Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua) is the perfect balance of freshness and complexity. The marinated steak adds a savory depth, while the zesty dressing brings a refreshing tang, and the fresh herbs make it aromatic and fragrant. The salad is crunchy, light, and satisfying, while the rice powder adds a unique toasted rice flavor that’s traditionally used in Thai cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a vibrant side dish, this recipe offers a burst of flavor that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 1 clove garlic
• 1 jalapeno (halved)
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 1 ½ Tablespoons fish sauce
• 2 Tablespoons minced lemongrass (remove the tough outer leaves and slice the tender white core)
• 1 ¼ teaspoons brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon red chile flakes

For the Steak:

• ½ Tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1-inch thick New York strip steak (9 to 10 oz.)

For the Rice Powder:

• 2 Tablespoons uncooked jasmine rice (or long or short grain white rice)

For the Salad:

• 2 medium shallots (thinly sliced)
• ¼ cup fresh mint leaves (loosely packed, roughly chopped)
• 3 Tablespoons roughly chopped cilantro leaves and stems
• Lettuce of your choosing (romaine, butterhead, or mixed greens)
• Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• Cucumbers (sliced)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Make the Rice Powder:

To make the rice powder, heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and toast it for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice becomes golden and fragrant. Let it cool, then grind it in a spice grinder or mortar and pestle until you have a coarse powder. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Dressing:

In a small bowl or a jar, combine the garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, fish sauce, minced lemongrass, brown sugar, and red chile flakes. Use a whisk or spoon to mix everything together until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

3. Cook the Steak:

Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the New York strip steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness (for medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F). Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

4. Prepare the Salad:

While the steak rests, prepare the salad. In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced shallots, chopped mint, chopped cilantro, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.

5. Assemble the Salad:

Add the sliced steak to the salad and pour the dressing over the top. Sprinkle the rice powder over the salad and gently toss everything together until well mixed and coated with the dressing.

6. Serve:

Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional mint or cilantro if desired. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2-3
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use Different Herbs: If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can substitute it with basil or Thai basil for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Vegetables: You can add more vegetables like shredded carrots, bell peppers, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
• Swap the Steak: While New York strip is great for this dish, you can also use flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak.
• Make it Spicy: If you want more heat, add more jalapenos to the dressing or include fresh chili peppers in the salad.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The steak can be reheated briefly in a skillet or microwave, but it’s best to add the fresh herbs and dressing right before serving.
• Reheating: If you have leftover steak, it can be quickly reheated in the skillet over medium heat for a few minutes. However, try not to reheat the whole salad as the lettuce will wilt.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin as alternatives to New York strip. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the cut.

Can I make the rice powder ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice powder ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container for up to 1-2 weeks. It’s a great ingredient to have on hand for other Thai dishes as well.

Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of this Thai salad. You could also add more vegetables like roasted eggplant or mushrooms for a hearty option.

Can I use a different type of fish sauce?

Fish sauce is a key ingredient for the authentic flavor of this dish, but if you can’t find it or prefer an alternative, you can use soy sauce or tamari for a non-fish sauce option. Keep in mind that it will alter the flavor slightly.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While the dressing can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the lettuce stays crisp.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To add more spice, you can increase the amount of red chile flakes in the dressing or add more fresh chili peppers to the salad itself.

What can I serve with Thai Beef Salad?

This Thai Beef Salad pairs well with sticky rice, Thai spring rolls, or a side of grilled vegetables. If you want to make it a complete meal, you could also serve it with coconut rice or fried rice.

Conclusion

Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua) is a flavorful and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of tender steak, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a tangy, spicy dressing, it’s a salad that’s both light and satisfying. The rice powder gives the salad a traditional Thai touch, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor. Whether you’re craving a healthy lunch, a vibrant dinner, or something to impress guests, this Thai Beef Salad is a delicious choice!

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