Grilled Steak Salad with Sesame Dressing Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This delicious rib-eye steak salad is a perfect balance of flavors, featuring tender grilled steak, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sesame dressing. Here's how to make it.

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

• 1 (12 ounce) rib-eye steak
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Montreal steak seasoning, or to taste
• lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• teaspoon sesame oil
• teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 pinches red pepper flakes
• 10 leaves romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• large English cucumber, cubed
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges
• 1 carrot, grated
• 4 thin slices red onion
• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Directions

Step 1: Season both sides of the rib-eye steak with soy sauce and steak seasoning. Place it on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to allow the flavors to marinate.

Step 2: Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grate to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Grill the steak for about 6 minutes on each side, or until the steak is firm, reddish-pink in the center, and juicy. The internal temperature should reach 130F (54C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 4: Transfer the steak to a platter, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice wine vinegar, olive oil, white sugar, sesame oil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to create the dressing.

Step 6: In a large bowl, combine the torn lettuce leaves, cubed cucumber, diced avocado, tomato wedges, grated carrot, and red onion slices. Add the grilled steak strips to the bowl as well.

Step 7: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

Step 8: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to finish the dish, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 704
• Total Fat: 53g (67% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 12g (58% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 61mg (20% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1001mg (44% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 39g (14% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 12g (44% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 26g (52% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 41mg (46% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 217mg (17% Daily Value)
• Iron: 6mg (31% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 1389mg (30% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your individual calorie needs.

This Grilled Steak Salad with Sesame Dressing is a delightful blend of Asian-inspired flavors, offering a fresh and hearty meal. It features a juicy grilled rib-eye steak paired with a tangy, flavorful sesame dressing, and a variety of vegetables like cucumber, avocado, and tomato. Ideal for summer, this salad is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a healthy and satisfying dinner.

Origin and History

The concept of combining grilled meats with fresh vegetables in salads has been around for centuries, but the specific flavor profile of the "Grilled Steak Salad with Sesame Dressing" draws heavy inspiration from East Asian cuisine. Sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar are staples in many Asian cooking traditions, especially in Japan, Korea, and China. These ingredients create a rich, umami-packed dressing that enhances the natural flavors of grilled steak. This particular version of the salad likely emerged as a fusion dish, blending the Western love for grilled meats with the savory, tangy elements of Asian condiments.

Regional Features

While the grilled steak salad is common across many countries, this version with sesame dressing is particularly reflective of Asian culinary influences. The use of ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder is typical of Korean and Japanese salads, where fresh vegetables often meet savory grilled meats in a harmonious combination. In contrast, many Western steak salads focus on creamy dressings or vinaigrettes, whereas the sesame dressing in this recipe offers a more complex flavor profile with a balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami.

Distinguishing Features

Compared to similar dishes like the classic Cobb salad or steak salads from American cuisine, this grilled steak salad with sesame dressing stands out due to its Asian-inspired dressing and the bold use of sesame oil. The sweetness of sugar combined with the acidity of rice vinegar and soy sauce creates a unique balance, unlike the creamy or mustard-based dressings often used in Western steak salads. Additionally, the inclusion of sesame seeds on top not only adds a crunchy texture but also deepens the nutty flavor of the dressing, setting it apart from more traditional steak salads.

Where It Is Typically Served

This grilled steak salad is commonly served in restaurants that specialize in fusion cuisine, blending elements from both Asian and Western food traditions. Its also a popular choice in casual dining settings, especially during warm months when fresh salads are in demand. You might find it served in American bistros, contemporary steakhouses, or even Japanese-inspired cafes that focus on healthy, balanced meals. Additionally, this dish can be a fantastic centerpiece for a family dinner or a barbecue gathering, offering a refreshing alternative to more traditional meat-based side dishes.

Interesting Facts

• The use of sesame oil in this salad is a nod to the many health benefits of the ingredient, which is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats.
• The grilled steak, when paired with fresh vegetables, provides a well-rounded meal thats high in protein and fiber, making it a great option for those looking for a hearty yet healthy meal.
• In many Asian cultures, salads are not just a side dish, but an integral part of the meal, often used to balance the richness of meats with fresh, crisp textures.
• The combination of steak and salad is a fusion of two distinct culinary traditions, highlighting the versatility of both grilling and fresh vegetable combinations in modern cuisine.

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