Description
A traditional and flavorful beef appetizer made with thin slices of rare beef “cooked” in lime juice and lightly tossed in a fish sauce dressing. Serve with cold beer and enjoy!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb beef eye round
- 1 small yellow or white onion
- Herbs (cilantro, mint, and/or Thai basil)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (divided)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon MSG
- 1 tablespoon freshly minced garlic
- Red chili peppers (thinly sliced)
- Fried shallots, fried garlic, and/or toasted peanuts (roughly chopped)
- Shrimp chips or black sesame rice crackers (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. For easier slicing, freeze the beef for about 15–20 minutes beforehand. If you prefer a char on the beef eye round, heat a skillet over high heat, add a little oil, and sear the beef for 2–3 minutes on each side until you get a golden crust then thinly slice against the grain.
- “Cook” the Beef with Lime and Prepare the Onions: In a bowl, combine lime juice (2 tablespoons) and sliced beef, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Let the beef “cook” for 15-20 minutes. Thinly slice the onions and soak in ice water to remove some of the pungency.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together lime juice (remaining 1 tablespoon), sugar, fish sauce, ground black pepper, MSG if using, fresh garlic and chili peppers.
- Prepare the Platter: Spread your favorite herbs on a large plate. Drain the onions and add them on top of the herbs. Remove the beef slices from the lime water (discard water) and add to the bed of herbs and onions. Drizzle the dressing on top. Use as little or much as you like.
- Garnish & Serve: Top the beef salad with fried shallots, fried garlic, and toasted peanuts. Serve with rice or shrimp crackers or enjoy it as a light, refreshing starter on its own.
- Prepare the Shrimp Chips or Rice Crackers (Optional):
- Shrimp Chips: Deep fry in neutral oil at 400°F for about 8 seconds. Fry a few pieces at a time to avoid crowding, flipping for even cooking. Drain on a wire rack to remove excess oil.
- Black Sesame Rice Crackers: Simply heat in one minute intervals in microwave until puffy. Rotate and flip for even cooking. Break off into small pieces for serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: Mix and No-Cook
- Cuisine: asian, vietnamese