Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with Yum Neua Yang, a fiery and refreshing Thai beef salad that's guaranteed to become a new favorite. This authentic recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy, showcasing the tender, grilled beef against a vibrant backdrop of crisp vegetables and fragrant herbs. The rich, complex flavors are unlike anything you've tasted before, a testament to the artistry of Thai cuisine. Imagine juicy grilled beef tossed in a zesty lime dressing, mingling with crunchy vegetables, toasted peanuts, and fresh herbs – a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
This incredibly addictive salad is surprisingly easy to make, even for home cooks. Ready to embark on a culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below to create your own unforgettable Yum Neua Yang.
Tools Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- Beef: 500 grams
- Onion: 1/2
- Cucumber: 1/2
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Spring Onions: 1
- Sweet Basil: a handful
- Garlic: 2 cloves
- Red Chili: 3
- Kaffir Lime Leaves: 1
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon
- Lime Juice: 3 tablespoons
- Chili Paste: 1 teaspoon
- Fish Sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Vegetable Oil: 1 1/2 tablespoons
- Baking Soda: 1/4 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Cut onion in half and slice. Use 1/2 cucumber, peel and cut into quarters, then into strips.
- cherry tomatoes (halved and deseeded), spring onions (sliced), sweet basil (roughly chopped), garlic (finely chopped), red chilies (sliced), and kaffir lime leaves.
- In a bowl, combine beef with 1/2 tbsp fish sauce, 1/2 tbsp vegetable oil, and 1/4 tsp baking soda. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2. Make the Dressing and Cook the Beef
- Combine sugar, lime juice, chili paste, and fish sauce in a bowl. Mix well.
- Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil to a pan over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook until browned on both sides.
Step 3. Assemble the Salad
- Combine all prepared vegetables in a bowl. Add cooked beef and dressing. Toss to coat.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with kaffir lime leaves and serve immediately.
Read more: Authentic Thai Bean Sprout Salad (Kerabu Tauge) Recipe
Tips
- Marinating the beef for at least 30 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- Adding kaffir lime leaves helps keep the salad fresh and crispy.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the components (beef, dressing, vegetables) separately a few hours in advance and assemble just before serving to prevent the lettuce from wilting.
2. What type of beef is best for Yum Neua Yang?
Flank steak or sirloin are ideal choices because they are lean and tenderize well when marinated and grilled. Avoid overly fatty cuts.
3. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Start with less chili flakes or fish sauce, and add more to your preference. You can also use milder chilies like bird's eye chilies instead of Thai chilies for less heat.
So there you have it – your very own authentic Spicy Thai Beef Salad (Yum Neua Yang)! Enjoy the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this incredibly versatile dish. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with this culinary masterpiece!