Cambodian Beef Salad in Spicy Lime Dressing

Written by
Dennis Sim
Food writer and chef living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who creates recipes inspired by Southeast Asia.
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Dennis Sim
Updated 04/01/21
Getty Images
Prep: 0 mins
Cook: 8 mins
Total: 8 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Nutritional Guidelines (per serving)
613 Calories
23g Fat
63g Carbs
46g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 2
Amount per serving
Calories 613
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 23g 30%
Saturated Fat 6g 30%
Cholesterol 96mg 32%
Sodium 3374mg 147%
Total Carbohydrate 63g 23%
Dietary Fiber 10g 36%
Protein 46g
Calcium 421mg 32%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

This delicious and refreshing Cambodian beef salad in spicy lime dressing is a big favorite not just in Cambodia but also in Vietnam and Thailand. In Cambodia, it is usually served in restaurants or as part of a celebration. It makes a great starter, and the combination of the beef and herbs with the spicy and tangy dressing is ideal for whetting the appetite for the main course.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound sirloin steak
  • 1/4 cup bean sprouts
  • 1/4 cup whole basil leaves (fresh)
  • 1/4 cup whole mint leaves (fresh)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • salt to taste
  • For the Dressing:
  • 4 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 lime (juiced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (diced)
  • 3 bird’s eye chilies (diced)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

  2. Rub the steak with salt.

  3. Heat the oil in a frying pan or wok over high heat.

  4. When the oil starts to smoke, turn the flame down to medium and place the steak in the hot oil. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes before turning it over. Allow it to cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side.

  5. Drain the steak of any excess oil. Allow to rest for five minutes.

  6. Cut steak into ¼ inch thick slices.

  7. To prepare the dressing, whisk the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar in a medium bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the garlic and chilies.

  8. In a salad bowl, toss the beef, bean sprouts, basil leaves, mint leaves and dressing until well mixed.