Description
The story of Yum Nua, or Thai Beef Salad, is deeply rooted in Thai culinary traditions, particularly in the Isan region of northeastern Thailand. The term “Yum” translates to “mix” or “toss” in Thai, and it’s a category of dishes that are known for their fresh, zesty, and spicy character. The essence of a good Yum dish is the dressing, which is always light, tangy, and bursting with flavor. Unlike salads in the Western world that often rely on creamy or heavy dressings, Thai salads are all about freshness and brightness.
Ingredients
For the Steak Marinade:
- 1½ lbs ribeye or sirloin steak
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: 2 stalks lemongrass, thinly sliced
For the Spicy Lime Dressing:
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- ⅓ cup fish sauce
- ¼ cup sugar or palm sugar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1–3 Thai chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Salad:
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- ½ cup thinly sliced shallots
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh mint leaves
- 2 cups cilantro leaves
- ½ cup toasted peanuts, chopped
- Optional: crushed toasted rice for crunch
Instructions
- Marinate the steak: Combine marinade ingredients in a sealable bag. Add steak and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Grill the steak: Cook to medium-rare, rest, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, oil, chilies, and garlic.
- Assemble the salad: Toss cucumber, shallots, tomatoes, mint, cilantro, and peanuts in a large bowl. Add sliced steak and drizzle with dressing.
- Serve immediately: Garnish with extra herbs or crushed rice for texture.
Notes
This refreshing Thai beef salad combines tender steak with crisp vegetables and a zesty lime dressing. It’s light yet filling, perfect for a quick dinner or a flavorful lunch. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: Moderate
Keywords: Yum Nua, spicy Thai beef salad, Thai steak salad