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As the culinary world continues to evolve, new and exciting recipes emerge and capture the imagination of food enthusiasts everywhere. This summer, we bring you a dish that’s not just a salad but a culinary adventure. The Spicy Thai Beef Salad, or ‘Yam Nuea Yang,’ is a trending recipe that perfectly captures the essence of summer with its bold flavors and refreshing ingredients. Here’s how to make this unique and exciting dish part of your summer repertoire.

Watch Video Instruction
Ingredients:
- For the Beef:
- 1 lb sirloin steak
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups of fresh mixed greens (such as romaine, arugula, and spinach)
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, roughly chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red chili, finely sliced, or 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp toasted rice powder (optional for crunch and nuttiness)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
- Season the sirloin steak with salt and pepper and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes for medium-rare or until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before thinly slicing against the grain.
- Mix the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and mint.
- Create the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, minced garlic, and red chili or chili flakes. Adjust the seasoning to taste. If using, stir in the toasted rice powder.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the salad mixture.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately, garnished with extra herbs or a wedge of lime if desired.
Culinary Tips:
- Beef Preparation: Searing the meat at a high temperature will help to lock in the juices, ensuring that it is tender and flavorful.
- Dressing Balance: The key to a perfect Thai dressing lies in the balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy. Taste as you go and adjust the flavors to your liking.
- Add Crunch: For an added texture, sprinkle toasted rice powder over the salad before serving. This gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft greens and juicy beef.
This Spicy Thai Beef Salad is not just a salad; it’s a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. It’s the perfect summer salad recipe to spice up your meal plans and impress your guests with your flair for international cuisine. Enjoy the blend of freshness and fiery spice that this salad has to offer, and make your summer meals unforgettable!