Dressing
1/2 tsp bird’s eye or Thai Chilli, deseeded and finely mince.
1/4 tsp finely minced garlic (1/2 small clove)
1 tbsp finely chopped cilantro/coriander stem
2 1/4 tsp white sugar
2 tbsp fish sauce
3 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp grapeseed oil (or canola or vegetable oil)
1 small pinch cooking / kosher salt

Salad
7 – 8 oz / 200 – 250 g good quality beef steak – sirloin , at room temperature
1 tbsp oil (vegetable, peanut or canola oil)
1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
2 heaped cups mixed lettuce leaves
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 small red onion , very finely sliced
1/2 cucumber (optional deseed), cut
horizontally then cut into slices (about 1/3 cup)
1/4 cup cilantro/coriander leaves, lightly packed
1/4 cup mint leaves, lightly packed

Garnish
1/4 cup finely chopped peanuts, roasted, unsalted.
Crispy
noodles
Extra
cilantro/coriander and mint leaves

Method
Cut beef
thin strips and seared them, medium rare is the best flavour.
All the salad ingredients mix with 2 tablespoons of dressing (to taste)
Place into a serving bowl and add the beef on top.
Finally,garnish with peanuts and crispy noodles and coriander before serving.

By Hiran Peiris
Local Diner
140 Napier Road , Taupo Town