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Thai Beef Salad Recipe (Yum Nua): Easy & Healthy

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  • Author: Kim Cooks Easy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 23 servings 1x
  • Category: Salad, Main Course
  • Method: Grilling, Tossing
  • Cuisine: Thai

Description

This Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua) is a refreshing and healthy dish packed with bold flavors. Juicy, grilled steak is thinly sliced and tossed with crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory, making it a light yet satisfying meal. Serve it on its own or with rice for a more filling option!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • For the Beef:
  • 12 oz (340g) flank steak (or sirloin)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • For the Salad:
  • 2 cups mixed lettuce or cabbage, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
  • 12 Thai chilies, finely chopped (adjust to spice preference)
  • For the Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp toasted rice powder (optional, for authentic texture)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions

  • 1. Marinate & Cook the Beef:
  • In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, oil, and black pepper.
  • Marinate the steak in this mixture for at least 15–30 minutes.
  • Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for about 3–4 minutes per side (medium-rare) or longer for desired doneness.
  • Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  • 2. Prepare the Dressing:
  • In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, toasted rice powder, and garlic. Set aside.
  • 3. Assemble the Salad:
  • In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, cilantro, mint, and Thai chilies.
  • Add the sliced steak to the salad.
  • Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently to coat.
  • 4. Serve & Enjoy:
  • Garnish with extra herbs and toasted rice powder, if desired.
  • Serve immediately on its own or with a side of jasmine rice.

Notes

  • Toasted rice powder: For an authentic touch, toast uncooked sticky rice in a dry pan until golden, then grind it into a powder.
  • Make it extra spicy: Add more Thai chilies or a dash of chili flakes.
  • Swap the protein: Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 850mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg