Description
Namtok Nuea is a bold and flavorful Thai grilled beef salad featuring thinly sliced grilled beef tossed with fresh lime juice, fish sauce, chili flakes, toasted rice powder, and aromatic herbs. This savory, spicy, tangy, and aromatic dish hails from northeastern Thailand and is traditionally served warm or at room temperature, making it a fresh and satisfying main or side dish.
Ingredients
Grilled Beef
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Salad
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (to taste)
- 1 1/2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1–2 tsp Thai chili flakes (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp toasted rice powder (khao khua)
- 1/4 cup shallots, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to high heat to ensure a good sear.
- Season the Beef: Rub the beef steak evenly with neutral oil, salt, and black pepper for balanced flavor and moisture.
- Grill the Beef: Cook the beef for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust timing based on your preferred doneness.
- Rest the Beef: Remove the grilled beef from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the Beef: Thinly slice the rested beef against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, fish sauce, Thai chili flakes, and sugar for the classic tangy and spicy dressing.
- Toss the Beef with Dressing: Add the warm sliced beef to the dressing and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with flavor.
- Add Toasted Rice Powder: Sprinkle the toasted rice powder into the salad and mix well to add aroma and texture.
- Incorporate Fresh Herbs and Shallots: Fold in thinly sliced shallots, chopped mint, and cilantro for freshness and fragrance.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, the beef should be juicy and slightly pink inside, cooked to medium-rare.
- Do not skip the toasted rice powder as it imparts the dish’s signature aroma and texture.
- This salad is traditionally served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables such as cucumber or cabbage on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Meat & Mains
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
