The Skinny on Thai Food

A cup of Tom Kha Gai, a Thai coconut chicken soup, is over 200 calories. A portion of Pad Thai is over 400 calories. Treat yourself to a Thai iced coffee with that and you've added another 170 calories. So when I tell you that Thai food is delicious but deadly, you can see what I mean. Good news, though — I've come up with a Thai-inspired salad made with ingredients you'll be able to find in your supermarket, and it won't break the bank, calorie-wise. It's really filling and tasty!

Broiled Beef Slices With Bangkok Salad

Ingredients

12 ounces lean boneless beef top round steak, trimmed of all visible fat
1/2 tsp. crushed red-pepper flakes, divided
1/8 tsp. salt
3 tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons fish sauce (sold in the international foods aisle)
2 tbsp. olive or canola oil
1 tbsp. sugar
1 garlic clove, crushed through a press
6 cups shredded red and green leaf lettuce, romaine, or mixed greens
1 cup sliced cucumber
1/2 cup thinly sliced sweet white onion
1/2 cup thinly sliced radishes
1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint

Preparation

Preheat the broiler. Line a broiler pan with foil and coat the rack with cooking spray. Rub the steak on both sides with 1/4 tsp. pepper flakes and the salt.

Broil the steak 4 to 6 inches from the heat, turning once, for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until a meat thermometer inserted in the center registers 145°F, for medium rare. Transfer to a plate.

In a large salad bowl, combine the lime juice, fish sauce, oil, sugar, garlic, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes. Mix with a fork. Spoon one tablespoon of the dressing over the steak on the plate, and let the steak stand for 10 minutes.

Add the greens, cucumber, onion, radishes, cilantro, and mint to the remaining dressing and toss to mix well. Divide among individual plates.

Cut the steak into thin slices on an angle and arrange on top of the salads. Spoon the steak juices over the top.

Makes 4 servings

Per serving: 223 calories, 11 g carbohydrates, 22 g protein, 11 g total fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 3 g dietary fiber, 735 mg sodium