This gluten-free Asian flank steak salad is packed full of flavor yet so easy to make; you want salad all the time!
There are gluten-free salads, you know, the boring, same old cold vegetables and dressing combinations, and then there are salads that I like to make. A fun mix of flavors and colors that are good, both warm and cold, because salads don't need to be boring.
That's why I love this gluten-free Asian flank steak salad. It's anything but boring, and I can eat it as an easy gluten-free lunch or dinner when I want to.
Ingredients.
The reason most people hate salads is that they have the same flavors repeatedly, and you are usually trying to make it taste better by adding a ton of dressing. This is not that kind of salad. While the ingredients are simple, it has tons of flavor that will make this your favorite salad.
- Flank Steak - This is a thin cut of beef. It works great in this salad recipe because it marinates and cooks quickly. If you don't like flank steak, this gluten-free salad will also work with whatever cut of steak you prefer. Don't like steak? You can easily sub in chicken, salmon, or even shrimp if desired. Just note the cooking time of those proteins might differ from the steak.
- Avocado Oil - We use avocado oil in our gluten-free steak marinade, which also acts as our dressing when the whole flank steak salad comes together.
- Sesame Oil - Just like with avocado oil, we add some sesame oil to help bring out the delicious Asian flavors.
- Garlic - You can use fresh or dried. I prefer to use fresh garlic.
- Ginger - Just like with garlic, you can choose fresh or dried ginger. I love how fresh ginger tastes.
- Coconut Aminos or GF Soy Sauce - I tend to use coconut aminos when I make this flank steak salad since I always have them on hand. If you choose to use soy sauce, make sure you are using a gluten-free soy sauce since traditional soy sauce does contain wheat.
- Brown Sugar or Honey - These add a little bit of sweetness to the marinade and dressing.
- Sriracha Sauce (I use Steve's Paleo Brand) - Make sure you are using a brand that is gluten-free. If you can't find a gluten-free sriracha sauce, you can just add a bit of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne for a little added kick.
- Lime - A bit of lime juice adds a bit of acid to help bring out the Asian flavors.
- Snow Peas, Carrots, Red Bell Pepper - Veggies to saute and top our salad.
- Green Onion, Cilantro - Add a bit of freshness to the finished Asian salad.
- Greens of Choice - I like a mixture of romaine and green leaf for this flank steak salad.
- Spices
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Steps.
Step 1. Make the gluten-free steak marinade.
Step 2. Marinate the flank steak. ( Be sure to reserve some of the marinade for the dressing.)
Step 3. Prep the veggies.
Step 4. Cook the flank steak and let it rest.
Step 5. Saute the veggies.
Step 6. Assemble the flank steak salad.
Tips and tricks.
- Flank steak takes marinades fast, which is why you can let your steak marinate while you cut your veggies. If you prefer, you can let the meat sit longer for more flavor. This particular marinade doesn't have that much citrus, so it won't make the meat gummy if it sits longer.
- Cook the steak the way you like it. My preferred way to cook it is on a medium-high grill for five minutes per side and then letting it rest for about ten minutes. If you prefer your steak a little more done, add one or two more minutes to each side before resting. If you don't want to grill, simply cook the steak in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for the same time. I promise you'll still get the good flavors.
- Don't overcook the vegetables. This salad uses simple veggies, but it's in how you cook them that really lets them shine. I prefer my veggies tender-crisp, but if you like yours more charred, then cook them that way. There is no wrong way to make your veggies. You can even add some extras if you want. Sometimes I'll mix up the bell peppers, add some sliced red onions, and even some mushrooms when the mood strikes.
- Like more dressing? - If you want more sauce, you can easily double the ingredients and then set the extra aside to drizzle on top when you are ready to eat.
Making ahead.
I love to make this salad ahead of time. I do suggest keeping the veggies and steak separate from the fresh greens until you are ready to serve and eat. This way, you can warm them up before tossing them with the greens, and the greens won't start to wilt like they can when a salad is mixed for a while.
Storing.
I don't tend to mix this salad unless I know I am serving it right away. It will store in the fridge for 2-3 days, just note that could change depending on how you cook the steak. (If you like it more rare, don't store the steak with the veggies and greens)
More gluten-free salads.
📖 Recipe
Gluten-free Asian Flank Steak Salad
Ingredients
- 1 1½ Pounds Flank Steak
- 3 Tablespoons Avocado Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
- 1-2 Teaspoon Chinese Five Spice
- 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 Teaspoons Ginger Minced
- 1½ Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Pepper
- 4 Tablespoons Coconut Aminos or GF Soy Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar or Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Sriracha Sauce I use Steve's Paleo brand
- 1 tablespoon Lime
- 1 Cup Snow Peas or Snap Peas
- 1 Cup Carrots I like to cut them into ribbons, you can do this with either a vegetable peeler or mandoline.
