Lemongrass Steak Banh Mi Salad Bowl

This savory and refreshing lemon grass steak salad is inspired by the classic banh mi! Banh mi is a traditional Vietnamese sandwich that is served on a crisp and airy French baguette filled with pickled vegetables and a salty protein. There’s so many different versions and customizations and its probably one of my to 5 favorite foods! This salad is just as delectable; The lemongrass steak is the perfect amount of umami. The crunch is still real with the crisp romaine lettuce and the flavors of the fresh vegetables are pair so well together. I call it the deconstructed banh mi bowl! Give it a try!!

What you’ll need:

• 3-4 lbs of strip steak

• 1 T olive oil

• 1 T lemon grass

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp tumeric powder

• 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)

• 1 tsp sweetener (optional)

• salt and black pepper

• 1 large avocado

• 1-2 large cucumbers

• 1-2 large jalapenos

• 1-2 carrots

• romaine lettuce

• 2 T kewpie mayonnaise

• 2 T sriracha

• 2 T sweet chili sauce

• 1-2 sprigs fresh cilantro

Instructions:

1. Start off by prepping vegetables

   • Cut avocado into slices

   • Cut cucumber into slices

   • Cut jalapeno into slices

   • Shred or julienne Carrots (If you’d like to use pickled carrots, soak your sliced carrots in vinegar, salt, and sweetener and let sit at this time).

   • Wash, dry, and chop romaine lettuce for salad

   • Set all aside

2. Prepare steaks by patting dry and seasoning with olive oil, lemongrass, garlic powder, turmeric, salt and pepper. (If using fish sauce and sweetener, don’t add salt)

   • Cook how you like: bbq, cast iron, bake, etc.

   • I airfryed at 400 for about 5-7 min flipping halfway through

     (time varies on how thick your steaks are; mine were about 1/2 in thick)

3. Once steak is cooked to your liking, set aside for juices to stay intact while you prepare salad and dressing

4. To make dressing, combine equal parts kewpie mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce.

5. To a serving bowl, add romaine lettuce and drizzle spicy mayo/ sweet chili dressing on top. (shake if desired)

6. Top with a few slices of each; avocado, jalapeños, carrots, and cucumbers

7. Slice steak into strips and place on top of salad

8. Drizzle more spicy mayo/ sweet chili sauce on top

9. Garnish with cilantro and enjoy right away!