RECIPE OF THE DAY October 13th, 2009

THAI MELON & BEEF SALAD

INGREDIENTS

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

12 ounces beef sirloin, or other boneless steak, about 1" thick

1/4 cup lime juice

3 tablespoons fish sauce, (see Shopping Tip)

2 teaspoons sugar

1 clove garlic, grated or minced

1/2-1 teaspoon crushed red pepper

1 medium-to-large firm ripe melon

1 small green bell pepper

1 small red bell pepper

6 cups lightly packed torn Boston lettuce, (about 1 head)

1/2 cup slivered red onion

1/2 cup thin cucumber slices, halved

1/2 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves

1/2 cup lightly packed torn fresh mint leaves

• Preheat grill to medium.
• Sprinkle both sides of steak with salt and pepper. Grill the steak about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare and 6 minutes per side for medium. Transfer the steak to a clean cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing crosswise.
• Meanwhile, whisk lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, garlic and crushed red pepper to taste in a small bowl. Cut melon into enough 5-inch-long matchsticks to make 4 cups. (Reserve any remaining melon for another use.) Cut bell peppers into 2-inch-long matchsticks. Combine the melon and peppers in a large bowl along with lettuce, onion, cucumber, cilantro and mint.
• Add the sliced beef to the salad. Whisk the dressing, pour it over the salad and gently toss to combine.