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Thai Waterfall Beef Salad (Nam Tok Neua)

Servings : 2
Spice Level : Mild-Medium
Skill Level : Easy
Prep : 20 min
Cook : 10 min
Total : 30 min

Ingredients

Toasted Rice Powder:

[] 1.5 tbsp uncooked glutinous rice (or jasmine rice)

Beef:

[]300g beef picanha steak (or sirloin/striploin)
[] | salt and pepper | (to season)
[] | 1 tsp neutral oil | (for searing)

Dressing:

[] 3 tbsp fish sauce
[] 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
[] 1/2 tbsp palm sugar (or use white sugar)
[] | 1 tsp chili flakes | (adjust to taste)

Fresh Herbs & Aromatics:

[] |25g shallot - about 1 large shallot | (thinly sliced)
[] |2 tbsp fresh mint leaves (loosely packed)
[] | 10g spring onion |(thinly sliced)
[] |10g sawtooth coriander (culantro) | (thinly sliced)

Equipment

[] Small dry pan or skillet (for toasting rice)
[] Mortar & pestle (for pounding toasted rice or use a spice grinder)
[] Charcoal grill
[] Heavy stainless steel or cast-iron pan (for searing)
[] Meat thermometer (optional, for precise doneness)
[] Kitchen scale (for measuring herbs and seasonings precisely)

Cooking Instructions



1. Make Toasted Rice Powder

[] Place uncooked rice in a dry pan over medium heat.
[] Toast the rice, stirring constantly, until golden brown and fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn.
[] Once toasted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
[] Transfer to a mortar and pestle, and pound until it reaches a coarse, sandy texture with some gritty bits for added crunch and aroma.

2. Cook the Beef

[] If refrigerated, bring the steak to room temperature at least 30 minutes before cooking.
[] Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
[] Preheat your charcoal grill or a stainless steel pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
[] Grill or sear the beef for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium doneness. Target internal temperatures: Medium Rare: 54–57°C (130–135°F) or Medium: 60–63°C (140–145°F).
[] Let the beef rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

3. Prepare the Dressing

[] In a mixing bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chili flakes.
[] Stir until the palm sugar dissolves.
[] Add thinly sliced shallots, fresh mint leaves, chopped spring onions, sawtooth coriander, and the toasted rice powder. Mix gently to combine.

4. Assemble the Salad

[] Add the sliced steak to the dressing and herb mixture.
[] Toss everything well until evenly coated.
[] Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The flavor should be a bold balance of spicy, sour, and salty.

5. Serve

[] Transfer to a serving plate.
[] Garnish with extra mint leaves on the side.
[] Serve immediately as part of a Thai meal with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.