Spicy Grilled Beef Salad (Namtok Nuea)
Prep time: 40 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2
Spicy Grilled Beef Salad, or "Namtok Nuea", is a vibrant Thai dish bursting with bold flavors. Juicy grilled beef is thinly sliced and tossed in a tangy, spicy dressing made with tamarind, fish sauce, lime juice, chili powder, and toasted rice powder, creating a perfect balance of savory, sour, and spicy. Fresh herbs like mint, coriander, and kaffir lime leaves add a fragrant, refreshing touch, while sliced shallots provide subtle sweetness. This salad is an irresistible combination of tender meat, zesty dressing, and aromatic herbs, making it a flavorful centerpiece for any meal. The name "Namtok," which means "waterfall" in Thai, poetically describes the juices from the grilled beef "falling" onto the plate as it's sliced, representing the dish's rich, flavorful essence.
Ingredients
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Grilled Beef Ingredients
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Ingredients for Salad Dressing
Steps
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Marinate and Grill the Beef:
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Mix the beef with oyster sauce, fish sauce, and palm sugar.
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Massage the marinade into the meat. Let it rest for 20 minutes.
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Grill the beef to your desired level of doneness (medium or well-done, as preferred). Let it cool slightly, then slice the beef into thin pieces.
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Making the Salad Dressing:
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In a pot, combine water tamarind juice, fish sauce and palm sugar.
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Heat the mixture until it boils, then remove it from the heat.
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Add chili powder and toasted rice powder to the dressing.
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Mix in the sliced grilled beef.
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Squeeze in lime juice and toss everything together.
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Add sliced shallots, chopped coriander, mint leaves, and sliced kaffir lime leaves. Plate and serve immediately.
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Recipe Notes
Tips
This dish embodies the communal spirit of Thai dining, where food is shared among family and friends, accompanied by stories, laughter, and the vibrant flavors of Isaan. Whether served at a street-side stall or a family table, Namtok Nuea continues to be a testament to the ingenuity and heritage of Thai cuisine.