Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Cambodia with our traditional Plea Sach Ko recipe. Plea Sach Ko, a beloved dish in Cambodian cuisine, tantalizes the taste buds with its harmonious blend of fresh herbs, zesty lime juice, and tender beef. This dish encapsulates the essence of Cambodian cooking, where simple yet aromatic ingredients come together to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Join us as we delve into the heart of Cambodian culture and cuisine, one delectable bite at a time.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-2 red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust according to your spice preference)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves for serving
• Sliced cucumber and tomato for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- In a mixing bowl, combine lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and sliced red chilies. Stir well until the sugar is dissolved.

2- Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl, tossing it in the marinade until well coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 1 hour for maximum flavor infusion.

3- While the beef is marinating, prepare the remaining ingredients: thinly slice the red onion, chop the fresh mint, cilantro, and basil leaves, and roughly chop the roasted peanuts.

4- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef slices and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.

5- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, sliced red onion, chopped herbs, and roasted peanuts. Toss everything together until evenly distributed.

6- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

7- To serve, arrange lettuce leaves on a platter or individual plates. Spoon the Plea Sach Ko mixture onto the lettuce leaves.

8- Garnish with sliced cucumber and tomato if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of this authentic Cambodian dish!

Note: Plea Sach Ko is often enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer or main course, served with steamed rice or sticky rice on the side. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chili slices according to your preference.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the ingredients listed:

Beef Sirloin (1 pound thinly sliced):

• Calories: Approximately 800
• Protein: Approximately 100 grams
• Fat: Approximately 40 grams
• Iron: Approximately 6 milligrams

benefits: High-quality protein source, rich in iron which is essential for red blood cell production and overall energy levels.

Fresh Lime Juice (1/4 cup):

• Calories: Approximately 8
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 grams
• Vitamin C: Approximately 15 milligrams

benefits: Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, skin health, and collagen production.

Fish Sauce (3 tablespoons):

• Calories: Approximately 15
• Sodium: Approximately 4500 milligrams
• Protein: Approximately 3 grams

benefits: Provides umami flavor and is a source of protein, but also high in sodium which helps regulate fluid balance but should be consumed in moderation.

Sugar (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: Approximately 30
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 8 grams

benefits: Provides a quick source of energy, but should be consumed in moderation due to its high glycemic index and potential negative effects on blood sugar levels.

Garlic (2 cloves, minced):

• Calories: Approximately 10
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 2 grams
• Vitamin C: Approximately 2 milligrams

benefits: Contains allicin, a compound with potential antibacterial and antiviral properties, and is rich in antioxidants that support overall health.

Red Chilies (1-2 chilies, thinly sliced):

• Calories: Approximately 5-10
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2 grams
• Vitamin C: Approximately 30-60 milligrams

benefits: Contains capsaicin, which may help boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health.

Red Onion (1/2 onion, thinly sliced):

• Calories: Approximately 20
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 5 grams
• Fiber: Approximately 1 gram

benefits: Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases and support heart health.

Fresh Mint Leaves (1/2 cup, chopped):

• Calories: Approximately 4
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 1 gram
• Vitamin A: Approximately 200 International Units

benefits: Can aid digestion, alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and provide a refreshing flavor.

Fresh Cilantro Leaves (1/2 cup, chopped):

• Calories: Approximately 2
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.5 grams
• Vitamin C: Approximately 2 milligrams

benefits: Contains antioxidants and may help support detoxification processes in the body.

Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup, chopped):

• Calories: Approximately 1
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.2 grams
• Vitamin K: Approximately 20 micrograms

benefits: Rich in vitamin K, which is important for blood clotting and bone health, and contains antioxidants with potential anti-inflammatory properties.

Roasted Peanuts (1/4 cup, roughly chopped):

• Calories: Approximately 200
• Protein: Approximately 9 grams
• Fat: Approximately 17 grams

benefits: Good source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, and may reduce the risk of heart disease when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

Nutritional values for salt, pepper, lettuce leaves, cucumber, and tomato can vary and are often negligible compared to the main ingredients.