Authentic Thai Beef Salad Recipe - Yum Nua

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of beef steak
  • 1/2 cup of fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 red chillies, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 2 tomatoes, sliced into thin wedges
  • 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup of fresh coriander leaves
  • 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Season the beef steak with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over high heat.
  3. Add the beef steak to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until cooked to your liking. Remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, chopped chillies, and chopped garlic. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  5. Add the sliced red onion, cucumber, and tomato to the bowl. Toss well to combine.
  6. Thinly slice the rested beef steak and add it to the bowl. Toss well to combine.
  7. Add the fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, and basil leaves to the bowl. Toss well to combine.
  8. Serve the Yum Nua immediately, garnished with extra herbs and chillies if desired.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or pork instead of beef for a different protein option.
  • Add thinly sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and flavor.
  • Replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian or vegan version.
  • Add chopped peanuts or cashews for a nutty texture.
  • Include sliced mango or pineapple for a hint of sweetness.
  • Experiment with different herbs such as lemongrass or Thai basil.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh orange juice for a citrusy twist.
  • For a spicier version, add sliced bird's eye chili or drizzle with sriracha sauce.
  • Toss in cooked rice noodles or vermicelli for a heartier salad.
  • For a low-carb option, serve the Yum Nua over a bed of lettuce or mixed greens.

Recipe overview

Yum Nua, also known as Thai Beef Salad, is a refreshing and flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds straight to Thailand. This recipe combines tender slices of beef with the freshness of herbs and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing that's typical of Thai cuisine. It's a truly harmonious blend of flavors: sweet, salty, sour, and spicy, with a delightful crunch from the fresh vegetables. Whether you're craving a light lunch or a unique dinner, Yum Nua is easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with steamed rice for a complete meal. This recipe serves four, and can be quickly prepared in under 30 minutes.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can use a different cut of beef such as flank steak or sirloin steak. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of Yum Nua. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  4. Is there a substitute for fish sauce? If you don't have fish sauce, you can use soy sauce as a substitute. However, the flavor profile will be slightly different.
  5. Can I adjust the level of spiciness? Yes, you can adjust the amount of chillies used in the recipe according to your preference for spiciness.
  6. Can I add other vegetables? Yes, you can add other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or bean sprouts to customize the salad to your liking.
  7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yum Nua is best served fresh, but you can prepare all the ingredients in advance and assemble the salad just before serving for convenience.
  8. Can I store leftovers? It is not recommended to store leftovers of Yum Nua as the texture and flavors may change. It is best enjoyed immediately after preparation.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for slicing and preparing the ingredients.
  • Chef's Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the beef steak and other ingredients.
  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining the dressing and tossing the salad.
  • Tongs - Useful for flipping and handling the beef steak while cooking.
  • Pan - A frying pan or skillet for cooking the beef steak.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - For accurately measuring the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and oil.
  • Serving Platter - A large platter or plate for presenting and serving the Yum Nua.
  • Garnish Bowl - A small bowl for holding extra herbs and chillies for garnishing.
  • Serving Utensils - Forks and spoons for serving the Yum Nua.

Origin stories

Yum Nua, a tantalizing salad hailing from the heart of Thailand, tells the story of a cuisine that masterfully balances contrasting flavors. Its origins can be traced back to the northeastern region of Thailand, known as Isaan, where food is a symphony of hot, sour, sweet, and salty flavors. Yum Nua captures this essence beautifully. Each forkful of this beef salad, with its fiery chillies, tangy lime, salty fish sauce, and fresh herbs, takes one on a journey through the bustling street markets and serene paddy fields of rural Thailand. A staple in Thai households, it's a testament to the simplicity of Thai cuisine, where fresh, locally sourced ingredients are transformed into a dish that's bursting with flavors. Yum Nua is also a reflection of the Thai philosophy of food being a central part of community and family life, often bringing people together to share meals and make memories.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.