Beef and Vermicelli Noodle Salad

STEP 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water, ensuring it’s deep enough to allow the noodles to move freely. Use about 4-6 cups of water for 100g of noodles. Place the pot over high heat and cover it to speed up the boiling process.

2. Add Salt (Optional): Once the water reaches a rolling boil, you can add a pinch of salt. This enhances the flavor of the noodles but is optional, especially if you plan to use a salty dressing.

3. Cook the Noodles: Carefully add the 100g of dried vermicelli noodles to the boiling water. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or chopsticks to separate them.

4. Timing: Set a timer for about 3 minutes. Check for doneness at that time, tasting a noodle. They should be tender yet firm to the bite (al dente). If they’re too firm, continue cooking for another minute and check again.

5. Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, turn off the heat and carefully pour the noodles into a colander. Immediately rinse them under cold running water for about 30 seconds. Make sure the water is cold to stop the cooking process effectively.

6. Dry the Noodles: Shake the colander gently to remove excess water. If needed, spread the noodles out on a clean kitchen towel to absorb any remaining moisture before transferring them to a mixing bowl.

STEP 2: Prepare the Dressing

1. Gather Ingredients: Before mixing the dressing, ensure you have all your ingredients measured and ready:

   • 2 teaspoons of fish sauce
   • Juice of 1 lime
   • 3 tablespoons of sweet chili sauce
   • 2 teaspoons of sesame oil
   • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce

2. Juice the Lime: Cut the lime in half and use a citrus juicer or squeeze it by hand over a small bowl to catch any seeds. If you prefer more acidity, you can use the juice of one and a half limes.

3. Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Use a whisk or fork to blend until smooth.

4. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing. If it feels too salty, add more lime juice. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more sweet chili sauce. This step allows you to customize the dressing to your liking.

STEP 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Prepare Fresh Ingredients: While the dressing is resting, prepare the fresh ingredients:

   • Cucumber: Halve and slice the cucumber. For added crunch, sprinkle a little salt on the slices and let them sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry before adding to the salad.
   • Cherry Tomatoes: Halve the 200g of cherry tomatoes. You can also use grape tomatoes or any other small variety.
   • Mint Leaves: Finely chop a small handful of fresh mint leaves. Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors for a clean cut. Avoid tearing the leaves, as this can bruise them.
   • Carrot: Grate or finely shred 1 carrot using a box grater or a food processor. This adds color and sweetness to the salad.
   • Leftover Beef: Chop 200g-300g of leftover beef into small, bite-sized pieces. If the beef is cold, you can microwave it briefly to warm it slightly, but avoid overheating it.
   • Spicy Greens: If you have any spicy greens from your previous dish, chop them into bite-sized pieces.

2. Combine Noodles and Dressing: Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the dressing. Ensure they are evenly coated before adding the fresh ingredients.

3. Add Fresh Ingredients: Gently fold in the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, mint, carrot, chopped beef, and spicy greens. Use tongs or a large spoon to avoid breaking the noodles.

4. Final Toss: Carefully toss everything together until well combined. Make sure every ingredient is coated in the dressing. If the salad feels dry, add a bit more dressing or a splash of lime juice.

STEP 4: Store or Serve

1. Transfer to Storage: If you’re not serving immediately, transfer the salad to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to two days.

2. Chilling: Refrigerate the salad to keep it cool. The flavors will meld as it sits, enhancing the overall taste.

3. Before Serving: When ready to serve, take the salad out of the refrigerator. Give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and ingredients.

4. Presentation: Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. For an added touch, garnish with additional mint leaves, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for texture.

5. Enjoy: This salad is perfect as a light meal or a side dish. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Enjoy your delicious creation!