Name: Thai Beef Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) grilled top sirloin or rib-eye steak; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons minced cilantro stems; 2 teaspoons minced Thai basil stems; 2 teaspoons neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil); ½ teaspoon sugar; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 3 cups mixed baby salad greens; 1 scallion (green onion), chopped; 2 tablespoons roughly chopped or torn cilantro; 2 tablespoons roughly chopped or torn mint; 2 tablespoons roughly chopped or torn Thai basil; 1¼ cups sliced cucumber; 8-10 grape tomatoes, halved; ¼ cup roasted peanuts, chopped (optional); 1 Thai chili pepper, deseeded and minced (optional, for added heat)

Jump to Recipe

Thai Beef Salad, or Yam Nua, is a vibrant and refreshing dish that beautifully balances the bold flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. Combining juicy slices of grilled beef with crisp vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a tangy-spicy dressing, this salad is as satisfying as it is light. It’s the perfect dish when you’re craving something fresh, protein-packed, and bursting with flavor.

What sets Thai Beef Salad apart is its dynamic dressing — a zesty blend of lime juice, fish sauce, chili, garlic, and sugar that soaks into every bite. Paired with seared or grilled beef, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint, this salad delivers a punch of heat, acidity, and umami that lingers long after your last forkful.

Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a starter, this dish is quick to prepare and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re a seasoned Thai food enthusiast or trying it for the first time, Thai Beef Salad is sure to impress with its perfect harmony of textures and flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, Balanced Flavors – Sweet, salty, spicy, and tangy all in one dish.
Light Yet Filling – Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
Quick and Easy – Comes together in about 30 minutes.
Customizable – Adjust the spice level, herbs, or veggies to suit your taste.
Healthy and Gluten-Free – Naturally gluten-free and full of nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients

Beef steak (such as sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
Cucumber
Cherry tomatoes
Red onion or shallots
Fresh cilantro
Fresh mint
Green onions
Fish sauce
Lime juice
Garlic
Thai chili or red chili flakes
Palm sugar or brown sugar
Cooking oil
Salt and pepper

Variations

Use Chicken or Tofu

Swap the beef for grilled chicken breast or tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Add Noodles

Serve over rice noodles or glass noodles to make it more substantial.

Mix Up the Veggies

Add bell peppers, shredded carrots, or lettuce for extra crunch and color.

Spice Control

Use fewer chilies for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat.

Vegan Thai Salad

Replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Season the beef with salt and pepper. Grill or sear it in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Let rest, then slice thinly against the grain.

Step 2

In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients: lime juice, fish sauce, minced garlic, chili, and sugar until dissolved.

Step 3

Thinly slice cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and green onions. Roughly chop cilantro and mint.

Step 4

In a large bowl, toss the sliced beef with the vegetables and herbs.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Step 6

Serve immediately, garnished with extra herbs or chili if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use room temperature beef for more even cooking.
Let the meat rest before slicing to retain its juices.
Thin slicing is key — it helps the beef absorb the dressing better.
Chill the salad ingredients before assembling for a refreshing finish.
Adjust dressing flavors to taste: more lime for tang, more sugar for balance, more chili for heat.

How to Serve

Serve Thai Beef Salad as a light main course or a flavorful appetizer. It pairs beautifully with sticky rice, jasmine rice, or lettuce wraps. For presentation, serve on a platter with extra herbs, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of toasted rice powder or chopped peanuts for added texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the salad and dressing separately for best results. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid storing dressed salad too long as the vegetables may become soggy.

Freezing

Not recommended. The fresh herbs and vegetables lose their texture and flavor when frozen.

Reheating

Not needed. Thai Beef Salad is best served chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

1. What’s the best cut of beef for Thai Beef Salad?

Flank, sirloin, or ribeye are great choices. Choose a tender cut that can be seared quickly and sliced thinly.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prep the components ahead, but combine everything just before serving for freshness.

3. What can I use instead of fish sauce?

Use soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce substitute. Add a dash of tamarind or lime juice for tang.

4. Is Thai Beef Salad spicy?

Yes, but you can adjust the amount of chili to your taste.

5. Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh lime juice is strongly recommended for the best flavor.

6. How thin should I slice the beef?

As thin as possible — aim for 1/8 inch slices against the grain for tenderness.

7. What herbs are essential?

Cilantro and mint are key to the authentic Thai flavor. Thai basil is also a great addition if available.

8. Can I use sugar substitutes?

Yes, but palm or brown sugar adds depth. Honey or coconut sugar are good natural alternatives.

9. Is this salad served hot or cold?

It’s best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.

10. Can I make it a full meal?

Yes, add rice noodles or serve with sticky rice for a more filling dish.

Conclusion

Thai Beef Salad is a beautiful blend of textures, temperatures, and bold flavors — the kind of dish that wakes up your taste buds and leaves you feeling refreshed and satisfied. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a unique dish for entertaining, or a healthy, protein-packed meal, this salad checks all the boxes. Once you master the balance of lime, chili, fish sauce, and herbs, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.