Balsamic Beef Salad
Kim Kook-shin’s Life’s Delicious Restaurant: Balsamic Beef Salad – The Perfect Harmony of Balsamic Vinegar, Beef, and Soy Sauce
Hello everyone! This is Kim Kook-shin from ‘Life’s Delicious Restaurant’. Today, I’m introducing a fantastic Balsamic Beef Salad! This dish features perfectly grilled beef combined with fresh vegetables and a tangy balsamic vinegar dressing, creating a delightful culinary experience. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Ingredients
- Beef round steak 400g (lean cut)
- Soy sauce 4 Tbsp (3 Tbsp regular soy sauce + 1 Tbsp for extra seasoning)
- Cooking wine (Mirin) 5 Tbsp
- Sugar 3 Tbsp (2 Tbsp for initial marinating + 1 Tbsp for extra seasoning)
- Potato starch 1 Tbsp
- Olive oil 3 Tbsp
- Balsamic vinegar 3 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Romaine lettuce 1/2 head (chopped)
- Sprouts 1 bag (washed)
- Sliced nuts 1/2 cup (for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the beef. I’ve chosen round steak, which is a lean cut with a mild flavor. Carefully trim off any tough membranes or excess fat. Then, slice the beef thinly, about 2-3mm thick. Slicing it thinly is key for a tender texture in this salad.
Step 2
Place the sliced beef in a bowl to marinate. Add 5 Tbsp of cooking wine (mirin) to tenderize the meat and remove any unwanted odors. Next, add 2 Tbsp of regular soy sauce, 2 Tbsp of sugar, and 1 Tbsp of potato starch. The potato starch acts as a coating, preventing moisture loss and ensuring a succulent texture. Finally, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Gently toss everything together with your hands to ensure the marinade coats the beef evenly. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
Step 3
Now, let’s cook the beef. Heat a pan over medium heat and add 3 Tbsp of olive oil. Lay the marinated beef in a single layer. To prevent burning and keep the beef moist, add about half a cup of water to the pan and cover it with a lid. This steaming effect will help cook the beef gently. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Cook for approximately 3 minutes.
Step 4
After about 3 minutes, the beef should be nicely cooked, and the potato starch will have thickened the sauce, locking in the juices. Transfer the cooked beef to another bowl. Now, we’ll add an extra layer of flavor. Mix in 1 Tbsp of regular soy sauce, 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds, and 1 Tbsp of sugar. This seasoning will enhance the overall taste profile of the beef.
Step 5
Time to assemble the salad! In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and the washed sprouts. Add the seasoned beef on top. Drizzle about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over the salad. Next, pour 3 Tbsp of balsamic vinegar. If you don’t have traditional Italian balsamic vinegar, feel free to use fruit-infused balsamic vinegars (like blueberry or raspberry) or even Chinese black vinegar (‘Lao Chen Cu’) for a unique twist. Adjust the amount of vinegar based on your preference for tanginess.
Step 6
Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is lightly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, which can bruise the lettuce. Transfer the salad to a serving plate. Garnish with the sliced nuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor. Your delicious Balsamic Beef Salad is ready to be enjoyed!
