Thai It Up Steak Salad [HMC]

The lesson here is that a little beef goes a long way. What people crave is the taste and texture of beef, not to be overwhelmed by it, and this dish satisfies that need by turning beef into a supporting player. The headliners here are the veggies and the dressing: think a big band combo filled with horns (that's the lime and chili paste dressing), a rollicking rhythm section (shredded cabbage, peppery watercress, crunchy cucumber), and silkily dressed pitch-perfect backup singers (the cellophane noodles). Add meat and bring down the house!

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Step 1

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, zest, maple syrup, ginger soy sauce and lime sauce, and chili paste. Slowly whisk in the oil until well combined.

Step 2

Put the steak in a shallow dish; rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and rub with about half the dressing; reserve the remaining dressing. Let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes. Heat a grill or grill pan to high heat. Generously oil the grate or grill pan and grill the steak until an instant-read thermometer registers 135 degrees F for medium-rare, about 3 to 4 minutes per side depending on the thickness.

Step 3

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and cover loosely with foil; allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Slice the steak diagonally across the grain into thin pieces and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the reserved dressing.

Step 4

Meanwhile, prepare the noodles according to the package directions. When the noodles are cooked, rinse them with cold water, and drain them well. Transfer them to a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon of the dressing.

Step 5

Add the arugula, cabbage, basil, cilantro, mint, bell pepper, cucumber, and noodles and toss with the remaining dressing (you should have about 2 tablespoons left). Divide the salad evenly onto 6 plates and arrange the steak over the salad. Sprinkle each serving with cashews.

Step 6

Keep your eye on the grill. Grass-fed beef is leaner than grain-fed beef and will dry out if overcooked. For perfect taste and texture, cook to rare or medium-rare. If you like your beef well done, then cook it at a very low temperature.

Step 7

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Calories: 376 per serving.