What is the Thai Green Mango & Herbed Beef Salad?
The Thai Green Mango & Herbed Beef Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Inspired by Thai cuisine, this salad features the sharp tang of green mango, tender herbed beef, and a fresh mix of vegetables and herbs, all tossed together with a zesty lime-based dressing. It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes, with its colorful array of fresh ingredients, making it an irresistible fusion dish. Whether you’re looking for a fresh appetizer or a light, healthy main course, this Thai-inspired salad is the ideal choice.
The combination of crunchy mango and cucumber, the heat from chili, the sweetness of the sugar, and the savory umami from fish sauce creates a unique taste experience that transports you straight to Southeast Asia. This dish has gained popularity due to its burst of flavors, nutritional benefits, and versatility, making it a staple in modern fusion cuisine.
Origin of the Thai Green Mango & Herbed Beef Salad
This salad hails from Thailand, where fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors are at the heart of everyday cooking. Thai cuisine is known for its balance of flavors—spicy, sour, salty, and sweet. The green mango, which is firm and tangy, plays a crucial role in the dish, offering a fresh, zesty contrast to the savory elements. The addition of herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil enhances the aroma and adds a refreshing note that complements the richness of the beef. This salad is typically served as a side dish or appetizer but is hearty enough to stand as a main course. Over time, it has been adapted in many countries, with variations catering to local tastes, but it remains a true representation of Thai culinary mastery.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Beef:
- 300g flank steak or sirloin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salad:
- 1 large green mango (peeled and julienned)
- 1 small cucumber (julienned or thinly sliced)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup Thai basil (optional)
- 1 red chili (thinly sliced, optional)
- 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts or cashews
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce (optional for depth)
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
1. Marinate & Cook the Beef
The first step to creating this delicious salad is marinating the beef. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and chili flakes (if you want a bit of heat). Stir well to dissolve the sugar and mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Once the marinade is ready, add the beef (flank steak or sirloin) to the bowl, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse.
After marinating, cook the beef by grilling or pan-searing it over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness (medium-rare to medium is ideal). Once cooked, set the beef aside to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the beef remains tender and juicy. After resting, slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure the meat remains tender when you bite into it.
2. Prepare the Salad Base
Next, focus on the fresh ingredients that will make up the vibrant salad base. Start by peeling and julienning the green mango. Green mango adds a tangy crunch that balances the richness of the beef. Similarly, julienne the cucumber to add another layer of crunch. In a large mixing bowl, combine the julienned mango and cucumber with thinly sliced red onion, cherry tomatoes (halved), and the fresh herbs—mint, cilantro, and optionally, Thai basil. If you like extra spice, you can also add a sliced red chili to the mix. This combination of fresh ingredients gives the salad its vibrant colors and textures.
3. Make the Dressing
Now, it’s time to make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and grated ginger. This creates a zesty and savory base for the salad. To add extra flavor, incorporate sweet chili sauce (if using) for depth and a touch of sweetness. Taste the dressing and adjust the balance of sweet, sour, and salty to your preference. You can always add a little more sugar or lime juice depending on the desired tang.
4. Assemble the Salad
With the beef ready, the salad base prepared, and the dressing made, it’s time to assemble the salad. Add the thinly sliced beef to the bowl of salad ingredients. Pour the prepared dressing over the top and gently toss everything together to coat the ingredients in the dressing. Be careful not to tear the delicate herbs while tossing.
5. Serve & Style
To serve, plate the salad in shallow bowls or on a large platter. Top with a generous sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews for added crunch. You can also garnish the salad with extra fresh herbs and chili slices to enhance its appearance and flavor. For the best texture and freshness, serve the salad immediately after assembling.
Variations of the Thai Green Mango & Herbed Beef Salad
While the traditional Thai Green Mango & Herbed Beef Salad is already a masterpiece, there are several variations you can try depending on your preferences and what’s available. Here are a few ideas:
- Protein Swap: Instead of beef, you can use grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. The flavors will still work wonderfully with these proteins.
