Fast thai beef salad

Fast Thai Beef Salad combines tender grilled beef with vibrant vegetables and herbs, all tossed in a zesty lime dressing. This refreshing dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for a light meal in under 30 minutes.

15 Dec 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 20 min

Ingredients:

1 lb beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup mung beans
1 red pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 cucumber
2 shallots
1 cup spearmint
1 cup coriander leaves
2 tsp brown sugar
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
2 limes
1/3 cup peanuts

Fast Thai Beef Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful dish that combines the zest of Thai cuisine with the hearty goodness of beef. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad boasts a delightful mix of textures and tastes, ensuring that every bite is a unique experience. With ingredients such as mung beans, cherry tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic herbs, this recipe is a surefire way to bring the exotic flavors of Thailand to your table, in less than 30 minutes.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Rub the teaspoon of olive oil over the beef and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill or sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or cook to your desired doneness.
- Remove the beef from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the beef is cooking and resting, prepare the vegetables.
- Rinse the mung beans thoroughly and set aside.
- Thinly slice the red pepper and cucumber.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the shallots.
- Roughly chop the spearmint and coriander leaves if not already done.

3. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, fish sauce, sesame oil, and lime juice. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad:
- In a large serving bowl or platter, combine the mung beans, red pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shallots, spearmint, and coriander leaves.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the salad.

5. Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.

6. Finish the Salad:
- Sprinkle the roughly chopped peanuts over the top of the salad for some added crunch and flavor.

7. Serve:
- Serve the Fast Thai Beef Salad immediately. This salad is perfect as a light and refreshing meal on its own or can be served alongside other Thai dishes.

This Fast Thai Beef Salad is not just a feast for the taste buds, but it's also a nutritious and colorful addition to your meal rotation. The simplicity and speed with which it can be prepared make it an excellent option for busy weekdays or impromptu get-togethers. Enjoy the medley of flavors that come together in this dish, from the tender beef slices to the crunchy peanuts, all beautifully enhanced by a fresh and zesty lime dressing.

Fast thai beef salad FAQ:

How long should I grill the beef for?

Grill or sear the beef for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Adjust the time based on your desired level of doneness.

Can I use a different protein instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It's best to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

What can I substitute for fish sauce?

You can use soy sauce or tamari as a substitute for fish sauce, though the flavor will differ slightly. For a seafood flavor, consider using a vegan fish sauce.

What is the ideal pan size for cooking the beef?

A medium skillet or grill pan of about 10-12 inches in diameter works well for cooking 1 lb of beef, ensuring enough space for proper searing.

Tips:

- For a more pronounced flavor, marinate the beef in the fish sauce and brown sugar mixture for at least 15 minutes before cooking.

- Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.

- Toast the peanuts lightly in a dry pan to enhance their crunch and flavor.

- Ensure all vegetables are fresh and crisp to keep the salad lively and vibrant.

- Mix the dressing ingredients separately and then combine with the salad just before serving to retain the salad’s freshness.

- Feel free to add or substitute other fresh herbs like Thai basil for an extra aromatic kick.

- Serve the salad immediately after preparing for the best texture and flavor.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 470kcal
Protein 40g
Carbohydrates 16g
Fiber 4.24g
Sugar 8g
Fat 33g

Fast thai beef salad