Thai Beef Salad Recipe
Introduction
Thai Beef Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines tender beef with crisp lettuce and fresh herbs. Tossed in a tangy lime dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful dinner.
Ingredients
- 200g beef (such as sirloin or flank steak)
- 4 cups lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup mixed fresh herbs (such as cilantro, mint, and Thai basil)
- For the lime dressing:
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 small chili, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the beef with salt and pepper, then cook it in a hot pan over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until cooked to your preferred doneness. Let it rest before slicing thinly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce and fresh herbs. Add the sliced beef on top.
- Step 3: Whisk together the lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, and chili to make the dressing. Pour it over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Step 4: Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Use leftover grilled beef for a quick version of this salad.
- Add thinly sliced red onion or cucumber for extra crunch.
- Adjust the chili amount to control the heat of the dressing.
- Substitute the fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian-friendly option (replace beef with grilled tofu).
Storage
This salad is best eaten fresh due to the crispness of the lettuce and herbs. If you need to store it, keep the beef and dressing separate from the greens in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Toss everything together just before serving. Reheating is not recommended as it will wilt the salad.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different cuts of beef for this salad?
Yes, sirloin, flank, or ribeye work well. Just cook according to thickness and prefer doneness to keep the beef tender.
How can I make the salad less spicy?
Simply omit the chili in the dressing or reduce the amount until it suits your taste.
PrintThai Beef Salad Recipe
This Thai Beef Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining tender, seared beef with crisp lettuce, fresh herbs, and a tangy lime dressing. Perfect for a light yet flavorful meal, it balances savory, sour, and aromatic notes typical of Thai cuisine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients
Beef
- 300g beef sirloin or ribeye steak
- 4 cups mixed lettuce leaves, washed and torn
- 1 cup fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, and Thai basil), chopped
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (about 1–2 limes)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 small red chili, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salad
Lime Dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until your desired doneness. Let the beef rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, chopped chili, and vegetable oil until the sugar dissolves.
- Toss the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce leaves and fresh herbs. Add the sliced beef and drizzle the lime dressing over everything. Toss gently to evenly coat the salad with dressing.
- Serve: Plate the salad immediately for the freshest flavors. Optionally garnish with extra herbs or chili slices.
Notes
- For a spicier salad, increase the amount of chili or add chili flakes to taste.
- You can substitute beef with grilled chicken or tofu for a different variation.
- Letting the beef rest before slicing ensures it stays juicy and tender.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the dressing.
Keywords: Thai beef salad, Thai salad, beef salad, lime dressing, fresh herbs, quick Thai recipe
