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
- 1–2 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