Tasty Tamarind Beef Salad

The unique flavour of tamarind makes it a useful ingredient in marinades, sauces, stir fries and even drinks.

Dressing ingredients

• 1 lime juiced
• 1 tbs tamarind puree
• 1 tbs fish sauce
• 1 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 4 tbs water

Salad ingredients

• 2 x 200g sirloin steaks
• 2 Chinese cabbage
• 1/4 red onion
• Bunch of mint leaves
• Bunch of coriander leaves
• 1 long red chilli
• 1 long green chilli

Method

1. Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Brush the steaks with oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook on a very hot griddle or frying pan until medium rare, about 2 minutes each side (extra-thick steaks may need a little longer).
3. Place cooked steaks on a chopping board and allow them to rest for at least 5 minutes.
4. Slice the rested steaks as thinly as you can and place them in a small bowl with one tablespoon of the dressing, stir gently to coat.
5. While the meat is marinating in the dressing, slice the Chinese cabbage, red onion and chillis and toss together with the mint and coriander leaves. Place on a serving platter.
6. Top with the beef and drizzle the rest of the dressing over the top.

So what is tamarind?

The tamarind tree is a tropical species that produces pods with sticky fleshy pulp. The pulp is extracted and enjoyed in many cuisines for its sweet and sour taste. It is a common ingredient in Thai cooking as well as being a staple in Indian and Mexican cuisine.