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Fresh Asian Noodle Salad with Seared Steak |
A vibrant, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish
This colorful Asian-inspired noodle salad topped with juicy slices of seared steak is a delightful balance of textures, colors, and flavors. The base is made of glass noodles combined with crunchy vegetables—carrots, bell peppers, shredded cabbage, and fresh herbs. On top sits beautifully cooked steak, juicy and pink in the center, perfectly seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic. The salad is finished with a refreshing citrus slaw made from pomelo (or grapefruit) and thinly sliced chili peppers, garnished with black sesame seeds for a slight nutty touch.
This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing, thanks to the combination of zesty dressing, tender noodles, and crisp vegetables. It's perfect for lunch, dinner,
or even as a stunning dish to impress guests at gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Salad Base
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200g glass noodles (also called cellophane noodles or bean-thread noodles)
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1 cup shredded carrots
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1 cup thinly sliced red cabbage
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1 cup thinly sliced yellow or green bell pepper
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1 small handful fresh cilantro leaves
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1 small handful Thai basil or mint
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1 cup fresh spinach or mixed greens
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1 small cucumber, julienned
For the Steak
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350g beef steak (sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin)
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1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the Dressing
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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2 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp sesame oil
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1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
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1 tbsp lime juice
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tsp grated ginger
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1 tbsp fish sauce (optional but recommended)
Citrus Slaw Topping
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1 cup shredded pomelo or grapefruit
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1 red chili, thinly sliced
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1 green chili, thinly sliced
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1 tsp black sesame seeds
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½ tsp lime zest
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glass Noodles
Place the glass noodles in a bowl and pour hot water over them. Let them soak for 5–7 minutes until soft and translucent. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Thinly slice the carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, and cucumber. Add all the vegetables into the bowl of noodles along with cilantro, basil or mint, and spinach leaves. Lightly toss everything to combine.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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soy sauce
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rice vinegar
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sesame oil
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honey
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lime juice
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minced garlic
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grated ginger
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fish sauce (optional)
Taste and adjust the sweetness or acidity according to preference.
Step 4: Prepare the Steak
Heat a pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Rub your steak with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili flakes.
Place the steak on the hot pan and sear for:
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2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare
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4 minutes per side for medium
Let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial to keep it juicy. Slice into even strips.
Step 5: Assemble the Citrus Slaw
In a separate small bowl, combine pomelo (or grapefruit) with sliced red and green chili. Add lime zest and sprinkle black sesame seeds. Mix gently to avoid breaking the fruit segments.
Step 6: Build the Final Dish
Pour the dressing over the noodle-vegetable mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
Carefully lay the sliced steak on top.
Finish by adding the citrus slaw on the very top for freshness and a pop of color.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve immediately for the freshest texture.
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You can add chopped peanuts or cashews for crunch.
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Pair it with iced green tea, sparkling water, or a light citrus drink.
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For a spicy kick, drizzle extra chili oil or sriracha.
Final Thought
This Fresh Asian Noodle Salad with Seared Steak is an irresistible harmony of flavors—sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory—all coming together in one vibrant bowl. Every bite carries a balance of tender beef, crunchy vegetables, refreshing citrus, and silky noodles. It’s a dish that feels light yet satisfying, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, meal-prep lunches, or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home, and once you try it, you might find yourself making it again and again.
Bon appétit! 🍜🥢✨