Sesame Steak Salad
Thin-sliced seared sirloin over crisp lettuce with quick-pickled cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a sesame-soy dressing that earns its place at a steakhouse. All the satisfaction of a steak dinner in a 310-calorie bowl — proper January food that doesn't feel like a salad for penance.
Method
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Toss the cucumber and red onion with 2 tablespoons of the rice vinegar and a pinch of salt. Set aside to quick-pickle.
💡 Tip: Fifteen minutes is enough to turn raw cucumber into something that tastes deliberate. -
Whisk the soy sauce, sesame oil, remaining rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic into the dressing.
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Season the steak with the salt and pepper and sear in the oil over high heat, 3 to 4 minutes a side for medium-rare. Rest 5 minutes.
💡 Tip: A screaming-hot pan and a dry steak — pat it down first — is where the crust comes from. -
Slice the steak thinly against the grain.
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Layer the lettuce, tomatoes, and drained pickles in four bowls, top with the steak, drizzle with the dressing, and finish with the sesame seeds.
Notes
Rest the steak a full 5 minutes, then slice thin against the grain — that is the whole difference between tender and chewy.
The quick pickles happen while the steak rests. Zero extra time, huge payoff.
The tablespoon of toasted sesame oil is the flavor center of the dressing and it is measured for a reason — it runs 120 calories on its own.
Medium-rare is correct here: the steak is the dressing's partner, not a well-done topping.
Nutrition Information
| Calories | 310kcal |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 34g |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of steak works best?
Trimmed sirloin is the macro sweet spot — beefy, lean, and forgiving. Flank or bavette are excellent too if you slice them thin against the grain; ribeye works but roughly doubles the fat, so track accordingly.
How do I make it a bigger meal?
Half an avocado across the bowls adds about 40 calories each and suits the dressing; 50g dry rice noodles per person adds roughly 180 and turns it into a noodle-salad hybrid. As built it pairs well before or after the Edible Protein Cookie Dough if dinner needs a finish line.
Can I meal prep it?
Yes, as components: the steak keeps 3 days sliced, the pickles improve overnight, and the dressing keeps a week. Store the lettuce separately and assemble in two minutes — dressed and built, it wilts by the next day.
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