Beef Salad with Soft Brie and Pancetta combines seared beef fillet, crispy pancetta, and creamy Brie over fresh salad leaves with a tangy balsamic dressing. This salad offers a perfect balance of rich, savoury flavours and fresh, crisp textures, making it a delightful dish for any occasion.
About the Recipe
Beef Salad with Soft Brie and Pancetta is a gourmet salad blends tender beef fillet, crispy pancetta, and creamy Brie cheese with fresh greens. The dish is elevated with a tangy balsamic and marmalade dressing, making it a sophisticated choice for lunch or dinner. The flavours of the rare beef, salty pancetta, and soft Brie create a harmonious, satisfying, and indulgent blend. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to a special meal, this salad is a must-try for meat and cheese lovers.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love Beef Salad with Soft Brie and Pancetta for its exquisite flavours and textures. The tender, rare beef contrasts beautifully with the crispy pancetta and creamy Brie, all brought together with a tangy balsamic dressing. This dish is delicious and easy to prepare, making it a fantastic quick yet luxurious meal option. It’s a salad that feels like a special treat, perfect for any occasion.
Beef Salad with Soft Brie and Pancetta
Cooking Tips
For the best results, sear the beef fillet in a hot pan to achieve a nice crust while keeping the centre rare. Use high-quality Brie for a creamy, rich texture. Toast the pine nuts lightly to enhance their flavour. When dressing, ensure the balsamic vinegar and marmalade are well mixed for a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
Serve beef salad with soft brine and pancetta immediately after preparation to enjoy the complete contrast between hot and cold elements. This dish serves four and takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, though the salad is best enjoyed fresh.
Similar Recipes
- Steak Salad with Blue Cheese
- Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad
- Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad
- Warm Bacon and Egg Salad
Beef Salad with Soft Brie and Pancetta
Ingredients
- 600 gms Beef Eye Fillet
- 2 Garlic Cloves (crushed)
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Ground Black Pepper
- 150 gms Mixed Salad Leaves
- Three thin slices Pancetta (cut into small strips)
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts
- 2 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Marmalade
- One wheel Ripe Brie (thickly sliced)
Instructions
- Trim the eye fillet and rub it with crushed garlic and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat a heavy frying pan until very hot. Add the meat and sear on all sides, ensuring it remains rare in the centre.
- Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside to cool for 5-6 minutes.
- Arrange the salad leaves on a platter.
- Reheat the pan and add 1/3 cup of olive oil. Fry the pancetta and pine nuts, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate any residue from the meat.
- Add the balsamic vinegar and marmalade to the pan. Mix well.
- Slice the beef thinly and drape over the salad leaves.
- Spoon the pancetta, pine nuts, and dressing from the pan over the salad.
- Place the slices of Brie over the top.
- Serve immediately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure the beef stays rare in the centre?
Sear your beef quickly on all sides in a boiling pan to ensure it stays rare in the centre. This will create a crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and rare. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches around 120-125°F (49-52°C) for rare.
Can I substitute the Brie with another cheese?
You can substitute Brie with other creamy cheeses like Camembert or goat cheese. Each will add a different flavour profile to the salad, so choose one that you enjoy or matches your preference.
What can I use instead of pancetta?
If you don’t have pancetta, you can substitute bacon or prosciutto. Both will provide a similar crispy, salty element to the salad. Just be sure to adjust cooking times, as bacon might take a bit longer to crisp up compared to pancetta.
How do I make the dressing if I don’t have marmalade?
If you don’t have marmalade, you can use a bit of honey or orange zest combined with the balsamic vinegar to achieve a similar sweet and tangy flavour. Adjust the amount to taste to ensure the dressing isn’t too sweet.
What side dishes pair well with this salad?
This salad pairs well with light sides such as a crusty baguette, roasted vegetables, or a simple tomato or pumpkin soup. These sides complement the rich flavours of the beef and Brie without overpowering the dish.
