Craving a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal that's both quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than this vibrant Vietnamese Watercress Beef Salad! This recipe showcases the peppery bite of watercress perfectly complemented by tender slices of marinated beef, creating a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. The zesty lime dressing, infused with fragrant fish sauce and a touch of sweetness, ties all the elements together beautifully, offering a refreshing escape from the ordinary. It's a light yet fulfilling dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch.
This easy-to-follow recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The combination of crunchy watercress, succulent beef, and the tangy dressing is simply irresistible. Ready to experience the magic of this Vietnamese culinary gem? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create this delicious salad together!
Tools Needed
- Large bowl
- Large pan
Ingredients
- Beef tenderloin: 1 pound
- Distilled white vinegar: 5 tablespoons
- Sugar: 4 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves
- Soy sauce: 2.5 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Ground black pepper: 1.5 tablespoons
- Chicken stock powder: 1 tablespoon
- Tomato: 1
- Fresh watercress
- Cooking oil: 1 tablespoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Beef
- Cut the beef tenderloin in half, then slice it thinly against the grain.
- Marinate the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, chicken stock powder, black pepper, and a portion of the chopped garlic. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour (longer is better).
- Add the marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until desired doneness is reached.
Step 2. Make the Dressing and Saute Garlic
- Prepare the vinaigrette dressing by mixing sugar and white vinegar until sugar dissolves.
- Heat cooking oil in a pan over high heat. Add the remaining garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
Step 3. Assemble the Salad
- Slice the tomato thinly for presentation.
- Arrange tomato slices and watercress on a plate. Top with the cooked beef.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Drizzle the vinaigrette dressing over the salad. Add extra black pepper and white onions (optional).
Read more: Crispy Tofu with Onions: A Delicious Vietnamese Beer Snack
Tips
- The longer you marinate the beef, the better the flavor.
- You can adjust the tomato and watercress quantities to your preference.
- Don't overcook the beef, as thinly sliced beef cooks quickly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-700
- Fat: 30-40g
- Carbs: 30-40g
- Protein: 40-50g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of watercress?
Yes! Other leafy greens like spinach, romaine, or even mixed greens can be used as a substitute, although the peppery flavor of watercress is unique to this salad.
2. How far in advance can I prepare the beef marinade?
You can marinate the beef for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Marinating for longer might make the beef overly tender.
This Vietnamese Watercress Beef Salad is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients combined with bold flavors. Enjoy this light yet satisfying dish as a healthy and delicious meal any time of the year. We hope you savor every bite!