Combine all steak marinade ingredients and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Place the steak in a sealable plastic bag or in a container that isn’t much bigger than the size of the steak, then add the marinade and toss to coat the steak all over. Marinate for at least 2 hours and up to overnight, turning the steak at least once in between to redistribute the marinade. If marinating for more than 2 hours, put the steak in the fridge.
8 oz picanha steak, tri-tip, or another grilling steak, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 ½ teaspoons oyster sauce, ¾ teaspoon sugar, ½ tablespoon water, 2 teaspoons neutral oil
If refrigerated, bring the steak out to room temp at least 30 minutes before grilling. Grill in a closed preheated barbecue over medium-high heat (400°F/200°C) for 6 to 8 minutes for a ¾ inch (2 cm) thick steak for medium doneness. Turn the steak at least twice, or every 1.5 minutes or so, for more even cooking.*For this dish I prefer medium doneness, so I pull it off the grill at an internal temperature of 135°F, and let it rest until the final temperature reaches 145°F. Insert an instant-read thermometer sideways into the center of the steak for an accurate reading. Allow the steak to rest on a plate while you prep the rest of the salad, keeping all the liquid that pools on the plate. While the steak rests, make the toasted rice powder by adding the rice and the makrut lime leaf, (if using), to a dry skillet and cook over high heat, stirring constantly until the rice has developed a dark brown colour, or about 3-4 minutes. Pour the rice and lime leaf onto a plate to cool slightly, then grind into a powder using a mortar and pestle or a coffee grinder.
2 tablespoons uncooked jasmine or Thai glutinous rice, 1 makrut lime leaf
Once the steak has rested for at least 5 minutes, thinly slice it into bite-sized pieces, then add to a medium mixing bowl along with any of the collected steak juices. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of the water or stock, plus the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chili flakes, and the toasted rice powder; toss to mix well.
2 teaspoons fish sauce, 2 tablespoons water or unsalted chicken or beef stock, 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, ½ teaspoon sugar, ½ teaspoon roasted chili flakes
Add the lemongrass, shallots, mint, cilantro, and sawtooth coriander (if using) and toss to mix. Taste, and if the flavour feels a little too salty, add the remaining water or stock to dilute. Serve immediately with Thai sticky rice.
1 small stalk lemongrass, 3 tablespoons thinly sliced shallots, ½ cup mint leaves, ½ cup chopped cilantro, 2-3 leaves sawtooth coriander, Thai sticky rice