Vietnamese Steak with Cucumber Salad

No you don't have to go to an Asian market. To me, that is the biggest obstacle of cooking with Asian meals.  But you should go to an Asian market so Americans can be less ignorant. If I don't have the time to do the steak, I'm adding that salad to the next Asian meal I make. Steven was sold on just the dressing....which is the marinade....which is the sauce. 

Vietnamese Steak with Cucumber Salad

Recipe from Kim and New York Times

Serves 4

Time: Overnight, if you'd like!

• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon packed lime zest
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice (three limes)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 jalapeno, seeds removed, minced
• 1 flank steak, about 1 1/2 lbs
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 bunch of radishes, thinly sliced
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• cooked rice noodles or rice
• Sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for serving.

In a small bowl, whisk: fish sauce, lime zest, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and jalapeno. Pour half over flank steak in a zip lock bag and reserve half for salad and sauce.  Let steak marinate for at least 1 up to 24 hours. 

Combine cucumber, radishes, and scallions. Right before serving pour in just enough marinade to coat. Toss.

Preheat the grill to high.  Grill steak until its done to your liking. It took about 5-7 minutes on each side, but our steak was pretty plump. We prefered medium-rare meat but as long as it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit in the center, eat up. 

LET IT REST FOR 10 MINUTES (just do it, I'll know if you don't). Thinly slice the steak against the grain. Serve over rice noodles and with cucumber salad. Top with sesame seeds (or peanuts). 

Next time: I need to serve with rice instead of rice noodles.  I can't find any good rice noodles. Either that or I'm cooking them really poorly.  Also don't forget to add the sesame seeds or peanuts. You had both and you blew it. 

Rumor has it this can be done in the broiler.  Try that. Use a cast iron skillet with oil. Sear for 2 minutes then flip and send to broiler. 2-3 minutes for rare.