Thai Beef Salad (Yum Nua)

Yum in Thai is salad and Nua means beef.

One could even say, “YUM a NUA salad to add to my recipes”

After you try this, you will definitely add it to your fast, easy recipes because like most Thai food it’s the perfect balance of the 5 S’s: sweet, sour, spicy, salty and savory.

From start to finish you can make this in 20 minutes. That includes chopping, cooking and steak and mixing it all together.

Enjoy foodies!

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salad:

  • 1 pound (450g) beef tenderloin or sirloin steak

  • A sprinkle of salt (for marinating the meat)

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 4 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., lettuce, arugula)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

  • 1/2 red onion or 2 shallots, thinly sliced

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

  • 1/4 cup Thai basil

  • Optional: 1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced (for added heat)

• For the Dressing:

  • 3 tablespoons fish sauce

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

  • 1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar

  • 1 garlic clove, minced

  • Optional: 1 fresh red chili, minced (for added heat)

Instructions

Marinate the Beef:

1. Season the steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

   Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, fresh lime juice, palm sugar (or brown sugar), minced garlic, and minced chili (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves.

   Grill the Beef:

   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Cook the steak for about 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.

   • Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.

   Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onion (or shallots), cilantro, mint, basil and sliced red chili (if using).

   • Add the sliced beef to the salad.

   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

   Serve:

   • Divide the salad among serving plates and enjoy immediately
     

Nutrient Profile per Serving (1 of 4 servings)

(Based on ~4 oz cooked lean beef per serving, plus vegetables and dressing)

• Calories: 360 kcal

• Protein: 34 g (68% DV)

• Total Fat: 19 g (24% DV)

  • Saturated Fat: 6.5 g (33% DV)

• Carbohydrates: 15 g (5% DV)

  • Dietary Fiber: 2.8 g (10% DV)

  • Total Sugars: 8 g

• Cholesterol: 85 mg (28% DV)

• Sodium: 920 mg (40% DV)

• Potassium: 600 mg (13% DV)

• Vitamin C: 25 mg (28% DV)

• Vitamin A: 900 IU (18% DV)

• Iron: 3.5 mg (19% DV)

• Calcium: 60 mg (5% DV)

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is Thai beef salad (Yum Nua)?

  Thai beef salad, known as Yum Nua, is a traditional Thai dish made with grilled beef, fresh herbs, vegetables, and a tangy dressing of lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili. It’s known for its bold balance of flavors—sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

• Is Thai beef salad healthy?

  Yes, Yum Nua is considered a healthy, high-protein meal. It includes lean beef, fresh vegetables, and herbs, making it nutrient-dense and relatively low in carbs.

• What are the key flavors in Thai beef salad?

  The dish is built on Thailand’s signature flavor balance:

  • Sweet (sugar)

  • Sour (lime juice)

  • Salty (fish sauce)

  • Spicy (chilies)

  • Savory/umami (beef)

• Can I make Yum Nua without fish sauce?

  Yes, you can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian-friendly or milder alternative, though it may slightly change the authentic flavor.

• What herbs are used in Yum Nua?

  Fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, and Thai basil are essential. They give the salad its signature fresh and aromatic flavor profile.