Savory Sesame Steak & Spinach Salad
Elevate your meal prep with this Savory Sesame Steak & Spinach Salad, featuring tender chopped steak or deli roast beef, fresh spinach, and a delightful blend of savory and nutty flavors. Topped with a tangy sesame dressing and garnished with toasted sesame seeds, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it brings a burst of flavors and a crunchy texture that will impress your guests and family alike. Enjoy the warmth of the beef combined with the freshness of vegetables in every bite!
6
Servings
50
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef broth
1/2 cup (brought to a boil)
steak-umms (or deli roast beef)
3 servings (chopped)
sesame oil
1 teaspoon (can use chili sesame oil for extra heat)
lemon juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
tahini
1 tablespoon (none)
soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
ginger
1 teaspoon (fresh grated)
spinach
1 lb (fresh)
red onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
mushroom
1/4 lb (sliced)
tomatoes
1 (cut into thin wedges)
coarse cracked pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
sesame seeds
1 tablespoon (toasted)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring the beef broth to a boil over medium heat. Add the chopped steak-umms and cook until the broth has reduced to about 1/4 cup, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes. If using deli roast beef, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, lemon juice, tahini, and soy sauce until well combined.
3
Stir in the grated fresh ginger and the prepared beef stock into the dressing mixture and set aside.
4
In a large salad bowl, combine the fresh spinach, chopped red onion, and sliced mushrooms. Gently toss them to mix.
5
Add the thinly wedged tomatoes to the salad and pour the prepared dressing over the top.
6
Sprinkle the coarse cracked pepper over the salad and toss everything together until the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
7
Finally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an extra crunch and nutty flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
2g
Fat
3.3g
Carbs
4.2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sesame Steak & Spinach Salad?
It is a nutritious meal prep salad featuring tender chopped steak or deli roast beef, fresh spinach, and a tangy sesame dressing garnished with toasted sesame seeds.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What type of beef is best for this salad?
You can use chopped steak-umms for a quick option or deli roast beef chopped into bite-sized pieces for convenience.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 50 calories.
Is this salad low-carb?
Yes, with only 3.3g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a low-carb friendly meal.
What ingredients are in the sesame dressing?
The dressing consists of sesame oil, lemon juice, tahini, soy sauce, fresh grated ginger, and reduced beef stock.
How do I prepare the beef for the salad?
Boil beef broth in a saucepan, add chopped steak-umms, and cook until the liquid reduces to about 1/4 cup.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, you can substitute the regular sesame oil with chili sesame oil for an extra kick of heat.
What kind of spinach should I use?
Fresh spinach is recommended for the best texture and flavor profile.
Is there a specific way to cut the tomatoes?
The recipe suggests cutting the tomatoes into thin wedges before adding them to the salad.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 4.2g of protein.
Can I use bottled ginger instead of fresh?
While fresh grated ginger provides the best flavor, bottled ginger paste can be used as a substitute if necessary.
How do I finish the salad?
Garnish the salad with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and a nutty flavor before serving immediately.
Does this recipe include mushrooms?
Yes, it includes 1/4 lb of sliced mushrooms for added earthiness and texture.
What role does tahini play in the dressing?
Tahini adds a creamy texture and a rich, nutty depth to the sesame dressing.
Can I use a different citrus besides lemon?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended, but lime juice can be a suitable alternative for a different citrus profile.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 2g of fat per serving in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep, though it is best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to keep the spinach crisp.
What kind of pepper should I use?
Coarse cracked pepper is suggested to provide a bold flavor and slight texture.
Should the beef be hot or cold when added?
The instructions involve cooking the beef in broth, and the combined warmth with fresh vegetables creates a unique temperature contrast.
Can I use white onion instead of red onion?
Red onion is preferred for its color and mild sharpness, but white onion or shallots can be used if you prefer.
Is the beef broth necessary for the dressing?
Yes, the reduced beef broth adds a savory richness that ties the dressing and the meat together.
How long does it take to reduce the beef broth?
It typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes for the broth to reduce to the required 1/4 cup.
Can I add other seeds for garnish?
While sesame seeds are traditional for this flavor profile, sunflower seeds or hemp hearts could also work.
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Is there any added sugar?
No, this recipe does not call for any added sugars or sweeteners.
What is the serving size?
The total recipe makes 6 servings, though the specific volume per serving depends on the final toss of the ingredients.
Can I use frozen spinach?
No, fresh spinach is required as frozen spinach would be too soggy for a fresh salad base.
Is the beef broth salted?
You can use low-sodium or regular beef broth depending on your dietary preferences for salt intake.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as a healthy, quick meal suitable for lunch or dinner, focusing on steak and spinach.