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    Home » Recipe » Salads and Sides » Flank Steak Salad

    Flank Steak Salad

    Published: Jan 19, 2020 · Modified: Jan 31, 2023 by Sabrina Currie · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Flank Steak Salad is truly one of my all time favourite fast and healthy dinner recipes. This salad has a bright and punchy Thai style dressing and the salad is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs. Done in just 30 minutes, basil, cilantro, ginger and Thai chili make this meal sing. Packed with protein, vitamins and flavor, I am betting you'll love it too.

    Flank steak salad with green herbs and lime wedges on a turquoise oval platter on patterned blue and green tablecloth
    Fresh herbs are essential to the flavor of this flank steak salad
    Jump to:
    • Quick and easy main course salad
    • Fresh herbs-make them or grow them
    • Flank Steak vs Skirt Steak
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions
    • Expert Tips
    • What to serve with this salad
    • Frequently asked questions
    • Related Recipes
    • Recipe

    Quick and easy main course salad

    I love healthy meals that are easy. Grilling the flank steak adds extra flavor without the extra dishes. #winning right?!? If you love a dinner salad, I bet you'll love my seafood based Chirashi Sushi Bowl, the veggie and fruit based Medjool Date and Carrot Salad or my cold weather favorite Rocket and Pear Salad with Walnuts.

    Fresh herbs-make them or grow them

    It is imperative that you seek out fresh herbs for this salad. You can make do with only 1 or 2 kinds of fresh herbs if you can't find all three but herbs are a big part of the fresh and spicy flavor of this salad. Using fresh ginger or galangal also makes a big difference over dried in this recipe.

    (If you're interested in growing your own microgreens, basil and cilantro work well and can be an economical way of enjoying fresh herbs through the winter. Check out the article I wrote on growing your own microgreens.)

    Thai Flank Steak, Healthy and Lean
    Thai Flank Steak, Healthy and Lean

    Flank Steak vs Skirt Steak

    I love flank steak for this recipe because it is a lean cut of meat that has a ton of flavour, not to mention loads of iron and B vitamins essential to our health. If you want a good substitute, skirt steak is excellent. Skirt steak comes from the plate area of the belly while flank comes from the part also called the flank, right beside the plate, closer to the tail end. (Hanger steak is another great substitute which also comes from the plate area of the cow.)

    Skirt steak has a looser grain than flank but many say that flank is more tender. That won't matter much for this salad, both will be lovely once you cut them across the grain for serving.

    Cutting flank or skirt steak across the grain once cooked and rested keeps the beef tender. I've included some pic's in the recipe to show the grain and how to cut larger cuts in half to make handling and slicing easier.

    A large cut of flank steak is cut down the middle long ways to make it easier to cook and slice

    Both types of steak are lean, relatively inexpensive and best cooked no more than medium to keep them juicy and tender. (Overcooking will make these cuts unpleasant unless you commit to stewing them slowly all day long.)

    Steak sliced into Thai herb salad in a white bowl
    Healthy Easy Thai Salad With Light Chili Lime Dressing

    Ingredients

    • Flank Steak - Historically an inexpensive cut, it seems the secret is out as the price keeps going up. Flavorful, easy to cook in a pan or the grill and even easier to slice and serve, this is a versatile cut. This cut of beef comes from the lower back quarter, just above and slightly forward of the hind legs. Best cooked medium to medium rare and takes well to marinades.
    • Fresh herbs - This salad is made up of a lot of fresh herbs. Dry herbs will not work in this as they make up part a good part of the salad. If you can't get all three herbs fresh, use 1 or 2 and just increase the quantities.
    • Ginger - Another integral part of this salad dressing that sets it apart from others. Again fresh is much preferred for authentic flavor.
    • Fish Sauce - If you're truly averse or you don't want to buy a bottle just for one recipe, you can leave it out, but...….your salad will not be as good 😉 Fish sauce adds a wonderful, depth of flavor, salinity and umami, that delicious indescribable mouth feel that can't be replicated.
    • Chilis - I was never a fan of hot spice until I traveled to Thailand in my early 20's and then I was hooked. This spice adds greatly to the rich tapestry of flavours and wakes up all your senses.
    Ginger, lime, chilis and garlic on a white background

