Easy Spicy Thai Beef Salad (Yum Neua): A Flavor Explosion You’ll Crave in 30 min

Looking for a refreshing, spicy, and satisfying dinner? Try this Thai Beef Salad (Yum Neua) recipe. It’s packed with grilled beef, a spicy salad, and packed with flavor. Perfect for a low-carb dinner that will leave you craving more!

Introduction

Thai cuisine is famous for its bold and tantalizing flavors, and one dish that never fails to impress is the Spicy Thai Beef Salad, or Yum Neua. Whether you’re a fan of Asian beef dishes, grilled beef, or just love spicy salads, this recipe is a winner on all fronts. This low-carb dinner option is bursting with fresh ingredients and the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

What makes this Spicy Thai Beef Salad stand out is its ability to bring all of these flavors together in one satisfying bite. A juicy grilled beef steak, combined with a zesty dressing, crunchy veggies, and a mix of fresh herbs, makes this dish the perfect summer meal, light dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Whether you’re craving a refreshing salad or just want something with a punch of heat, Yum Neua checks all the boxes.

Perfect For

A quick, light dinner: Low in carbs, this dish is ideal for anyone looking to keep dinner light but satisfying.
BBQ nights: Serve this salad alongside your favorite grilled meats or as a standalone dish.
Spicy food lovers: If you love adding a spicy kick to your meals, this salad will certainly satisfy your cravings.
Healthy, flavorful meals: This recipe is packed with fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients that will fuel your body without compromising on flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re someone who enjoys flavor-packed, vibrant dishes, this Spicy Thai Beef Salad (Yum Neua) will quickly become one of your favorites. The grilled beef is perfectly tender and juicy, while the spicy dressing brings a burst of heat and flavor to every bite. With a mix of fresh herbs, vegetables, and a tangy dressing, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing.

What’s even better is that it’s an Asian beef dish that’s low in carbs, making it a perfect choice for those following a keto or low-carb diet. The salad is naturally gluten-free, and the vibrant ingredients come together to form a dish that is both healthy and irresistible.

Ingredients You Need for 4 Persons

For the grilled beef:

1 lb flank steak (or sirloin, if you prefer)
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for marinating)

For the dressing:

3 tbsp fish sauce
2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tbsp sugar (or a low-carb sweetener)
1 tbsp chili paste (adjust to taste)
1-2 small Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped (optional, for extra spice)
1 clove garlic, minced

For the salad:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
½ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 small carrot, shredded
1 cup lettuce or spinach (optional, for added greens)

Ingredient Highlights for 4 Persons

Flank steak: Known for its tenderness and deep flavor, flank steak is the perfect choice for grilling and slicing thinly. It adds a rich, savory base to the dish.
Fish sauce: A key ingredient in Thai cooking, fish sauce brings a deep umami flavor that is essential for the dressing.
Fresh herbs: Cilantro and mint provide a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the spicy dressing and grilled beef.
Chilies: Whether you like a mild or fiery kick, the level of spiciness is easily adjustable by adding more or fewer chilies.

Preparation Time – Cooking Time – Total Time

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Beef

Marinate the beef (optional): To enhance the flavor, marinate the flank steak with 1 tbsp of soy sauce and a pinch of salt and pepper for about 10 minutes before grilling.
Grill the beef: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush the beef with a little vegetable oil to prevent sticking, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness is achieved. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Step 2: Making the Dressing

Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar (or low-carb sweetener), chili paste, chopped bird’s eye chilies, and minced garlic. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary, depending on how spicy you want the salad.

Step 3: Assembling the Salad

Prepare the vegetables: While the beef is grilling, slice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shred the carrot. Combine all the vegetables in a large bowl.
Add fresh herbs: Toss in the fresh cilantro and mint leaves for that extra burst of flavor.
Toss the salad: Once the beef is sliced thin, add it to the bowl with the vegetables and toss everything together. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix to coat all ingredients evenly.

Table of Calories Per Person

Flank steak (100g): 250 calories
Fish sauce (1 tbsp): 10 calories
Lime juice (2 tbsp): 8 calories
Carrot (1 medium): 25 calories
Cucumber (½ medium): 8 calories
Cherry tomatoes (½ cup): 15 calories
Red onion (1/8 onion): 10 calories
Herbs (cilantro and mint): 5 calories
Total per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories

How to Serve

This Thai Beef Salad is best served immediately after preparation to keep the beef tender and the salad fresh. It’s an excellent stand-alone dish, but you can also pair it with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles for a more filling meal. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for added protein.

How to Store

Since this salad is served best fresh, it’s recommended to consume it immediately. However, if you have leftovers, store the beef and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The dressing can also be stored separately and refrigerated. Reheat the beef before serving, but avoid reheating the salad as it may wilt.

Additional Tips

Adjust the spice: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the number of chilies or use a milder chili paste.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the vegetables and the dressing in advance. Just grill the beef and assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve.
Add some crunch: For an extra crunch, consider adding roasted peanuts or cashews to the salad.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian version: Replace the beef with grilled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian-friendly version of this salad.
Add fruits: For a sweet twist, try adding thinly sliced mango or pineapple to the salad.

Special Equipment

Grill pan or outdoor grill
Large salad bowl
Whisk for the dressing

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, you can substitute flank steak with sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak, but flank steak is the most commonly used for this dish because of its texture and flavor.

Can I make the salad ahead of time? It’s best to serve the salad immediately for freshness. However, you can prep the ingredients (except for the beef) in advance and assemble the salad just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that the fish sauce you use is gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat.

Conclusion

This Spicy Thai Beef Salad (Yum Neua) is a flavor-packed dish that brings together all the right elements for a delicious, satisfying, and healthy meal. With its juicy grilled beef, fresh vegetables, and spicy, tangy dressing, this salad is perfect for a light low-carb dinner, a BBQ gathering, or any time you crave something bold and refreshing.

Get ready to dive into the vibrant flavors of Thailand and treat your taste buds to a salad that’s spicy, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying. Try it today, and you’ll see why Yum Neua is a dish that will have you coming back for more.

(Contact us at [email protected], and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible)

4.0

4.0 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)

Excellent0%

Very good100%

Average0%

Poor0%

Terrible0%