Cambodian Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad featuring marinated beef with crisp vegetables and a bright lime-cilantro dressing. This asian ready in about 15 minutes blends flank steak, lime juice, fish sauce into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Thinly slice 8 oz flank steak against the grain. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 finely sliced Thai chili until sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Place sliced steak in a bowl and pour dressing over it. Toss to coat and marinate for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp sliced green onions, 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro to the bowl. Gently toss to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve the salad on a bed of 2 cups torn iceberg lettuce leaves, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cambodian Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Cambodian Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cambodian Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cambodian Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cambodian Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs and Lime Dressing?

Asian asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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