How to Make Thai-Style Spicy Beef Salad (Yam Neua)
Thai-style spicy beef salad, or Yam Neua, is a delectable dish that combines the savory flavors of perfectly cooked beef with fresh herbs and a spicy dressing. This salad is not only a feast for the senses but also relatively simple to prepare. Follow these steps to create this flavorful Thai dish at home.
Ingredients
To make Thai-style spicy beef salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 500 grams of beef (sirloin or flank steak works best)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of roasted rice powder (optional)
- 1-2 Thai bird’s eye chilies (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Beef
1. Start by marinating the beef. In a bowl, mix the fish sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Add the beef and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness.
3. After cooking, let the beef rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Preparing the Salad
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, red onion, green onions, and cucumber.
5. Finely chop the bird’s eye chilies and add them to the mixture. Adjust the number of chilies based on your spice tolerance.
6. If using, sprinkle the roasted rice powder over the salad for added texture and flavor.
Making the Dressing
7. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce and lime juice to create the dressing. You may adjust the proportions to your taste.
8. Pour the dressing over the beef salad mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
Serving
9. Transfer the salad to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately, alongside sticky rice or on its own as a light meal.
Tips for the Perfect Yam Neua
- For an authentic flavor, grill the beef on a barbecue for an extra smoky taste.
- Allowing the beef to rest before slicing helps keep it tender and juicy.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other fresh vegetables such as tomatoes or lettuce for a crunch.
This Thai-style spicy beef salad (Yam Neua) is bursting with flavor and packs a punch! Enjoy making this delicious recipe in your own kitchen and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.