Weeknight Steak And Rice Noodle Salad Recipes

VIETNAMESE-STYLE RICE-NOODLE AND STEAK SALAD

Steps:

• Place the rice sticks in large bowl. Cover completely with boiling water and let stand until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain well.
• In a mortar and pestle (or small-capacity blender), mash the garlic, jalapeño and sugar to a paste. Transfer to a small bowl; whisk in the fish sauce, 1/4 cup water and lime juice. Toss some of the dressing, a few tablespoons at a time, with the noodles, tasting as you go, until the flavor is to your liking; use up to half the dressing. Add 6 tablespoons nuts, 1 tablespoon mint and 1 tablespoon basil. Toss well.
• Whisk the peanut oil into the remaining dressing. In a large bowl, toss together the radicchio, remaining 1 cup mint, remaining 1 cup basil and cucumber. Pour enough dressing over the salad to lightly coat the greens; reserve some dressing for the meat.
• Arrange the salad on a large platter. Top with the noodles. Arrange the steak over the noodles and spoon additional dressing over the meat if desired. Garnish with the remaining 2 tablespoons peanuts and cilantro, if using.

THAI NOODLE-STEAK SALAD

Steps:

• Heat a grill to medium high. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook as the label directs. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside in a colander to drain thoroughly.
• Whisk the lime juice, 3 tablespoons water, the sugar, sambal oelek and fish sauce in a large bowl. Add the cucumber, onion, watermelon and noodles. Season with salt and pepper and toss; set aside.
• Season the steak with salt and pepper. Brush the grill with vegetable oil. Grill the steak until marked, about 3 minutes per side for medium rare. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes, then thinly slice.
• Add all but a few tablespoons cilantro to the noodle salad and toss. Top with the steak and the remaining cilantro.

GINGER GARLIC STEAK AND NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• For the steak: In a wide, shallow container with a lid, add the avocado or vegetable oil, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, garlic and sesame oil. Whisk to combine. Add the steak and coat in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours. Remove the steak from the refrigerator to come to room temperature before cooking, about 1 hour.
• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, pat dry and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium-rare with an internal temperature of 125 degrees F. Remove from the heat and set aside to rest, about 10 minutes. Squeeze the juice of the lime on the rested steak and slice against the grain.
• For the salad: Cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions.
• In a small bowl, combine the avocado or vegetable oil, soy sauce, vinegar, honey, mustard, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, salt and lime juice. Whisk thoroughly to combine and set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and kale. Add the carrots, cilantro, mint, scallions, chiles and noodles and toss to combine. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Add the mango and gently toss. Sprinkle the salad with the peanuts. Arrange the steak over the salad.
• Divide the salad and steak among plates. Serve with lime wedges.

VIETNAMESE RICE-NOODLE SALAD

Steps:

• Place the garlic, cilantro, jalapeno, honey, lime juice, fish sauce and salt in the bowl of a food processor and process until almost smooth. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the noodles and cook for 2 minutes. Drain, rinse well with cold water and drain again. In a large bowl, combine the sauce, noodles, carrots, cucumber, mint and napa cabbage. Toss well and garnish with peanuts.

RICE NOODLES WITH SEARED PORK, CARROTS AND HERBS

Steps:

• Whisk the fish sauce, syrup, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. Stir in the shallots, chile and garlic. Transfer 2 tablespoons liquid to a large shallow dish and add the pork. Turn to evenly coat and let stand until ready to cook.
• Stir the lime juice into the sauce in the bowl. Add the carrots and toss until evenly coated. Let stand.
• Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt and pepper. Heat the remaining tablespoon oil in the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom. Add the pork and cook, turning once, until seared and just rosy in the center, 2 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let stand.
• Put the noodles in the boiling water, stir well, and remove from the heat. Let stand until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Drain very well, then transfer to the sauce in the bowl. Toss until evenly coated.
• Cut the pork into thin slices and add to the noodles with any accumulated juices. Toss well. Toss in the herbs until well mixed. The mixture may look a bit soupy. As it sits and cools, the noodles will absorb the liquid. Serve hot, warm, at room temperature or cold, with more herbs and lime wedges.