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Thai Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs

Thai Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs

This Thai Beef Salad with Fresh Herbs is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender, juicy beef with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty, slightly spicy dressing. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner, bringing authentic Thai flavors to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef

  • 300g sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

Fresh Herbs

  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, chopped

Vegetables

  • 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1012 cherry tomatoes, halved

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 fresh red or green chili, chopped (adjust to taste)

Optional Garnishes

  • Toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts
  • Extra fresh herbs
  • Thinly sliced chili rings

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the beef for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain to maintain tenderness.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lime juice, fish sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and chopped chili until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs: Thinly slice cucumbers and red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the fresh cilantro, mint, and Thai basil leaves. Combine all vegetables and herbs gently in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Toss the Salad: Add the sliced beef to the bowl with vegetables and herbs. Pour the dressing over all ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly, being careful not to bruise the delicate herbs.
  5. Serve Immediately: Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Optionally, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, extra herbs, or sliced chili rings for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Rest the beef after cooking to retain juices and maximize tenderness.
  • Adjust the dressing’s lime juice, sugar, and fish sauce to achieve your preferred balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors.
  • Use fresh, vibrant herbs for the best aroma and flavor impact.
  • Serve the salad immediately to keep vegetables crisp and herbs fresh.
  • Thinly slice beef and vegetables for perfect bite-sized portions.

Nutrition

Keywords: Thai beef salad, fresh herbs salad, Thai appetizer, quick Thai recipe, spicy beef salad, healthy Thai salad