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My daughter lived in Memphis TN several years ago and one day, while I was visiting, we went for lunch at Houston's, a popular, classy restaurant located, not only in Memphis but in several other cities around the country. We both ordered the Thai Steak Salad and when it arrived, it was not only gorgeous, it was phenomenally delicious! With sweet, salty and spicy flavors typical of Thai cuisine, this salad earned rave reviews from both of us.
When my daughter moved from Memphis several years ago, I found myself craving this fresh vibrant salad. Since I couldn't jump on a plane just to go to Houston's, I was thrilled when I checked Mr. Google and found several online renditions of Houston's Thai Steak Salad. Apparently, my daughter and I weren't the only ones who went crazy over this wonderful salad! I combined a few ideas from these versions, added some of my own and... voila! I can have this delightful salad anytime I want;Â and so can you!
P.S. You'll want to check back on Wednesday for a wonderfully delicious seasoning salt, my Lemon-Rosemary Sea Salt, perfect for seasoning the steak in this delicious salad (and a zillion other things)!
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Thai Steak & Noodle Salad w/ Ginger-Sesame Dressing
Ingredients
- Ginger-Sesame Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger
- ÂĽ cup brown sugar
- ÂĽ cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha Chili Sauce**
- ½ cup canola oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salad Ingredients:
- 1-1 ½ pounds sirloin steak, depending on how much meat you want
- seasoning salt, your favorite steak seasoning or my favorite (check back Wednesday for a fabulous recipe!)
- freshly ground black pepper
- 8 ounces thick udon noodles*, cooked according to manufacturer's directions
- 1 large handful mesclun or spring greens
- 1 medium seedless cucumber, halved lengthwise and cut on the diagonal into ÂĽ inch slices
- 1 large mango, cored, peeled and sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, halved, each half cut in quarters
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup salted peanuts
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- For the dressing, combine all dressing ingredients except the two oils, in a medium size bowl and whisk until well combined. Add canola oil in a slow stream while continually whisking. Add sesame oil and whisk until incorporated.
- For the salad, season the beef generously with seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. In the meantime heat the gas grill on high (500˚–600˚ F.). It's very important to have the temperature right to grill a steak properly.
- Place steaks on grill and close lid. Grill, with lid down for 4-5 minutes depending on thickness.
- Flip steaks after 5 minutes using grilling tongs, then close lid and grill the steaks about 3–4 more minutes for medium rare, 5–6 minutes for medium.
- Remove from grill, tent with aluminum foil and let the meat rest for a five minutes before slicing on the bias (at an angle and across the grain). Toss meat with 2-3 tablespoons of the dressing.
- Combine the remaining salad ingredients (except the peanuts) in a large bowl or individual serving plates Mound the beef on top and sprinkle with the chopped peanuts. Drizzle with dressing and pass extra at the table.
Notes
~ *I love these partially cooked udon noodles, you can find them at some grocers in the Asian section and at Asian markets
~ ** Sriracha Chili Sauce is available in the Asian section at most larger grocers and also can be found at any Asian Market. It adds a delicious, mysterious flavor to sauces and dressings. It's hot on it's own, so you only need a bit of it to add the wonderful deliciousness it imparts.
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Another amazing salad! Your recipes never disappoint. I made this tonight (without the steak) to take to a dinner party and it got rave reviews! When I make a recipe for the first time, I don't usually add the full amount of a spicy ingredient, but next time I would probably use a little more siracha... Maybe 1 1/2 teaspoons. Thanks again!!
I will definitely be trying this! It sounds wonderful. Your photos are beautiful too! Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday!
that ginger sesame dressing sounds terrific, i could never thought of such a mixture of ingredients, just like that mixture of strawberry balsamic sauce, it was really so good!!
That dressing sounds delicious and your salad looks amazing. I have been craving the flavors of Thai lately so I am going to make this. I like the substitution of peaches or nectarines too.
What a find! That you for posting this salad. I just know we would love it!!!
