Cambodian Beef Salad in Spicy Lime Dressing

By
Dennis Sim
Dennis Sim
Food writer and chef living in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, who creates recipes inspired by Southeast Asia.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 06/23/21
Tested by
Renae Wilson
Photo of Renae E. Wilson
Tested by Renae Wilson
Renae has certifications in both Pastry Arts and Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education and works as a private chef and caterer, recipe tester and developer, and food writer. Renae has written and developed recipes for Rachael Ray In Season, the Kitchn, Food52, and more.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Cambodian Beef Salad in Spicy Lime Dressing

The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii
Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Rest Time: 5 mins
Total: 25 mins
Servings: 2 servings
Nutrition Facts (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
  • Kosher 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.

    Cambodian Beef Salad in Spicy Lime Dressing ingredients

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  2. Rub the steak with salt.

    Rub the steak with salt

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

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

    oil in a pan

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  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 2 to 5 minutes per side depending on desired doneness.

    meat cooking in a pan

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

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

    cooked steak

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  6. Cut steak into 1/4-inch thick slices.

    sliced steak on a cutting board

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

  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.

    whisk the fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar in a medium bowl with garlic and chilies

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii

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

    Cambodian Beef Salad in Spicy Lime Dressing in a bowl

    The Spruce / Ahlam Raffii