- 1 Cup Red Bell Pepper thinly sliced
- ¼ Cup Green Onion Sliced
- ¼ Cup Cilantro chopped
- 4-6 Cups Greens of Choice Romane, Green Leaf ect.
Instructions
- Combine the avocado oil, sesame oil, Chinese 5-spice, garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, coconut aminos, brown sugar, sriracha sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl. Once combined, divide it into two.3 Tablespoons Avocado Oil, 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil, 1-2 Teaspoon Chinese Five Spice, 2 Cloves Garlic, 1 Teaspoons Ginger, 1½ Teaspoons Onion Powder, 1 Teaspoon Salt, 1 Teaspoon Pepper, 4 Tablespoons Coconut Aminos, 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Sriracha Sauce, 1 tablespoon Lime
- Pour ½ of the mixture into a bowl or ziplock bag with the flank steak and let it marinate while you cut your vegetables.1 1½ Pounds Flank Steak
- Prepare your veggies by thinly slicing the red bell pepper into strips. Cut the carrot into either strips or ribbons. I like to use my mandoline to get thin ribbons of carrots. If you are using snap peas, I suggest trimming the edges. Rough chop the green onion and cilantro. Set the veggies aside.1 Cup Snow Peas, 1 Cup Carrots, 1 Cup Red Bell Pepper, ¼ Cup Green Onion, ¼ Cup Cilantro, 4-6 Cups Greens of Choice
- At this point, you can choose how to cook your steak. I like to cook mine on the grill for 5 minutes per side and then let it rest for about 10 minutes for a medium cooked steak, but this can just as easily be done in a grill pan or skillet.
- While the steak is cooking and resting, cook the vegetables in a skillet, add the bell peppers, carrots, and snow peas along with half the remaining sauce, and saute until the veggies are tender-crisp or cooked to desired doneness.
- Once the veggies and steak are cooked, it's time to assemble the salad. Place the greens of choice into a bowl, layer the grilled veggies and sliced steak on top. Drizzle the remaining sauce over and give it a light toss to bring it all together.
- Top with the fresh green onions and cilantro, and enjoy!
Notes
- Flank steak takes marinades fast, which is why you can let your steak marinate while you cut your veggies. If you prefer, you can let the meat sit longer for more flavor. This particular marinade doesn't have that much citrus, so it won't make the meat gummy if it sits longer.
- Cook the steak the way you like it. My preferred way to cook it is on a medium-high grill for five minutes per side and then letting it rest for about ten minutes. If you prefer your steak a little more done, add one or two more minutes to each side before resting. If you don't want to grill, simply cook the steak in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for the same time. I promise you'll still get the good flavors.
- Don't overcook the vegetables. This salad uses simple veggies, but it's in how you cook them that really lets them shine. I prefer my veggies tender-crisp, but if you like yours more charred, then cook them that way. There is no wrong way to make your veggies. You can even add some extras if you want. Sometimes I'll mix up the bell peppers, add some sliced red onions, and even some mushrooms when the mood strikes.
- Like more dressing? - If you want more sauce, you can easily double the ingredients and then set the extra aside to drizzle on top when you are ready to eat.
Marcellina says
My family loves this type of salad! I can't wait to try it!
Sara Vaughn says
It's one of my family's favorite ways to get extra veggies in.
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
After too much eating over the holidays, this is what I'll have as the new year starts!
Sara Vaughn says
Mihaela, I am with you on that one!
Freya says
Such a great recipe and so healthy!
Sara Vaughn says
Freya, so glad you like it.
Linda says
Love this one - so good and delicious
Sara Vaughn says
So glad you love it, Linda!
Nora says
What a wonderful and delicious salad! Loved it! Thanks for the recipe!
Priya Maha says
Love the combination of flavours in this recipe!
Sara Vaughn says
Glad you like it Priya.
Jerika says
I'm so thrilled to try this Easy Grilled Asian Flank Steak Salad and Veggies Salad! Happy Holidays, Thanks!:)
Sara Vaughn says
Hope you love it! Happy holidays to you too.
Andréa Janssen says
This looks terrific and it has all those flavors!
Sara Vaughn says
Salads with flavor are the best!
The Sudden Cook says
So good!
Sara Vaughn says
So glad you like it!
Alexandra says
This looks so delicious and full of flavour!
Sara Vaughn says
It's a winning combination in my book!