Thai Grilled Beef Salad

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method -- -- --

garlic cloves -- minced 1 teaspoon black peppercorn 1 tablespoon fresh coriander roots -- minced 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vegetable oil 1 pound flank or flatiron steak -- trimmed 3 small firm tomatoes 1 Bermuda onion -- cut into 1/4-in slices 1 head red-leaf lettuce **DRESSING**

teaspoon ground dried shrimp w/chiles -- (optional)

garlic cloves -- chopped 2 red serrano chiles -- sliced 2 green serrano chiles -- sliced 1 tablespoon roasted chile sauce -- (nam prik pao)

tablespoons fish sauce -- (nam pla)

tablespoons lime juice 2 teaspoons sugar 1/4 cup fresh mint -- coarsely chopped 1/4 cup fresh coriander leaves -- coarsely chopped Pound garlic, peppercorn, coriander root and salt into a paste. Add oil and mix together. Rub the garlic mixture over the beef.

Marinate for 30 minutes.

Broil or grill beef until medium rare. Slice into 2" wide by 1/4-inch thick strips. Set aside in a large mixing bowl Quickly char tomatoes under a hot broiler, turning occasionally. Do not overcook. Cool. Cut into wedges and add to the beef.

Evenly spread the sliced onions on 1/2 of an 8-inch square of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Fold foil in half, seal the edges to form a flat parcel. Place directly on top of a medium-high stove burner for 1 minute--it should make sizzling sounds.

Turn over; cook for about 30 seconds longer until charred. Remove, unwrap and cool. Add to the beef mixture Line a platter with the large lettuce leaves. Shred remaining leaves for garnish and scatter them on top of finished salad.

TO PREPARE THE DRESSING: In a hot, ungreased skillet, toast optional ground dried shrimp until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Reduce to medium heat.

Add garlic, chiles, roasted chile sauce (nam prik pao), fish sauce, lime juice and sugar; stir together until dissolved. Cool.

Add beef mixture, mint and coriander to wok; toss together gently. Pour mixture over lettuce Serve at room temperature.