    Substitutions

    • Flank steak - A lean and flavorful cut is perfect for this salad. Similar cuts such as hanger or skirt steak are good substitutions. Don't use fatty cuts like New York or strip loin.
    • Protein - This Thai flavored salad is delicious topped with shrimp, grilled calamari, tofu or chicken instead of beef if you prefer.
    • Fish Sauce - If you omit the fish sauce, taste and adjust with a little extra salt or anchovy paste.

    Expert Tips

    -When marinating flank steak, place it on a cutting board and poke it all over with a fork before placing in bowl or bag with marinade. This will help the flavor soak in and really do it's work.

    -Once your steak is finished cooking, cover it with foil and let it rest. 10 minutes is the minimum and up to 20 minutes is beneficial. This will help prevent the juices from running out and rendering the meat dry after slicing.

    -To slice your steak, identify which way the grain (or strings) are running. It is very important to cut across them. Flank or skirt cut across the grain is wonderful and tender but cut with the grain, it will be extremely tough.

    What to serve with this salad

    Weeknight meal: If you like a little starch with your meal, toss some cooked rice noodles into the salad or cook some Thai jasmine or brown rice to serve along side.

    Weekend meal: Got company? Make an Asian feast. Start with Shrimp Salad Rolls and Oysters Motoyaki and then finish with the Flank Steak Salad and Scallop Fried Rice.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the best flank steak substitute?

    The best substitutes for flank steak are skirt steak or hanger steak. Next best would be tri-tip and finally you could use sirloin steak as well. Treat them the same as you would the flank steak and keep them between medium-medium rare, rest them for 10 minutes after cooking and then slice thinly across the grain to serve.

    Does flank steak need to be marinated?

    While it doesn't "need" to be marinated, it is beneficial. Marinating flank steak will help break down the connective tissues before cooking and add flavor.

    Can I make Flank Steak Salad ahead?

    You can make the components of the salad ahead (the dressing, marinade and steak) but this should be assembled shortly before serving so the salad and herbs stay crisp. I you want, you can precook the steak ahead, store in the refrigerator and serve as a cold salad when you are ready.

    Flank steak salad with Thai salad dressing is one of my all time favorites. I think I could live on all the kinds of Asian food, the spicy, pungent and bright flavours are just so delicious. What do you think?

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    Have a wonderful meal and a delicious day,

    Sabrina

    Recipe

    Sliced flank steak with greens and herbs in a white bowl on a gold charger

    Flank Steak Salad with Thai Dressing

    This flank steak salad will be on your table in 30 minutes. Bright and vibrant with fresh herbs and a Thai style dressing that can be made ahead. The dressing also doubles as the marinade for the steak.
    5 from 59 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Thai
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 4 people
    Calories: 493kcal
    Author: Sabrina Currie

    Ingredients

    Flank Steak

    • 1 lb Flank Steak

    Thai Salad Dressing And Steak Marinade

    • 1 teaspoon Ginger (or Galangal if you can find it), grated Galangal has a milder ginger flavour and is a traditional ingredient in Thai foods.
    • 1 teaspoon Garlic, minced
    • 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
    • 2 tablespoon Sweet Chili Sauce For the Sweet and Spicy
    • 3 tablespoon Lime Juice and ¼ teaspoon zest from the lime For the Sour, grate the zest before juicing the lime for greater ease
    • 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce For the Salty
    • 1-2 *Optional* Birds Eye Chilis chopped finely (or Sriracha Sauce to taste) Birds Eye Chilis are a traditional Thai source of spice. If you want to kick up the heat to a more authentic level, add in one or two of these!

