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Asian Beef and Bok Choy Salad — Fresh homemade recipe photo

Asian Beef and Bok Choy Salad

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I've been making this salad for about two years now and it's earned a permanent slot in my rotation because it actually works when I'm tired. The key is getting the bok choy properly wilted — not mushy, just tender with some bite left. I usually toss together the dressing while the beef cooks so everything comes together fast.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

For the Beef:
  • 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak about 2 cm thick
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 clove garlic minced
For the Salad:
  • 6 heads baby bok choy about 1 lb total, trimmed and halved lengthwise
  • 3 green onions sliced thin on the bias
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for cooking
For the Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tsp Sriracha or chili crisp adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1/2 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
Optional Garnishes:
  • thinly sliced red chili peppers
  • lime wedges
  • crushed peanuts

Method
 

  1. Prepare the beef: Slice flank steak against the grain into thin strips (about 1/8-inch thick). In a bowl, toss with soy sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, cornstarch, and minced garlic until evenly coated. Let sit for at least 5 minutes while you prep the vegetables.
  2. Make the dressing: Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, garlic, ginger, toasted sesame oil, and neutral oil in a small bowl or jar. Taste and adjust — more Sriracha if you want heat, extra honey if you prefer sweet. Set aside.
  3. Cook the bok choy: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bok choy cut-side down and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until lightly browned. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until just wilted but still crisp-tender. Transfer to a large serving bowl.
  4. Cook the beef: Wipe out the skillet, add remaining tablespoon of oil over high heat until shimmering (about 30 seconds). Add beef in a single layer — work in batches if needed so it doesn't overcrowd. Cook 1-2 minutes per side until browned and cooked through to at least 145°F for medium. Transfer to a plate and let rest 3 minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
  5. Assemble: Pour dressing over warm bok choy and toss gently. Add sliced beef, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Toss once more to distribute everything evenly.
  6. Serve immediately while still slightly warm — the residual heat helps absorb the flavors. Garnish with extra chili peppers or lime wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 26gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 920mgPotassium: 680mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 4mg

Notes

One thing that makes this dish special: a splash of rice vinegar in the dressing cuts through the richness of the beef without being too sharp. I also learned to slice the meat against the grain after resting, which keeps every bite tender even if you've been standing over the stove too long. It's one of those dishes where simple ingredients really shine.

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