Thai Beef Salad, also known as “Yam Nua,” is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender slices of beef with fresh herbs, vegetables, and a tangy dressing. This salad is known for its vibrant colors and bold flavors, making it a popular choice for those who enjoy Thai cuisine.
Ingredients for Thai Beef Salad
For the Salad:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 Thai chili, minced (optional for heat)
For Garnish:
- Crushed peanuts
- Lime wedges
- Sliced red chili (optional)
How to Make Thai Beef Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper.
- Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness (medium-rare is recommended). Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Thinly slice the steak across the grain into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, mint, and Thai basil leaves.
- Add the sliced beef to the bowl.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and Thai chili (if using).
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Toss gently until everything is well coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
- Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with crushed peanuts and lime wedges. Add sliced red chili for extra heat if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing flavors of Thai Beef Salad!
About the Main Ingredients
Flank Steak or Sirloin
The choice of beef cut is crucial for Thai Beef Salad. Flank steak or sirloin are ideal because they are tender when cooked to medium-rare and add a hearty flavor to the salad.
Fresh Herbs and Vegetables
Cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, mint, and Thai basil provide freshness, crunch, and vibrant colors to the salad. They also complement the beef with their herbal and tangy flavors.
Dressing
The dressing combines fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and Thai chili for a perfect balance of salty, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Adjust the amount of chili according to your spice preference.
Thai Beef Salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with protein and fresh vegetables. It’s a great choice for a light lunch or dinner, offering a taste of Thailand’s vibrant culinary tradition.
