Thai Grilled Beef Salad, or Yum Nua, is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender slices of grilled beef with a mix of fresh vegetables and herbs, all tossed in a tangy, spicy lime dressing. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal, packed with vibrant flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef steak (such as sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
- 1-2 red Thai chilis, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar (palm sugar preferred)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: 1-2 tsp toasted rice powder (for extra texture and flavor)
Instructions:
Marinate and Grill the Beef:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, fish sauce, vegetable oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture over the steak and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator).
- Grill the Beef:
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred doneness. Once done, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
Prepare the Salad:
- Assemble the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, mint, Thai basil (if using), and chopped red chili.
Make the Dressing:
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic until the sugar is dissolved. If you’re using toasted rice powder, stir it into the dressing.
Assemble the Salad:
- Toss the Salad:
- Add the sliced grilled beef to the bowl with the vegetables and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together gently to combine.
- Serve:
- Serve the Thai Grilled Beef Salad immediately, garnished with extra cilantro or mint if desired. This salad can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of steamed jasmine rice.
Tips:
- Toasted Rice Powder: To make toasted rice powder, dry-toast uncooked rice in a pan until golden brown, then grind it into a fine powder. It adds a delightful nutty flavor and texture to the salad.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Thai chilis to control the heat level.
This Thai Grilled Beef Salad is packed with bold flavors—tangy, spicy, savory, and a touch of sweetness—making it a perfect, light yet satisfying meal!
