This maple-soy marinated steak salad is really easy to make, with less than 10 ingredients, but is packed with fantastic flavors. One tasty meal!
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If you're a regular here, you may remember my challenge to myself last year to get more creative with our grilling. I had two main areas of focus - marinades and sauces. They're both easy ways to add flavor without a lot of effort and saves the same old being, well, the same old.
We did fairly well in our goal last year, from the chimichurri marinated beef skewers and tandoori shrimp to pinchos morunos.
And we've added to it this year with Vietnamese lemongrass pork, marinated zucchini and summer squash and jerk spiced shrimp tacos. But there's always room for one more, right?
With Labor day creeping up on us thick and fast, many people see it as a kind of last hurrah for grilling. So why not mix things up with a new recipe? This maple-soy marinated steak salad is the perfect choice, being full of flavor and super easy to make.
From the maple, soy and balsamic marinade for the steak to the soy-lime dressing, not to mention the great grilling flavor of the steak and vegetables, it's one delicious meal.
I've chosen to use Kikkoman® less sodium soy sauce as I prefer to keep things on the healthier side, and being packed with veggies, this salad is all round a pretty balanced combination.
How to make this maple-soy marinated steak salad
The marinade is simply soy sauce, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar but it's a combination that adds so much flavor and tenderizes the steak. I used sirloin, but given the tenderizing power, cheaper cuts like flank steak turn out really well as well. As well as being tender, the outside gets a gentle caramelized char.
While you are grilling the steak, grill some pepper and zucchini as well then slice things up and put together the salad. The dressing is just as easy - simply soy sauce, lime juice, oil and a little maple syrup but you'll be amazed but how flavorful it is.
If you're looking for some more ideas for steak, why not try a chimichurri marinated steak or blackstone steak. And if you have leftovers, my leftover steak quinoa bowl is always a good option.
So make the most of the upcoming holiday to get the grill on, invite over some friends and whip up this tasty marinated steak salad. It's sure to be a great crowd-pleaser and is so easy to make. Grilling and enjoying great meals doesn't have to be complicated, and it can most definitely be delicious.
Try these other meaty salads:
- Thai beef salad ('nam tok')
- Larp/larb gai (Laos/Thai chicken salad)
- Vietnamese chicken salad
- Plus get more lunch recipes in the archives.
Maple-soy marinated steak salad
Ingredients
- ⅔ lb steak 300g
- ½ red pepper or more, if smaller
- 1 zucchini small/med or ½ large, approx 5oz/140g
For the marinade
- 2 tablespoon Kikkoman® Less Sodium Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
For the dressing
- 2 tablespoon Kikkoman® Less Sodium Soy Sauce
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
For rest of salad
- 3 cups arugula 65g approx
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes 75g approx
Instructions
Ahead of time
- Mix together the marinade ingredients - soy sauce, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar - in a freezer bag or small box then add the steak. Make sure the steak is coated and leave to marinade, refrigerated, ideally for a few hours or overnight, but at least 30 minutes. Turn at least once so marinade gets into both sides.
When ready to cook
- Remove the marinading steak from the fridge to come to room temperature and warm up the grill to a medium heat.
- Remove the seeds from the pepper and cut chunks that go relatively flat on the grill, approx quarters. Cut the zucchini into medium slices and lightly brush with oil.
- Place the arugula in either a serving bowl or divided between two bowls. Cut the tomatoes in half and place on top of arugula. Mix together the dressing ingredients in a small bowl/jar - soy sauce, lime juice, maple syrup and olive oil.
- Grill the steak, peppers and zucchini until the peppers and zucchini are gently colored and the steak is to your preferred level of doneness. Note the vegetables will be quicker so either put on later or remove when ready. The steak will go darker on the outside than you may normally expect due to the marinade so test more by timing and how tender.
- Set the steak aside to rest a couple minutes as you slice the peppers and zucchini (if larger slices) and add to the salad. Slice the steak relatively thin and top the salad then drizzle over the dressing. Serve and enjoy.
Nutrition
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Michele @BaconFatte says
Beautiful salad, Caroline! I love the combination of flavors in the marinade... Delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Michelle, it's a simple mix but adds so much flavor!
Hadia says
This looks like something I should make as soon as possible! Looks so good!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, hope you enjoy!
Christine @ Christine's Pantry says
Looks fantastic!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Christine!
Lynn Elliott Vining says
Looks like it was made especially for me! Love it! Looks absolutely awesome!
Lucy @ Supergoldenbakes says
Seems like you've created quite a library of grilling recipes now. And this one is such a tempting addition with that lovely sweet-salt-tangy combination of ingredients included.
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, yes we've got a good few go-to recipes for grilling, for sure, and this is a great one to add to the list!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen says
I love a sweet and salty combo on my steak, too. This combination looks fantastic!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks Ashley, it's a great combination, and works so well with steak.
Marjory @ Dinner-Mom says
Luckily, we grill year round! Love the maple soy combo! Delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
Perfect! Maple soy works so well together.
Marsha | Marsha's Baking Addiction says
That steak looks so succulent and delicious!
Caroline's Cooking says
Thanks, it tastes delicious from the marinade and the grilling.