Sunday, February 21, 2010

Thai Beef Noodle Salad


2007 GOLDEN WHISK AWARDS
(Our top 10 recipes of the year)

In a "Fit to Eat" column touting the benefits of vitamin B-12, registered dietitian Chris Rosenbloom provides this recipe, which she notes is also a good source of vitamin B-6, zinc and selenium -- nutrients needed by older adults to enhance immune function.


Hands on time: 15 minutes  Total time: 2 hours and 45 minutes  Serves: 4

Ingredients:

    1 pound beef top round steak, cut 3/4 inch thick For the marinade: 6 tablespoons orange juice 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger 2 cloves minced garlic 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil 1 1/2 teaspoons chili paste 7 ounces uncooked spaghetti 2 teaspoons canola or vegetable oil, divided 1 cup shredded carrots 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1/8-inch strips 1/2 cup sliced green onions Salt and pepper, if desired 1/4 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped

Instructions:

Cut the steak lengthwise in half, then crosswise into 1/8-inch strips. In a small bowl, combine juice, vinegar, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame oil and chili paste. Place beef and 1/4 cup marinade in large plastic food bag; turn beef to coat. Close bag securely and marinate in refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours. Reserve remaining marinade for dressing.

Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain and place in serving bowl. Add reserved marinade and toss; set aside.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add carrots, bell pepper and green onions; stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes or until crisp-tender. Remove from skillet; add to noodles. Set aside to cool.

Remove beef from marinade; discard marinade. Heat 1 teaspoon oil in same skillet until hot. Add half the beef; stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes or until outside surface of beef is no longer pink. Remove from skillet; keep warm. Repeat with remaining beef. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Add beef to noodle mixture. Top with peanuts.

Notes:

Total recipe time includes one-hour plus of marinating time.