    Thai Salad Vegetables

    • 6 c Mixed Greens Butter lettuce, kale, spinach, mustard greens and other reasonably sturdy greens work well.
    • 1 c Cucumber, thinly sliced
    • 1 c Carrot, ribbons or thin slices
    • 1 c Purple Cabbage, shredded
    • ½ c Each, Basil, Cilantro and Mint, roughly chopped
    • 1 *Optional* Avocado, thinly sliced or cubed
    • 1 *Optional* Mango, thinly sliced or cubed
    • ½ c Peanuts, crushed
    • Lime Wedges to serve

    Instructions

    Dressing And Marinade

    • Mix together all dressing ingredients.

    Flank Steak

    • Pour 3 tablespoon of dressing in a bag or bowl, poke flank steak with a fork all over and place in marinade. Massage flank steak in dressing and leave to marinate while you chop the salad ingredients. If making ahead, you can marinate this steak up to 12 hours.
    • Preheat your grill to high, lightly oil grates with a BBQ basting brush and put steak on. Cook approximately 3-4 minutes each side but every grill (and thickness of flank steak) is different so pay attention to your steak, letting it sear on both sides and aim for a doneness of no more than medium to keep it from getting dry.
    • Remove steak from grill, cover and let rest 10-20 minutes. Once rested, slice thinly on an angle across the grain. (Flank steak has a very defined grain compared to many other meats so you should be able to see which way the grain or "stringiness" is running. You want to cut the opposite way to make the steak pieces tender.)

    Salad Assembly

    • Toss all vegetables and herbs in a large bowl gently. Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss gently.
    • Heap salad into bowls topping with slices of steak. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve with lime wedges and hot sauce.

    Notes

    -When marinating flank steak, place it on a cutting board and poke it all over with a fork before placing in bowl or bag with marinade. This will help the flavor soak in and really do it's work
    -Once your steak is finished cooking, cover it with foil and let it rest 10-20 minutes.
    -To slice your steak, identify which way the grain (or strings) are running. It is very important to cut across them. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 552mg | Potassium: 1234mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 7205IU | Vitamin C: 74mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @wckitchengarden or tag #wckitchengarden!
    Healthy Easy Thai Salad Recipe
    Healthy Easy Thai Salad Recipe
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    About Sabrina Currie

    Classically French trained cook, photographer and food stylist living on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ayngelina Brogan

      January 21, 2020 at 8:55 am

      5 stars
      I pulled steak for a salad tonight. I think I'm going to try your version of it.

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 21, 2020 at 8:56 am

        Awesome! Super easy and flavourful, I hope you love it!!!

        Reply
    2. Lisa

      January 21, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      5 stars
      Just looking at the photo, I can practically taste all the flavors from all the different ingredients! This looks incredibly healthy and delicious and satisfying. Thanks for sharing this recipe!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 23, 2020 at 5:04 pm

        You’re welcome Lisa! And thank you so much for reading and chiming in. Cheers!

        Reply
    3. Joss

      January 21, 2020 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      Thai is one of my favourite cuisines, and this Thai salad with flank steak is so flavourful and delicious! Fish sauce really does add so much flavour. Yum!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 23, 2020 at 5:04 pm

        Thanks so much Joss. You’re totally right, fish sauce adds a great depth of flavour to this. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Vanessa

      January 21, 2020 at 9:50 pm

      5 stars
      Yum! The perfect way to put my herb garden to work.

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 23, 2020 at 5:03 pm

        Yes!!! I can’t wait for my growing season to begin and I’ll be starting as early as I can in my greenhouse. Cheers!

        Reply
    5. [email protected]

      January 22, 2020 at 2:16 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe for Thai Flank Steak Salad looks so delicious, Sabrina - I love the combination of fresh ingredients with the flavourful cut of steak. Yum! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 23, 2020 at 5:03 pm

        You’re welcome Denise, and thank you so much for your kind words. Cheees!

