thai-inspired noodle salad with curried steak

a spicy citrus dressing brings this dish together

I love this dish because you can use any veggies you have on hand, any protein (tofu, fish, meat), and some rice noodles which cook in no time.  I've written out the ingredients I used for the photo above, but literally it was what was in my fridge (groceries tomorrow!) so you can use whatever you've got!  It's the dressing that brings it all together and balances the flavours.

what you need:

*serves 4

for the dressing:

• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 tsp ponzu
• 1/2 tsp fish sauce
• 1 red thai chilli, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• zest and juice of 1 lime (or lemon)

salad

• grilling steak (~16 ounces)
• 250 g thick vermicelli noodles
• 1/3 daikon
• 1 green pepper
• 1 carrot
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 handful cilantro
• 1 green onion
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp canola oil

what to do:

1. Combine dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake well.  Set aside.
2. Preheat oven to 350 F.  Bring a big pot of water to boil for the noodles.
3. Prepare vegetables by slicing thinly, about the width of the noodles.  Toss in a large bowl with dressing and set aside.
4. Smother both sides of the steak with curry paste. Season with pepper (my curry paste has salt so I didn't use more salt).
5. In a cast iron skillet, heat canola oil on medium-high heat.  Sear steak 2 minutes on both sides, then transfer to oven for 3-5 min, depending on steak thickness and how well done you like it.  Remove and allow steak to rest, tented under aluminum foil for 15 minutes.  Reserve the juices from skillet for next step.
6. Cook noodles for about 6 minutes (check your package for instructions) - drain and immediately toss with the juices from the steak skillet (the oil will help prevent noodles from clumping together).  Add noodles to veggies and toss to mix.
7. Slice steak against the grain and serve on top of noodle salad.  Enjoy! 

steak cooked medium
 2 min sear each side, then 4 minutes in a 350 F oven