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Nua Yang Nam Tok (Waterfall Beef Salad)

Nua yang mam tok is a flavorful Thai dish meaning "waterfall beef salad," a name inspired by the sizzling sound of the beef as it cooks and releases its juices. Made with grilled or seared beef, which is sliced thin and combined with a vibrant mix of fresh herbs like mint and cilantro, nua yang nam tok is all about bold, refreshing flavors and a balance of textures. The beef is tossed in a dressing made from lime juice, fish sauce, and ground toasted rice, which adds a nutty flavor and a unique crunch. This dish is also typically spiced with Thai chile peppers, offering a heat that complements the tangy, savory dressing. Served with sticky rice or as part of a larger meal, nua yang nam tok is both hearty and refreshing, a perfect example of how Thai cuisine balances hot, sour, salty, and sweet elements in a single, satisfying dish.

Recipe Servings: 4–6

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal

Ingredients

  • Lettuce, cleaned and shredded as needed for serving
  • 2½ lbs (1.1 kg) steak, grilled and thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (95 g) ground roasted sweet rice
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) lime juice
  • ¾ cup (180 ml) fish sauce
  • 4 tsp (20 ml) nam prik pao (chili paste)
  • 8 chile peppers, deseeded and sliced
  • 1 cup (150 g) sliced onions
  • ½ cup (50 g) minced scallions
  • Sticky rice, as needed for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. Arrange lettuce on a serving plate.
  2. Place steak, rice, lime juice, fish sauce, chili paste, chile peppers, onions, and scallions in a bowl, mixing until well combined.
  3. Arrange meat mixture over lettuce.
  4. Serve cold or at room temperature with sticky rice, if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe can be made kosher or halal by using steak that is prepared appropriately.