Tamari Steak Salad

Looking for a fresh, protein-packed salad that goes beyond lettuce and chicken? Enter the tamari steak salad. Juicy steak combines with crisp vegetables, zesty tamari vinaigrette, and optional crispy wontons for a satisfying meaty salad that bursts with Asian flavors. Simple yet bold, this salad makes a nourishing weeknight dinner or easy meal prep lunch.

An Introduction to Steak for Salads

Hearty, flavorful steak takes this salad to the next level. Let's cover the basics:

Cuts for Salad

Tender hanger, flank, skirt or flat iron steaks work well. Their thin profile allows quick cooking.

Portion Size

3-5 oz. of steak provides ample protein per salad. Cut into strips or slices for easier eating.

Cooking Methods

Grill, pan sear, or broil steak to medium rare for the most tender texture and juicy flavor.

Resting

Let steak rest 5-10 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat.

Perfectly cooked, sliced steak turns any salad into a hearty meal.

Benefits of Tamari

Adding tamari sauce to the vinaigrette bumps up this salad's flavor. Here's what makes tamari so special:

Richer Flavor

Brewed longer than regular soy sauce, tamari has a complex, almost smoky umami taste.

Gluten-Free

Unlike soy sauce, tamari contains little to no wheat and is safe for gluten-free diets.

Sodium Reduction

Compared to soy sauce, tamari typically contains less sodium per serving.

Added Depth

The savory quality of tamari enhances other ingredient flavors when used in dressings and glazes.

A dash of tamari upgrades the flavor factor of vinaigrettes and marinades.

Recipe for Tamari Steak Salad

This salad comes together quickly with easy weeknight-friendly preparation.

Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons tamari
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon honey

Salad Ingredients:

• 6 oz. skirt, flank or hanger steak
• 5 oz. mixed salad greens
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 5 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1⁄4 cup shredded carrot
• Sesame seeds and scallion (optional garnish)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together tamari dressing ingredients. Set aside.
2. Grill or pan sear steak to desired doneness, then let rest.
3. To assemble: Toss greens and vegetables with tamari dressing.
4. Slice steak into strips. Arrange over salad.
5. Garnish with sesame seeds and scallion if desired. Serve immediately.

For extra crunch, top with baked wonton crisps. Add edamame or water chestnuts for added texture.

Customizing Your Tamari Steak Salad

There are endless ways to adapt this salad to your taste:

Bases

Try kale, arugula, cabbage, spinach, quinoa instead of salad mix.

Proteins

Chicken, shrimp, salmon, or extra-firm tofu also pair well with the tamari dressing.

Veggie Mix-ins

Shredded carrots, snap peas, bean sprouts, water chestnuts, mushrooms, etc.

Toppings

Toasted nuts or seeds, crispy wontons or tortillas, avocado, hardboiled egg.

Dressing Swaps

Substitute ponzu, teriyaki, sesame-ginger, or Asian vinaigrette.

Make this salad your own with fresh seasonal produce and favorite add-ins.

Health Benefits of Steak Salad Ingredients

Each component of this salad provides valuable nutrition:

Protein from Steak

Builds and repairs muscle while keeping you full and satisfied.

Iron in Steak

Essential for oxygen transport in the blood and energy production.

Phytonutrients in Veggies

Bell peppers, spinach, carrots provide vitamins, minerals and disease-fighting antioxidants.

Fiber from Produce

Fills you up, improves digestion, balances blood sugar, and supports heart health.

Bone-Strengthening Vitamin K

Dark leafy greens provide vitamin K for healthy bones.

Each forkful delivers essential nutrition your body craves.

The History of Steak Salad

Meat and vegetable pairings have a long history across cuisines:

Ancient Rome

There is evidence Caesar’s armies combined grilled meats with leafy greens and herbs.

Middle Ages in Europe

Chopped meat mixtures were often served over salad greens tossed in vinegar.

Steak Houses in 18th Century England

Grilled steak with salad became a trademark meal of English steak houses in the 1700s.

20th Century America

Steak salad surged along with the steakhouse craze of the 1960s/70s.

Modern Times

Today steak salad remains popular both at steakhouses and in home kitchens.

This combo has staying power thanks to its hearty, delicious contrast of flavors and textures.

Conclusion

Tamari steak salad is a nutritious, protein-packed meal that satisfies. Juicy, tender steak pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables, fresh greens, a creamy Asian vinaigrette, and crunchy toppings. Feel free to personalize this salad with different cuts of meat, seasonal produce like peppers, edamame and cucumber, and gluten-free tamari for that irresistible umami flavor. A perfect weeknight dinner option, tamari steak salad checks all the boxes with its simple prep, balanced nutrition, and bold flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?

Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce. Use low sodium for less saltiness.

How long does steak salad last in the fridge?

Properly stored leftovers with undressed greens on the side will keep 3-4 days. Dress just before eating.

What's the best way to grill steak for salads?

Grill over high direct heat 3-5 minutes per side for medium rare doneness. Let rest before thinly slicing.

Can I use steak tips instead of full steak?

Yes, cubed steak tips work well too. Look for quality cuts like sirloin. Adjust cooking time.

What dressing alternatives work with steak salad?

Chimichurri, mustard vinaigrette, blue cheese, balsamic, red wine vinegar are all tasty pairings.

In summary, tamari steak salad combines satisfying steak with crisp vegetables and delicious Asian flavors. Personalize this easy weeknight dinner salad to keep dinnertime exciting.