| 1/2 | ts | Freshly ground black pepper |
| 1/2 | lb | Beef sirloin or top loin, about 3/4" thick, trimmed of fat |
| 1/4 | c | Defatted reduced-sodium beef or chicken stock |
| 1 1/2 | tb | Fresh lime juice |
| 1 | tb | Nam pla (fish sauce) |
| 1/2 | ts | Sugar |
| 1/2 | ts | Roasted rice powder (see recipe) |
| 1/4 | c | Loosely packed mint leaves |
| 1/8 | c | Thinly sliced shallots, separated into rings |
| 2 | | Scallions, sliced in half lengthwise and cut into 1/4" lengths |
| 1 | | Bird or other fresh hot chiles, seeded & finely chopped |
| 1/2 | | Head leaf lettuce, leaves separated, washed & dried |
| 1/2 | sm | Head cabbage, cored, cut into 4 wedges and separated into leaves |