        Reply
    6. Colleen

      January 22, 2020 at 7:58 pm

      5 stars
      This is an amazing salad meal. Perfect for any time of year. Pinning.

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 23, 2020 at 5:02 pm

        Thanks Colleen! Gotta love a hearty salad meal after the holidays, right?!?!

        Reply
    7. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      January 23, 2020 at 1:48 pm

      5 stars
      This looks incredibly flavourful and delicious! I am such a fan of Thai flavours!! Your photos are beautiful!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 23, 2020 at 5:01 pm

        Thank you for the kind words Katherine! Enjoy 🙂

        Reply
    8. Bernice Hill

      January 23, 2020 at 5:01 pm

      5 stars
      This dish looks so fresh and delicious. It's the perfect dish to wake up my mid January palate and it has all the big bold flavours I love.

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 23, 2020 at 5:02 pm

        Thank you so much Bernice, enjoy!

        Reply
    9. Kristen

      January 23, 2020 at 6:29 pm

      5 stars
      This salad is gorgeous and so flavorful. We love adding in the optional additions of mango and avocado too. The perfect light dinner!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 26, 2020 at 6:46 pm

        Thanks Kristen! I love the mango and avocado too!

        Reply
    10. Terri

      January 26, 2020 at 6:39 pm

      5 stars
      I love a good steak salad and this was looks fantastic! I've never used flank steak and I'm definitely going to try it now!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        January 26, 2020 at 6:47 pm

        Thanks Terri, Flank Steak is so tasty and easy, I bet you’ll cook it more once you try it 🙂 cheers!

        Reply
    11. Jessica

      January 28, 2020 at 5:09 pm

      5 stars
      So bright and fresh! What a great salad for the winter season - yum!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        February 02, 2020 at 2:47 pm

        Thank you so much for the kind words Jessica! Cheers!

        Reply
    12. Kelly Neil

      February 03, 2020 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      Great pics and I just added flank steak to my grocery list this week. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        February 03, 2020 at 11:52 am

        You’re welcome Kelly! So glad you’re inspired, I hope you love it! Cheers 🙂

        Reply
    13. Yvonne Langen

      December 01, 2020 at 10:14 am

      5 stars
      This salad is absolutely bursting with flavour and is a perfect meal salad thanks to the hearty portion of steak. Love it!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        December 07, 2020 at 11:51 am

        Thank you for letting me know Yvonne, glad you liked it!

        Reply
    14. NANCY

      December 03, 2020 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      great looking salad and the flank steak looks amazing!

      Reply
      • SabCurrie

        December 07, 2020 at 11:51 am

        Thank you Nancy 🙂

        Reply
    15. Sarah

      May 17, 2021 at 8:45 am

      5 stars
      This recipe is a real hit!

      Reply
      • Sabrina Currie

        May 17, 2021 at 8:45 am

        I’m so happy to hear that, thank you Sarah!

        Reply
    16. Fabi

      May 17, 2021 at 11:23 am

      5 stars
      Great presentation and mouth-watering flank steak salad. I must try your recipe!

      Reply
    17. Sangita

      May 19, 2021 at 10:15 pm

      5 stars
      Awesome recipe

      Reply
    18. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      May 19, 2021 at 10:56 pm

      5 stars
      Mmm... I think I just heard my tummy growl. lol. Thank you for making me hungry!

      Reply
    19. Jessica l Tao of Spice

      October 15, 2021 at 6:09 am

      5 stars
      I love all the fresh bright flavors in this salad. I'm a huge fan of flank steak but had never poked holes in it prior to marinating - what a great tip! Will be making this again. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sabrina Currie

        October 16, 2021 at 1:14 pm

        Oh great, thank you so much for sharing!

        Reply
    20. Agnieszka

      October 15, 2021 at 12:19 pm

      5 stars
      This steak salad is truly amazing. So many great flavors!

      Reply
      • Sabrina Currie

        October 16, 2021 at 1:13 pm

        Thank you Agnieszka!

        Reply

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