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My daughter lived in Memphis TN several years ago and one day, while I was visiting, we went for lunch at Houston's, a popular, classy restaurant located, not only in Memphis but in several other cities around the country. We both ordered the Thai Steak Salad and when it arrived, it was not only gorgeous, it was phenomenally delicious! With sweet, salty and spicy flavors typical of Thai cuisine, this salad earned rave reviews from both of us.
When my daughter moved from Memphis several years ago, I found myself craving this fresh vibrant salad. Since I couldn't jump on a plane just to go to Houston's, I was thrilled when I checked Mr. Google and found several online renditions of Houston's Thai Steak Salad. Apparently, my daughter and I weren't the only ones who went crazy over this wonderful salad! I combined a few ideas from these versions, added some of my own and... voila! I can have this delightful salad anytime I want; and so can you!
P.S. You'll want to check back on Wednesday for a wonderfully delicious seasoning salt, my Lemon-Rosemary Sea Salt, perfect for seasoning the steak in this delicious salad (and a zillion other things)!
- Ginger-Sesame Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha Chili Sauce**
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salad Ingredients:
- 1-1 ½ pounds sirloin steak depending on how much meat you want
- seasoning salt your favorite steak seasoning or my favorite (check back Wednesday for a fabulous recipe!)
- freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces thick udon noodles* cooked according to manufacturer's directions
- 1 large handful mesclun or spring greens
- 1 medium seedless cucumber halved lengthwise and cut on the diagonal into ¼ inch slices
- 1 large mango cored, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes halved, each half cut in quarters
- 4 scallions thinly sliced
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
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For the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients except the two oils, in a medium size bowl and whisk until well combined. Add canola oil in a slow stream while continually whisking. Add sesame oil and whisk until incorporated.
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For the salad, season the beef generously with seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. In the meantime heat the gas grill on high (500˚–600˚ F.). It's very important to have the temperature right to grill a steak properly.
-
Place steaks on grill and close lid. Grill, with lid down for 4-5 minutes depending on thickness.
-
Flip steaks after 5 minutes using grilling tongs, then close lid and grill the steaks about 3–4 more minutes for medium rare, 5–6 minutes for medium.
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Remove from grill, tent with aluminum foil and let the meat rest for a five minutes before slicing on the bias (at an angle and across the grain). Toss meat with 2-3 tablespoons of the dressing.
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Combine the remaining salad ingredients (except the peanuts) in a large bowl or individual serving plates Mound the beef on top and sprinkle with the chopped peanuts. Drizzle with dressing and pass extra at the table.
Notes:
~ *I love these partially cooked udon noodles, you can find them at some grocers in the Asian section and at Asian markets
~ ** Sriracha Chili Sauce is available in the Asian section at most larger grocers and also can be found at any Asian Market. It adds a delicious, mysterious flavor to sauces and dressings. It's hot on it's own, so you only need a bit of it to add the wonderful deliciousness it imparts.
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
Noodle salads are my absolute favorite. Throw in some medium rare steak and I'm in heaven! And that dressing is to die for!
Sandra Lee says
I've eaten at Houston's in Dallas and don't know how I missed this tasty dish.
Eha says
Love the ginger-sesame dressing and the inclusion of mango, which I have not enjoyed in similar salads I have eaten or made myself 🙂 !
Mary Hirsch says
I have never been to Memphis nor to a Houston's. But I will take your word for it. Honestly I will. Anxious to see what you've done with plain old sea salt. I am into making salt. Love your enthusiasm.
Lizzy Do says
I would have ordered this salad, too, so I am thrilled you reproduced it for us! Beautiful, healthy and delish...what a winner!
Eri says
I love the flavors and I;m thinking that if this is your favorite salad, then I have to try it! Hugs Chris!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Thanks Marina, I think you'll love it!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Hey Chris - you know I looked at this post at least 3 times today already. I kept getting interrupted and wanted to come back to leave a comment. I think this sounds amazing. The dressing ... sings! I love Thai dishes and have never tried a salad and noodle combination. Thanks for the nice comment on my post - that made me very happy!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Yummy! I think I'm in love with the dressing, if that is even possible!!! What a great salad!!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Thanks Laura, Thai flavors are definitely on my favorite list!
Pachecopatty says
I love everything about your Thai steak salad, just oodles of flavor with the herbs, dressing and mangoes, wonderful;-)
Jen @ Jens Favorite Cookies says
This sounds delicious! I seriously love Thai food. Sesame dressing is my favorite!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Even if it tastes half as good as it looks it will be fabulous!
Looking forward to your salt recipe. I love flavoured salts. Last year I made a citrus salt for Christmas presents and it was a huge hit.
The Slow Roasted Italian says
This looks fabulous Chris! Love this salad!
Marina@Picnic at Marina says
Chris, now I'll be thinking of that salad! Need to grill some meat and make one. Love your salt in cute little jars...:)
Nami | Just One Cookbook says
You make everyone crave for this salad, seriously! Thai food is my favorite, and I like that you used udon for this salad as I always have udon in my freezer! I have most of ingredients so I need to gather the rest and make this one! We live in such a convenient life thanks to Mr. Google! Haha. Your pictures keep making me drool for sure. This is great!
Dining Alone says
We have a Houstons here in Scottsdale, but I have never been. This salad does look really awesome, I may have to stop in there and try the original then recreate this recipe! Have a great week!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love steak salads! This looks so tasty with the lovely Thai flavors you incorporated!
sophiesfoodiefiles says
ooh,..;Waw! What a perfect salad for me! 🙂 I love it all! 🙂
Yummmm! That lemon special salt mix is great, indeed!
I am also a big fan of Maldon sea salt! It is my favourite seasalt! 🙂
Anh says
u know just read the title of the post I already know this is a winner!
Amelia says
Hi, this salad look very appetizing. Very lovely color too. Love your photography skill, it's excellent.
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Have a nice day, regards.
Kim Garceau says
Really understand why you love this salad and you crave it. I'm definitly gonna try it, but I'll wait until wendsday!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Christiane, if you make this salad without the mangoes, try to add some other fruit like nectarines or peaches, even orange slices. There's something wonderful about that sweetness with the salty and spicy flavors.
bellini says
It does sound like an unforgettable dish.
The Mom Chef says
Oh, I love this salad. I'd have to make it without the mango (not a fan), but everything else sounds spectacular.