This authentic yum nua recipe makes an easy Thai beef salad with grilled steak and fresh vegetables, tossed in a bold chili lime dressing. Itโs a low-carb summer favorite thatโs ready in under 30 minutes!
This recipe is one of the most popular Thai beef dishes on my blog, along with beef larb and nam tok. If you love bold flavors and juicy grilled meat, you’ll want to try them too!
What is yum nua
Yum nua is a healthy Thai beef salad made with grilled steak, fresh herbs, chili, lime juice, and fish sauce. Yum means mixed salad, and nua means beef in Thai. Itโs spicy, sour, and savory, and often served on warm days as a light, refreshing dish.
What is the best steak for grilling?
The best steak for grilling is tender, flavorful, and holds up well to high heat. Here are the best cuts to use:
- Ribeye: Juicy and rich with good marbling; perfect for a tender bite.
- Sirloin: Lean but still flavorful, great for quick grilling.
- Flank steak: Beefy and lean, best sliced thin against the grain.
- Skirt steak: Thin, full of flavor, and ideal for fast grilling.
- New York strip: Tender, slightly firmer than ribeye, and easy to cook evenly.
Choose a cut based on how much fat and flavor you prefer. No matter the cut, let the steak rest after grilling and always slice against the grain.
Ingredient notes and substitutes
Youโll find detailed step-by-step photos and helpful tips just below. If youโre in a hurry, feel free to skip ahead to the recipe card with the measurements at the bottom.
- Beef – The main protein; slice thinly so it absorbs the dressing well, and aim for medium-rare doneness.
- Carrot, onion, tomatoes, cucumber – A mix of crisp, refreshing veggies; swap in red onion, cherry tomatoes, or Chinese celery if preferred.
- Green onions, coriander (cilantro) – Fresh herbs with herbal notes; mint or Thai basil can be used as alternatives.
- Sesame oil – Adds a nutty depth to the dressing; a little goes a long way.
- Fresh lime juice – Always use fresh lime juice for best flavor; avoid bottled juice.
- Palm sugar – Brings a mild, caramel-like sweetness that balances the dressing; brown sugar works in a pinch.
- Fish sauce – Adds salty umami and depth, essential for authentic Thai flavor. I use Megachef brand.
- Chilies (optional) – Use chopped fresh chilies for spicy yum neua, or leave them out for a milder salad.
How to make Thai beef salad
Step 1: Preheat your charcoal grill or grill pan over medium heat. Grill the steak to your desired doneness; medium-rare or rare is best for this recipe. Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced beef along with sesame oil, palm sugar, fresh lime juice, and fish sauce. Toss gently to coat the beef evenly.
Step 3: Add the remaining vegetables and herbs to the bowl. Mix everything gently until well combined and evenly coated in the dressing. Serve immediately while fresh. Enjoy!
Thai beef salad dressing should have a balanced mix of salty, spicy, sour, and slightly sweet. When cooking Thai food, always taste as you go and again right before serving. Use my recipes as a guideline; everyone has different preferences for flavors and textures.
More Thai yum salad recipes
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Yum Nua Recipe (Authentic Thai Beef Salad)
Equipment
- cutting board and knife
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 9 oz beef
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon palm sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1/2 cup carrot, julienned
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cilantro, optional, chopped
- 2 green onions, optional, chopped
- 2 chilies, optional, chopped
Instructions
- Grill the beef: Preheat your charcoal grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the steak for about 3 minutes per side, or until it reaches your preferred doneness. Let the beef rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
- Make the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, palm sugar, fresh lime juice, and fish sauce until the sugar dissolves.
- Toss the salad: Add the sliced beef into the bowl with the dressing. Then add the carrot, onion, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, green onions, and chilies. Mix gently to coat everything evenly and serve immediately!
Notes
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
Tips for grilling steak
For the best results, follow these simple tips when grilling steak:
- Bring steak to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat before adding the meat.
- Pat the steak dry for a better sear and crust.
- Donโt move it too much, let it sear undisturbed for a few minutes per side.
- Use a meat thermometer if needed; 130โ135ยฐF (54โ57ยฐC) for medium-rare.
- Let the steak rest for 5โ10 minutes after grilling to keep it juicy.
- Slice against the grain for the most tender bite.
Frequently asked questions
Is Thai beef salad healthy?
Yes, it is. Itโs low in carbs and calories, usually under 300 per serving. Made with lean grilled beef, fresh herbs, crunchy vegetables, and a light chili-lime dressing, itโs a nutrient-rich dish perfect for a balanced, flavorful meal.
Can I make this in advance?
Yes, but for the best texture and flavor, keep the grilled beef, dressing, and vegetables separate. Combine everything just before serving to prevent the veggies from getting soggy and the beef from over-marinating.
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