What a marvelous salad. I can see why you recommend it so highly. It really looks delicious. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary
I can totally understand why this is your favourite salad ever! The flavours just sing!
So sorry, the printable recipe was having a bit of a problem but it's fixed now! Or maybe it was me having the problem, nevertheless, it's taken care of! ENJOY 🙂
I love steak salads and Thai food ... this looks like a combination made in heaven!!!!
That's an irresistible salad!
We must be on the same wave length. I have been eating a very similar salad for the last 10 days. Can't get enough.
Sounds delicious!! Chris I seem to be unable to print it..HELP!!
Steak salads are my favorite way to enjoy a steak, mixed in with all these fabulous flavorful ingredients, it just sounds so good! Your photo is stunning!
I'm kinda obsessed with thai salad lately.
Houston's has been one of my favorite restaurants for years, but I don't remember ever seeing this salad at the one in New Orleans! I will definitely give it a try! Looks fabulous.
Noodle salads are my absolute favorite. Throw in some medium rare steak and I'm in heaven! And that dressing is to die for!
I've eaten at Houston's in Dallas and don't know how I missed this tasty dish.
Love the ginger-sesame dressing and the inclusion of mango, which I have not enjoyed in similar salads I have eaten or made myself 🙂 !
I have never been to Memphis nor to a Houston's. But I will take your word for it. Honestly I will. Anxious to see what you've done with plain old sea salt. I am into making salt. Love your enthusiasm.
I would have ordered this salad, too, so I am thrilled you reproduced it for us! Beautiful, healthy and delish...what a winner!
I love the flavors and I;m thinking that if this is your favorite salad, then I have to try it! Hugs Chris!
Thanks Marina, I think you'll love it!
Hey Chris - you know I looked at this post at least 3 times today already. I kept getting interrupted and wanted to come back to leave a comment. I think this sounds amazing. The dressing ... sings! I love Thai dishes and have never tried a salad and noodle combination. Thanks for the nice comment on my post - that made me very happy!
Yummy! I think I'm in love with the dressing, if that is even possible!!! What a great salad!!
Thanks Laura, Thai flavors are definitely on my favorite list!
I love everything about your Thai steak salad, just oodles of flavor with the herbs, dressing and mangoes, wonderful;-)
This sounds delicious! I seriously love Thai food. Sesame dressing is my favorite!
Even if it tastes half as good as it looks it will be fabulous!
Looking forward to your salt recipe. I love flavoured salts. Last year I made a citrus salt for Christmas presents and it was a huge hit.
This looks fabulous Chris! Love this salad!
Chris, now I'll be thinking of that salad! Need to grill some meat and make one. Love your salt in cute little jars...:)
You make everyone crave for this salad, seriously! Thai food is my favorite, and I like that you used udon for this salad as I always have udon in my freezer! I have most of ingredients so I need to gather the rest and make this one! We live in such a convenient life thanks to Mr. Google! Haha. Your pictures keep making me drool for sure. This is great!
We have a Houstons here in Scottsdale, but I have never been. This salad does look really awesome, I may have to stop in there and try the original then recreate this recipe! Have a great week!
I love steak salads! This looks so tasty with the lovely Thai flavors you incorporated!
ooh,..;Waw! What a perfect salad for me! 🙂 I love it all! 🙂
Yummmm! That lemon special salt mix is great, indeed!
I am also a big fan of Maldon sea salt! It is my favourite seasalt! 🙂
u know just read the title of the post I already know this is a winner!
Hi, this salad look very appetizing. Very lovely color too. Love your photography skill, it's excellent.
Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Have a nice day, regards.
Really understand why you love this salad and you crave it. I'm definitly gonna try it, but I'll wait until wendsday!
Christiane, if you make this salad without the mangoes, try to add some other fruit like nectarines or peaches, even orange slices. There's something wonderful about that sweetness with the salty and spicy flavors.
It does sound like an unforgettable dish.
Oh, I love this salad. I'd have to make it without the mango (not a fan), but everything else sounds spectacular.