Thai “Waterfall” Steak Salad (Nam Tok Neua)

This salad hails from the northeast region of Thailand, where my mother’s side of the family is from, so northeastern food has a special place in my heart. When most people think about a steak salad, they envision a salad made of leafy greens, with sliced steak on top. But nam tok neua is actually a salad made almost entirely of steak! No vegetables, just lots of fresh herbs, and a spicy and tart dressing. The term “waterfall” or nam tok refers to the dripping (i.e. falling) of meat juices as it’s being grilled. Here in Canada, I love making this in the summer when the grilling season is in full swing. The combination of steak and an abundance of herbs in this salad strikes the perfect balance of not too heavy, yet not too light, and is perfect for a summertime dinner. For a side dish, this salad is served with sticky rice to complete the full northeastern Thai experience (see Tip for Thai Sticky Rice recipe). One of the key ingredients in this salad is toasted rice powder which has a wonderful nutty, toasty aroma, adding depth to the salad and balances the acidity of the lime. It’s a staple ingredient in Northeastern Thailand, and it’s added to many salads, soups and dipping sauces. It is a must-have ingredient in waterfall steak salad.