Zesty Thai Beef Salad Recipe (Yum Nua): A Refreshing Flavor Blast

Spice lovers adore this tangy thai beef salad recipe that bursts with fresh, zesty flavors.

The classic yum nua combines tender strips of grilled beef with a medley of crisp herbs and vegetables.

Robust and aromatic, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and brightness.

Lime juice, chili, and fresh herbs create a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Each bite brings a complex layer of Thai culinary tradition to your plate.

The salad offers a refreshing yet robust meal that works beautifully as a light lunch or stunning appetizer.

Prepare to be transported to the vibrant streets of Bangkok with this mouthwatering recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua) Recipe Ingredient Line-Up

• Beef Steak: Tender protein that creates the heart of the salad, choose a well-marbled cut like sirloin or flank for maximum flavor and juiciness.
• Mixed Greens: Crisp base that provides freshness and nutrition, select a blend with varied textures like baby spinach, arugula, and lettuce.

• Cucumber: Adds cool, refreshing element with subtle hydration and light crunch, select firm and bright green cucumbers.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursts of sweet-tangy flavor that complement the beef, choose ripe and vibrant red tomatoes.
• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty ingredient that cuts through rich beef flavor, look for firm and deeply colored onions.
• Fresh Herbs (Mint, Cilantro, Thai Basil): Aromatic additions that elevate the salad's complexity, select bright green leaves without wilting.
• Chili Slices: Provides spicy kick and intense heat, choose fresh green or red chilies based on heat preference.
• Crushed Peanuts or Cashews: Crunchy textural element that adds nutty richness, select unsalted nuts for better flavor control.

• Fish Sauce: Umami-rich liquid that creates depth and traditional Thai flavor, choose high-quality brands with balanced saltiness.
• Lime Juice: Bright, acidic component that balances and lifts other flavors, select fresh limes with smooth, vibrant skin.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory undertone and saltiness, opt for genuine brewed varieties.

Tools You Need for Thai Beef Salad Success

• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing beef and vegetables.
• Sharp knife: Essential for thinly slicing steak against the grain.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing components smoothly.
• Tongs: Great for handling and turning steak while cooking.
• Skillet or pan: Used for searing the beef to desired doneness.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure dressing ingredients.

Steps to Build a Refreshing Thai Beef Salad

• Sizzle the Steak

Sprinkle salt and pepper on beef. Heat oil in a hot pan and cook steak 3-4 minutes each side for medium-rare. Let meat rest, then slice thinly against the grain.

• Craft the Zesty Dressing

Mix fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and chilies in a bowl. Taste and adjust flavors for perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy.

• Build the Vibrant Base

Toss mixed greens with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, chili slices, and fresh herbs in a large bowl.

• Layer and Drench

Arrange sliced beef over greens. Pour dressing and gently mix to coat everything evenly.

• Finish with Flair

Scatter crushed nuts over the salad. Sprinkle additional herbs and squeeze fresh lime on top. Serve immediately while beef remains warm and inviting.

Tips to Spice Up Your Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua)

• Beef Temperature Mastery: Use a meat thermometer to achieve perfect doneness – medium-rare around 135°F, medium at 145°F for ideal tenderness and flavor.
• Herb Freshness Trick: Chop herbs just before serving to maintain vibrant colors and maximize essential oil release, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Swap mixed greens with crisp lettuce leaves or baby spinach for a lighter, keto-friendly version that maintains the classic Thai salad essence.
• Protein Alternatives: Replace beef with grilled chicken, seared tofu, or shrimp for diverse dietary preferences while keeping the zesty dressing and authentic Thai flavor profile.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili quantity to personal heat tolerance – remove seeds for milder version or add extra chilies for adventurous spice lovers seeking bold, fiery experience.

Serve Thai Beef Salad for a Fresh, Tangy Meal

• Sizzling Side Pairing: Serve this zesty Thai beef salad alongside steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious dressing and balance the salad's tangy flavors.
• Drink Companion: Pair with a crisp Thai beer like Singha or a chilled white wine with citrus notes to complement the salad's bright and spicy profile.
• Meal Transformation: Convert this salad into a wrapped version by using large lettuce leaves as a base, creating a fresh and portable lunch option perfect for picnics or quick meals.
• Leftover Magic: Use remaining sliced beef in bánh mì sandwiches or toss into stir-fried noodles for a quick next-day meal that repurposes the already seasoned protein.

Storage Tips for Thai Beef Salad to Stay Crisp

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Store the salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness. Keep dressed salad for maximum 1-2 hours before serving to prevent wilting of delicate greens.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Slice beef and chop vegetables in advance, storing them separately in sealed containers. Dressing can be prepared up to 3 days ahead, keeping in refrigerator for convenient assembly.
• Smart Leftover Transformation: Remaining beef and salad can be repurposed into wraps, stir-fries, or cold noodle dishes. Reheat beef gently to maintain tenderness and prevent overcooking.
• Temperature Balance Trick: Serve beef slightly warm over chilled salad greens for optimal flavor contrast. Allow beef to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing to ensure juicy, tender texture.

Vibrant Thai Beef Salad Recipe (Yum Nua)

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4.7 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Thai beef salad (yum nua) brings together zesty herbs and tender grilled meat in a classic Southeast Asian dish. Lime, chili, and fresh ingredients create a balanced, refreshing meal that delivers bold flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) beef steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak)
• 3 tbsps fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tsp brown sugar (or honey)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 12 Thai chilies (or red chili flakes), finely chopped
• 2 cups mixed greens (romaine, butter lettuce, or cabbage)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup fresh Thai basil (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps roasted peanuts or cashews (optional, for crunch)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Uniformly coat the steak with salt and pepper, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
2. Searing: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a caramelized exterior and medium-rare interior.
3. Resting: Allow the cooked steak to rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and optimal tenderness.
4. Slicing: Cut the rested steak into thin, diagonal strips against the grain, creating delicate bite-sized pieces.
5. Dressing Preparation: Whisk together fish sauce, lime juice, soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chilies in a mixing bowl, balancing flavors to create a harmonious, vibrant dressing.
6. Salad Assembly: Layer a large bowl with fresh greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chili slices, then generously scatter fresh herbs across the vegetable base.
7. Plating: Artfully arrange the sliced beef atop the prepared salad, ensuring even distribution of meat.
8. Finishing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad, gently tossing to coat ingredients without bruising delicate components, then sprinkle crushed peanuts for added crunch.
9. Serving: Garnish with additional herbs and a lime juice squeeze, then serve immediately to maintain the salad’s optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Achieve Perfect Meat Texture: Rest the steak fully before slicing to ensure maximum juice retention and tenderness, preventing dryness and maintaining optimal flavor profile.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili quantities according to personal heat tolerance, removing seeds for milder version or adding extra for adventurous palates seeking intense flavor.
• Balance Dressing Carefully: Taste and modify dressing incrementally, ensuring harmonious blend of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements typical in authentic Thai cuisine.
• Optimize Ingredient Freshness: Use freshly picked herbs and crisp vegetables at room temperature to enhance overall salad’s vibrant taste and textural complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg