jena says
March 24, 2010 at 11:03 pmThis looks so much better than the beef noodle salad I got at a restaurant a few weeks ago!
Kevin says
March 25, 2010 at 11:13 amSusan @ One Less Thing: Good catch! I added the peanuts to the recipe. Thanks!
Debbie@smokersandbbqgrills.com says
March 28, 2010 at 12:14 amFor an extra bit of kick try grilling your beef. It seems to add a little extra something. Thanks for an outstanding recipe!