- Vegan Version: To make the salad vegan, substitute the fish sauce with a plant-based alternative like soy sauce or coconut aminos and skip the meat altogether. The green mango and crunchy veggies will still shine through.
- Add Fruits: For an extra layer of sweetness, consider adding papaya or pineapple along with the green mango. These fruits bring a tropical flair to the salad.
- Crispy Tofu: For a crunchy element, you can add crispy tofu cubes. This will give the salad an extra texture and make it more filling without compromising the flavor.
- Noodles: Some variations of this salad include glass noodles or rice noodles to turn the dish into a more substantial meal. They’ll absorb the dressing and add a chewy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use ripe mango instead of green mango?
Ripe mango is much sweeter and softer than green mango, so it may not work as well in this recipe. Green mango has a tartness and crunch that adds a refreshing contrast to the beef.
2. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
For the freshest results, it’s best to prepare the salad and dressing just before serving. However, you can marinate the beef ahead of time and store the dressing separately in the fridge.
3. Is this salad spicy?
The level of spice depends on how much chili you add. If you prefer a milder salad, skip the red chili or reduce the amount of chili flakes in the beef marinade.
4. What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, coconut sticky rice, or a cold Thai iced tea. It can also be served as a side dish with a larger Thai meal.
5. How can I store leftover salad?
It’s best to consume this salad immediately, as the vegetables and herbs are freshest when served right away. If you have leftovers, you can store the beef and salad components separately in the fridge for up to a day, but the texture will not be as crisp.
Conclusion
The Thai Green Mango & Herbed Beef Salad is a refreshing, zesty, and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Thai flavors in one bowl. With its balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements, it’s the perfect fusion salad that appeals to anyone craving vibrant, healthy, and bold flavors. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this salad is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your craving for something unique and exciting. Try it today, and experience the delightful flavors of Thailand in your own kitchen!
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Thai Green Mango & Herbed Beef Salad Recipe – A Flavor Explosion of Freshness and Boldness
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
The Thai Green Mango & Herbed Beef Salad is a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy elements. Inspired by Thai cuisine, this salad features the sharp tang of green mango, tender herbed beef, and a fresh mix of vegetables and herbs, all tossed together with a zesty lime-based dressing. It’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also for the eyes, with its colorful array of fresh ingredients, making it an irresistible fusion dish. Whether you’re looking for a fresh appetizer or a light, healthy main course, this Thai-inspired salad is the ideal choice.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 300g flank steak or sirloin
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp brown sugar or palm sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
For the Salad:
- 1 large green mango (peeled and julienned)
- 1 small cucumber (julienned or thinly sliced)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup Thai basil (optional)
- 1 red chili (thinly sliced, optional)
- 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts or cashews
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce (optional for depth)
Instructions
1. Marinate & Cook the Beef
- Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes.
- Marinate beef for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Grill or pan-sear over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side (medium-rare to medium).
- Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
2. Prepare the Salad Base
- Julienne green mango and cucumber.
- Combine with onion, tomatoes, herbs, and chili in a large bowl.
3. Make the Dressing
- Whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, ginger, and sweet chili sauce.
- Taste and adjust balance of sweet, sour, and salty.
4. Assemble the Salad
- Add sliced beef to the salad bowl.
- Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
- Top with crushed peanuts or cashews.
5. Serve & Style
- Plate in shallow bowls or on a platter.
- Garnish with extra herbs and chili slices.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
For extra zing, garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime just before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or crusty bread
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Searing + Tossing
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 180g)
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: ~5g
- Sodium: ~350mg
- Fat: ~15g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~14g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: ~25g
- Cholesterol: High
Keywords: Thai Beef Salad, Green Mango Salad, Herbed Beef Salad, Thai Fusion Salad, Thai Salad Recipe
