Spicy Thai Beef Salad, also known as Yum Nua, is a vibrant, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish that perfectly blends savory beef, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy spicy dressing. Inspired by authentic Thai cuisine, this salad offers a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors—juicy tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty lime dressing that brings everything to life.

It’s satisfying enough to be a full meal yet light and refreshing, making it perfect for warm days, meal prep, or a healthy lunch or dinner that never feels boring.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because every bite is an explosion of flavor—sweet, spicy, tangy, fresh, and savory all at once.

The perfectly cooked slices of beef combined with cooling cucumbers, crisp lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fragrant herbs make this dish incredibly refreshing.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers authentic Thai flavor with simple ingredients and comes together quickly. It’s a great way to enjoy a healthy yet deeply flavorful meal without sacrificing satisfaction.

The homemade dressing is fresher and brighter than any bottled version, and the salad is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and adaptable for various diets.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approx. 320 calories per serving
Course: Lunch / Dinner / Main Course
Cuisine: Thai / Southeast Asian

Ingredients

For the Beef:

1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin
1 tbsp oil
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For the Salad:

2 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh mint leaves
½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
1–2 Thai chilies, thinly sliced (optional, for heat)

For the Dressing:

3 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated ginger
½–1 tsp red chili flakes or fresh chili slices

Optional Toppings:

Crushed peanuts or cashews
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges

Cooking Directions

Season and sear the steak until medium-rare, then rest and slice thinly.
Prepare dressing by whisking all ingredients until well combined.
Assemble salad with vegetables and herbs.
Add beef, pour dressing over, and gently toss to coat.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Cook the Steak:
Heat oil in a skillet or grill pan over high heat. Season steak with salt and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Remove and rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk lime juice, soy sauce, fish sauce, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili until smooth.
Assemble the Salad:
Add greens, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, mint, and chilies to a large bowl.
Add Beef and Toss:
Layer sliced steak on top and drizzle with dressing. Toss lightly until fully coated.

How to Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Add lime wedges or nuts on top for crunch. This salad pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, sticky rice, or lettuce wraps.

Recipe Tips

Cook steak over high heat for a good sear and juicy texture.
Rest meat before slicing to keep it tender.
Adjust spice level by adding more or fewer chilies.
Use fresh herbs generously—they’re essential to the flavor.

Variations

Chicken Version: Swap steak for grilled or pan-seared chicken.
Seafood Option: Shrimp or seared tuna work beautifully with the dressing.
Vegan Modification: Replace steak with tofu or mushrooms and use tamari instead of fish sauce.
Noodle Bowl: Add rice noodles to turn it into a heartier dish.

Freezing & Storage

Refrigerator: Store undressed salad and beef separately for up to 2 days.
Freezer: Do not freeze assembled salad—only the cooked meat can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

Grill pan or skillet
Sharp knife
Mixing bowl
Whisk

FAQ

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes—prep ingredients separately and combine before serving.

Can I use bottled teriyaki or Asian dressing instead?
You can, but homemade dressing gives fresher authentic flavor.

Is this salad spicy?
It can be—adjust heat to taste or remove chilies for a mild version.

Conclusion

Spicy Thai Beef Salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and nourishing dish packed with bold ingredients and authentic Asian flair. The juicy steak combined with crisp vegetables, zesty dressing, and aromatic herbs makes every bite exciting and satisfying. Whether you’re craving a light meal, planning a dinner party, or exploring new recipes, this salad promises fresh, delicious balance and unforgettable flavor. Enjoy this vibrant and healthy masterpiece again and again!