Warm Beef & Watercress Salad

COMPLIMENTARY RECIPE

“My parents owned their own restaurant for 20 years. They rarely ate at home because they worked 100-odd hours a week. When they did find time to eat at home, I remember it always being this dish, as it is quick, simple to make and light to eat. Just reading the recipe, I can smell the beef hitting the hot pan of garlic.” - Chef Luke Nguyen

SERVES 4-6

INGREDIENTS

2 large handfuls watercress, trimmed and washed
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 tomato, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon garlic, finely diced
300 g lean sirloin or beef fillet, thinly sliced
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
2 tablespoons Nước Mắm Chấm dipping sauce
1 red chilli, sliced
VINAIGRETTE
100 ml white vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sugar

METHOD

Place the vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl and mix well to dissolve the sugar. In a mixing bowl, combine the watercress, onion and tomato. Dress with the vinaigrette and set aside.

Add the oil and garlic to a hot wok or frying pan. Stir-fry over medium heat for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Turn the heat up to high. Add the beef and stir-fry for 1 minute, or until browned, then season with the pepper and a pinch of sea salt.

Add the beef to the salad, then drizzle with the nuoc mam cham and toss together well.

Transfer to a plate, garnish with the chilli and serve.