Yum Nua – Thai Beef Salad Recipe
Description
Yum Nua, or Thai Beef Salad, is a delightful dish that beautifully showcases the classic balance of flavors characteristic of Thai cuisine: salty, sour, sweet, and spicy. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it is my mother’s specialty, which I initially found unappealing as a child, yet have grown to adore and frequently prepare. After much trial and error in recreating her culinary masterpiece, we have compiled the closest measurements to her intuitive approach, ensuring that the essence of this beloved dish shines through.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 373.4 kcal |
| Total Fat | 21.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 91.8 mg |
| Sodium | 1488 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 19.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 6.6 g |
| Protein | 27.7 g |
Ingredients
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 8 – 10 | shallots, thinly sliced |
| NA | cilantro stems, chopped |
| 1/2 | cup mint leaves |
| 1/4 | cucumber, thinly sliced |
| 4 – 6 | romaine lettuce leaves |
| 3 | cloves garlic, minced |
| 1/4 | cup lemongrass, minced |
| 1 | tablespoon palm sugar |
| 2 | tablespoons light brown sugar |
| 2 | tablespoons fish sauce |
| 1 1/2 | tablespoons fresh lime juice |
| 2 | bird chili peppers, minced |
| 2 1/2 | tablespoons vegetable oil |
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing: Begin by making the dressing, which is the heart of this salad. Take your minced garlic and bird chili peppers and place them on a cutting board. Using the flat side of your knife, crush them together to form a smooth paste. This will enhance the flavor profile of your dressing.
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Combine Ingredients for Dressing: Transfer the paste into a small mixing bowl. To this, add the minced lemongrass, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, and palm sugar. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Set this dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld.
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Cook the Steak: In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the steak to the pan. Sear it on one side for about 5-6 minutes. This step is crucial as it locks in the juices, ensuring your steak remains tender and flavorful.
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Finish Cooking the Steak: After the initial searing, flip the steak over to the other side. Cook it for another 5 minutes or until it reaches your desired doneness—medium-rare to medium is ideal for this salad. Once cooked, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This resting period is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making it more succulent.
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Slice the Steak: After the resting period, slice the steak very thinly against the grain. This method ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew, maximizing your enjoyment of the dish.
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Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced beef along with any juices that have accumulated on the cutting board. To this, add the chopped mint, sliced shallots, cilantro stems, and cucumber. These fresh ingredients contribute vibrant flavors and textures to the salad.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the beef mixture and toss everything gently to ensure that each component is coated in the delicious dressing. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
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Serve the Salad: To serve, line a large serving platter with the fresh romaine lettuce leaves. Pile the beef salad mixture generously on top of the lettuce, creating an inviting and colorful presentation.
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Optional Serving Suggestion: If desired, serve the Yum Nua with a side of jasmine rice or sticky rice, which pairs beautifully with the salad and helps balance the flavors.
Cooking Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
This Yum Nua – Thai Beef Salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of flavors, perfect for a quick lunch or as a delightful dinner dish. Each bite bursts with freshness, and the harmony of spices and herbs will leave you craving more. Enjoy crafting this wonderful recipe that pays homage to my mother’s culinary legacy!
