Here’s a Thai Beef Salad (Yam Nua) recipe – a classic, vibrant dish that balances savory, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer!
🥗 Thai Beef Salad (Yam Nua) Recipe
✅ Serves: 2-4
⏰ Time: 30 minutes
🥩 Ingredients
For the beef:
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300g (10 oz) beef steak (sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak)
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1 tbsp vegetable oil (for searing)
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Salt & pepper, to season
For the salad:
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1 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1 small cucumber, halved & thinly sliced
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10 cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup fresh mint leaves
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1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (optional: with stems)
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1/2 cup Thai basil leaves (optional)
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2 spring onions, chopped
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1–2 red Thai chilies, finely sliced (adjust to taste)
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1 small carrot, julienned (optional)
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Lettuce leaves (for serving or as a base)
For the dressing:
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3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
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1½ tbsp fish sauce
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1 tsp palm sugar (or light brown sugar)
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 Thai chili, minced (optional – for extra heat)
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1 tbsp toasted rice powder (optional but traditional, adds nutty flavor & texture)
🔥 Step-by-step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
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Pat the steak dry and season with salt and pepper.
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Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat with a bit of oil.
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Sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust for desired doneness).
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Rest for 5–10 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Lime juice
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Fish sauce
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Palm sugar
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Minced garlic
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Minced chili (optional)
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Toasted rice powder (optional)
Taste and adjust:
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More lime juice = tangier
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More fish sauce = saltier/umami
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More sugar = sweeter
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More chili = spicier
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine:
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Sliced beef
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Onion, cucumber, tomatoes
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Herbs: mint, cilantro, Thai basil
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Spring onions, chili slices, carrot (if using)
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
4. Serve
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Serve immediately on a plate or over lettuce leaves.
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Garnish with more herbs or toasted rice powder if desired.
📝 Notes & Tips
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Toasted Rice Powder (Khao Khua): Made by toasting raw sticky rice until golden and grinding it to a powder. Adds authentic flavor.
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Make it a meal: Serve with jasmine rice or sticky rice.
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Protein substitute: Try grilled chicken or tofu for a variation.
📦 Storage
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Best eaten fresh.
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day, but herbs may wilt and beef may toughen.