Thai Beef Salad

Thai Beef Salad Recipe - Authentic Flavors of Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Thai Beef Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender slices of beef with a zesty and tangy dressing, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. This dish is perfect for a light and healthy meal that is bursting with Thai flavors.

History

Thai Beef Salad, also known as "Yam Nua" in Thai cuisine, is a popular dish that originated in Thailand. It is a traditional salad that features grilled or seared beef, mixed with a spicy and tangy dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, and chili. The salad is typically served with fresh vegetables and herbs, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

1 tsp chili flakes, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed into a paste
3 tbsp fresh lime juice or lemon juice
1 tbsp fish sauce
0.5 tsp sugar
1 small red onion, sliced into thin rings
2 stalks lemongrass, bruised and chopped (optional)
100 g green beans, trimmed
0.5 small cucumber, peeled
20 small cherry tomatoes, halved
20 red seedless grapes
0.25 cup fresh mint
0.25 cup fresh coriander
300 g sirloin steak
1 tbsp vegetable oil

How to prepare

Mix the chili flakes and garlic together.
Combine the lime or lemon juice, fish sauce, sugar, sliced lemongrass, and red onions.
Boil the beans in a pot of water for a couple of minutes.
Rinse the beans in cool water and drain.
Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon to remove the seeds.
Slice the cucumber into half-moon shapes.
In a salad bowl, mix together the beans, tomatoes, cucumber, grapes, and most of the herbs.
Heat up a frying pan or griddle until very hot.
Coat the meat with oil on both sides and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side.
This will result in a slightly pink center.
If you prefer it well done, adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Allow the meat to rest for five minutes before slicing.
Place the meat on a work surface and thinly slice it at a slant.
Pour most of the previously prepared dressing mixture over the salad.
Dip the steak slices in a bit of the remaining dressing, then arrange them over the salad.
Garnish with the remaining herbs and serve.

Variations

Substitute the beef with grilled chicken or shrimp for a different flavor.
Add sliced mango or pineapple for a touch of sweetness.
Toss in some toasted peanuts or cashews for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the beef thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.

- Marinate the beef for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use a hot pan or grill to quickly sear the beef and lock in the juices.

- Allow the beef to rest before slicing to ensure juiciness.

- Toss the salad with the dressing just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.

Serving Suggestions

Thai Beef Salad can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside steamed rice or noodles. It pairs well with a cold beer or a refreshing glass of iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Searing the beef over high heat to lock in the juices.

- Boiling the green beans briefly to retain their crispness.

- Mixing the dressing separately before tossing with the salad ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use soy sauce as a substitute for fish sauce.

- Swap out the sirloin steak for flank steak or skirt steak.

- Replace the cherry tomatoes with diced bell peppers or radishes.

Make Ahead Tips

Marinate the beef and prepare the dressing ahead of time.

- Chop the vegetables and herbs in advance and store in the refrigerator.

- Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced beef on top of the salad for an elegant presentation. - Garnish with extra herbs and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. - Serve the salad in individual bowls or on a large platter for a family-style meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Thai Beef Salad with a side of sticky rice or jasmine rice.

- Serve with a side of Thai curry or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the beef gently in a pan or microwave before serving.

- Do not reheat the salad as the vegetables will become soggy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 25g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains fish sauce

Summary

Thai Beef Salad is a nutritious dish that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is low in carbohydrates and fats, making it a healthy option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Summary

Thai Beef Salad is a delicious and healthy dish that is easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. With a zesty dressing, tender beef, and crisp vegetables, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy this Thai-inspired dish for a light and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Lily who had just returned from a trip to Thailand. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on fragrant Thai tea, she began to tell me all about her adventures and the delicious food she had tried during her travels.

One dish, in particular, caught my attention - Thai Beef Salad. Lily described it as a refreshing and flavorful salad with tender slices of beef, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing made with lime, fish sauce, and chili. My mouth watered just thinking about it.

As she spoke, I could see the excitement in her eyes as she shared the recipe with me. She had learned how to make it from a local chef during a cooking class in Bangkok, and she was eager to recreate it at home. I was thrilled when she offered to show me how to make it too.

We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, chopping and mixing, laughing and chatting. I watched as Lily expertly cooked the beef to perfection and tossed it with the vibrant salad ingredients. The aroma that filled the room was intoxicating, and my stomach growled in anticipation.

When we finally sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the Thai Beef Salad and my taste buds were transported to a tropical paradise. The flavors were so bright and bold, a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted before.

From that moment on, Thai Beef Salad became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties, always receiving rave reviews. Each time I prepared it, I thought of Lily and the wonderful day we spent together in her kitchen.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I like to marinate the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before grilling it for an extra depth of flavor. I also like to toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro and mint for a burst of freshness.

As I continued to make Thai Beef Salad, I began to share the recipe with friends and family, passing it on to anyone who showed an interest. I loved seeing their faces light up as they tasted the dish for the first time, just as mine had all those years ago.

One day, my granddaughter came to me, eager to learn how to make Thai Beef Salad. She had heard me talk about it so many times and wanted to experience the magic for herself. I was overjoyed to pass on the recipe to her, knowing that it would become a cherished part of her own cooking journey.

As we stood side by side in the kitchen, chopping and mixing, laughing and chatting, I felt a sense of pride and fulfillment. I watched as my granddaughter carefully followed each step, her hands moving with confidence and grace. I knew that she had inherited my love for cooking and that she would carry on the tradition of making Thai Beef Salad for generations to come.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took a moment to savor the flavors of the dish that had brought me so much joy over the years. The memories of that first day with Lily flooded back to me, and I realized how grateful I was for all the recipes and culinary experiences that had enriched my life.

As I looked at my granddaughter, her face glowing with satisfaction, I knew that the legacy of Thai Beef Salad would live on in her capable hands. And I couldn't wait to see where her culinary adventures would take her next.