Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
   2                    garlic cloves -- minced
   1      teaspoon      black peppercorn
   1      tablespoon    fresh coriander roots -- minced
     1/2  teaspoon      salt
   2      teaspoons     vegetable oil
   1      pound         flank or flatiron steak -- trimmed
   3      small         firm tomatoes
   1                    Bermuda onion -- cut into 1/4-in
                        slices
   1      head          red-leaf lettuce
                        ----DRESSING----
   1      teaspoon      ground dried shrimp w/chiles -- (optional)
   2                    garlic cloves -- chopped
   2                    red serrano chiles -- sliced
   2                    green serrano chiles -- sliced
   1      tablespoon    roasted chile sauce -- (nam prik pao)
   3      tablespoons   fish sauce -- (nam pla)
   5      tablespoons   lime juice
   2      teaspoons     sugar
     1/4  cup           fresh mint -- coarsely chopped
     1/4  cup           fresh coriander leaves -- coarsely chopped

Preparation:

Pound garlic, peppercorn, coriander root and salt into a paste. Add oil and mix together. Rub the garlic mixture over the beef. Marinate for 30 minutes. Broil or grill beef until medium rare. Slice into 2" wide by 1/4-inch thick strips. Set aside in a large mixing bowl. Quickly char tomatoes under a hot broiler, turning occasionally. Do not overcook. Cool. Cut into wedges and add to the beef. Evenly spread the sliced onions on 1/2 of an 8-inch square of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Fold foil in half, seal the edges to form a flat parcel. Place directly on top of a medium-high stove burner for 1 minute--it should make sizzling sounds. Turn over; cook for about 30 seconds longer until charred. Remove, unwrap and cool. Add to the beef mixture. Line a platter with the large lettuce leaves. Shred remaining leaves for garnish and scatter them on top of finished salad. TO PREPARE THE DRESSING: In a hot, ungreased skillet, toast optional ground dried shrimp until fragrant, about 10 seconds. Reduce to medium heat. Add garlic, chiles, roasted chile sauce (nam prik pao), fish sauce, lime juice and sugar; stir together until dissolved. Cool. Add beef mixture, mint and coriander to wok; toss together gently. Pour mixture over lettuce. Serve at room temperature.