Thai Beef Salad

Topped with slices of marinated steak, still warm from the grill, this salad will satisfy all of your taste buds. One of the best parts is the Nam Jim dressing: salty, sour, spicy, sweet, and surprisingly, oil-free. It may look like a small batch, but trust me, a little of the Nam Jim goes a long way. 

For those of us who are avoiding gluten and dairy, the cuisine of Thailand can offer satisfying options that are not built upon these ubiquitous (and inflammatory) Western staples. This Thai Beef Salad recipe happens to be gluten-free, dairy-free, Paleo-friendly, and low-carb. 

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Chef's Notes:

Thai food demonstrates “Intricacy; attention to detail; texture; color; taste; and the use of ingredients with medicinal benefits, as well as good flavor,” according to Thai food expert, chef, and writer, McDang. It also takes a “more is more” approach when it comes to combining lots of bold ingredients to create a final dish with what I call KABOOM flavor!

That’s why 20+ years after tasting this salad at a surf-side cafe in Byron Bay, Australia, I can remember the taste and texture like a high-def flavor photograph. Do you have a collection of those meal memories that leave such a bold imprint? Maybe it’s just me… 

Further Reading: How to Grill a Perfect Steak Every Time

Thyroid-healthy Recipe Highlights:

• Grass-fed (or grass-finished) Beef has a far different and superior nutrient profile than industrially-raised, grain-finished beef, and is high in many key thyroid-supporting nutrients. It contains up to five times more Omega-3s than conventionally raised beef, which can help reduce inflammation in the body, as well as boost immunity. It also can have more than twice the amount of Vitamin E (a powerful antioxidant), and twice as much CLA as grain-finished beef (a fatty acid associated with reducing body fat).
• Cilantro: Studies have shown that cilantro can help accelerate the body’s excretion of mercury and lead. Heavy metal toxicity from mercury has been linked to an increase in thyroid antibodies, which are an indicator of autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto’s Disease.
• Carrots: 1 cup of carrots contains 3.6 grams of fiber, which can help relieve constipation sometimes caused by thyroid conditions. They are also low in calories and a good choice for weight loss. Also, 1 cup of carrots provides 428% DV of Vitamin A— a key thyroid-supporting nutrient.
• Sweet Peppers: In addition to being non-goitrogenic and low in calories, a 1 ounce serving of sweet peppers contains 76% DV for vitamin C. A study recently shared in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism stated, “In patients with hypothyroidism and gastrointestinal pathology, vitamin C improves the abnormalities in serum free T4, T3, and TSH concentrations.” NOTE: peppers are in the nightshade family for those of you avoiding them.
• Garlic has many powerful healing properties and may aid or alleviate some of the symptoms of thyroid disease, such as inflammation, cardiovascular issues, decreased immunity, and increased infection. It can also support the liver in its detoxification efforts.
• NOTE: Peanuts are a legume and are also considered a goitrogenic food. If you are avoiding all legumes and/or goitrogens, feel free to substitute chopped macadamia nuts.

Happy cooking, happy thriving, and enjoy the recipe (below)!

P.S. Need more thyroid-friendly recipe inspiration? I’ve got you covered. My Thyroid-friendly Everyday eCookbook features over 50 quick and easy, thyroid-friendly recipes your whole family will love. To take a peek at what’s inside, CLICK HERE.

 

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