Thai Beef Salad Recipe

This Thai Beef Salad is an explosion of flavors, combining tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, aromatic dressing. It’s the perfect dish for anyone looking for something vibrant, light, and full of fresh ingredients. The balance of salty, sweet, sour, and spicy in this salad is what makes it truly special. It’s packed with a mix of textures, from the crunchy peanuts to the juicy tomatoes and the crispy fresh herbs. The addition of makrut lime leaves adds a unique flavor that can only be found in Thai cooking, making this salad a delightful feast for the senses. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this salad is sure to impress with its bold flavors and aromatic ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh and Vibrant Flavors

The combination of fresh herbs, tangy lime, and spicy chilies creates a refreshing, bold taste that will awaken your taste buds.

2. Quick and Easy to Prepare

With minimal prep and cooking time, this Thai Beef Salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or quick lunch.

3. Balanced and Nutritious

Packed with lean protein from the beef and lots of vegetables, this salad is a healthy, satisfying option that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

4. Versatile

You can swap out the beef for grilled chicken or tofu, making this recipe adaptable to different diets and preferences.

5. Full of Texture

From crunchy peanuts to tender beef and crisp veggies, each bite offers a delightful mix of textures, adding depth to every forkful.

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Ingredients

• Fresh lime juice
• Garlic clove, crushed
• Finely chopped palm sugar
• Fish sauce
• Sesame oil
• Coles Asia soy sauce
• Fresh ginger, finely grated
• Beef rump steak
• Grape tomatoes, quartered
• Continental cucumber, thinly sliced diagonally
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh red chilies, sliced
• Fresh mint, torn leaves
• Fresh coriander, torn leaves
• Fresh Thai basil, torn leaves
• Toasted peanuts, coarsely chopped
• Makrut lime leaves, finely shredded

Variations

• Substitute Beef: You can easily swap the beef with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
• Add Noodles: Add a handful of cooked rice noodles or soba noodles for a more filling salad.
• Make It Spicier: If you like it hotter, add extra fresh chilies or a spoonful of chili paste.
• Vegetarian: Use tofu or tempeh in place of beef and ensure all your sauces are plant-based.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1

Prepare the dressing by combining lime juice, garlic, palm sugar, fish sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, and grated ginger in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 2

Heat a grill pan or barbecue over medium-high heat. Season the beef rump steak with salt and pepper, then cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your preferred doneness. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the quartered tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion wedges, and chili slices.

Step 4

Add the fresh herbs (mint, coriander, and Thai basil) to the bowl. Toss gently to combine the vegetables and herbs.

Step 5

Add the sliced beef to the bowl and pour over the dressing. Toss everything together until well coated.

Step 6

Garnish with toasted peanuts and shredded makrut lime leaves before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the most tender pieces.
• Let the beef rest after cooking to retain its juices and prevent it from drying out.
• Adjust the amount of palm sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice to your taste for a perfect balance of flavors.
• If you don’t have makrut lime leaves, you can substitute with regular lime zest, though the flavor won’t be as authentic.
• For added texture, consider adding crispy fried shallots or a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

How to Serve

• Serve immediately as a light lunch or dinner.
• Pair with a side of steamed rice or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
• Serve with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea to complement the bold flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The beef will lose its tenderness over time, but the flavors will still be good.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing, as the fresh ingredients and herbs will lose their texture once thawed.

Reheating

If you want to reheat the beef, do so gently in a pan on low heat to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad without the beef?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

2. What is palm sugar?

Palm sugar is a natural sweetener made from the sap of palm trees. It can be replaced with brown sugar if you don’t have it.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the soy sauce you use is gluten-free.

4. Can I use a different type of lime instead of fresh lime juice?

You can use bottled lime juice, but fresh lime juice is preferred for its bright, fresh flavor.

5. Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?

The salad is best served fresh, but you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables in advance.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Yes, you can add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, carrots, or even lettuce.

7. What can I use if I can’t find makrut lime leaves?

If you can’t find makrut lime leaves, use regular lime zest or leave them out entirely.

8. How do I know when the beef is done?

For medium-rare, cook the beef for about 3–4 minutes per side, then rest for 5 minutes. Adjust the cooking time for your preferred doneness.

9. Can I make this salad spicier?

Yes, you can add more fresh chilies or chili flakes to suit your spice preference.

10. How long can I keep leftovers?

Leftovers should be eaten within 1 day for the best taste and texture.

Conclusion

This Thai Beef Salad recipe brings vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a satisfying balance of textures in every bite. The tender beef, combined with crunchy vegetables and aromatic herbs, creates a refreshing and hearty salad. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish is sure to impress. With its bold flavors and easy preparation, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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