Vietnamese Beef Salad (Gỏi Bò Bóp Thấu)

A refreshing Vietnamese classic

Many of my non-Vietnamese friends often tell me that they adore Vietnamese food because it's so refreshing, packed with flavour and always full of fresh herbs and vegetables. If you've followed my blog, you'll have already come across a number of Vietnamese salad recipes such as green papaya salad or mango salad. Today, I'm sharing another one of my absolute favourites - Vietnamese Beef Salad (Gỏi Bò Bóp Thấu).

This dish is well loved for its flavourfulness and the way each bite delivers different textures. It's a perfect balance of sweet, sour, savoury and spicy, layered with crunch from vegetables, tenderness from the beef and the fragrant lift from the fresh herbs.

Why you'll love Vietnamese Beef Salad

What makes Vietnamese Beef Salad (Gỏi Bò Bóp Thấu) so irresistible is the harmony of its ingredients. Unlike heavy salads, this one feels light yet satisfying. It's the kind of dish you can enjoy on a warm day, serve as a starter for a dinner party or even have as a complete meal with a side of steamed rice.

It's also very easy to make at home, using common ingredients that are readily available in Asian supermarkets or even your local shops. Once you've mastered the method, you'll find yourself making it over and over again.

Ingredients you'll need

To prepare this refreshing beef salad, here's what goes in:

Beef

Choose tender and lean cuts of beef for this recipe. Fillet works beautifully though it can be on the pricier side. I often use flank or skirt steak, which are more affordable yet still tender if sliced correctly. The key is to use a very sharp knife and slice the beef thinly against the grain, ensuring it stays soft once stir-fried.

Aromatics

To stir-fry the beef, you'll need shallots, garlic and a stalk of lemongrass. Slice them into big chunks so they can be picked out easily afterwards. Their purpose is to lightly infuse the beef while cooking, not to remain in the salad.

Vegetables and herbs

• Onion: slice into thin wedges, then soak in ice-cold water with a squeeze of lime for 15-20 minutes to reduce sharpness.
• Red pepper: thinly sliced into matchsticks for a pop of colour.
• Fresh herbs: a generous handful of mint and Thai basil, roughly chopped adds a refreshing fragrance.

Dressing

The heart of Vietnamese salad is always the dressing. This one is a simple mix of fish sauce, lime juice and sugar, perfectly balanced to bring all the flavours together.

Toppings

A sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts and crispy fried shallots gives the salad that signature crunch and nuttiness.

How to make Vietnamese Beef Salad

Stir-fry the beef

Heat a large pan with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Add the bashed garlic, shallots and sliced lemongrass, frying until fragrant. Add the thinly sliced beef with a pinch of salt and stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes until just cooked. Remove from heat and squeeze in a little lime juice. Drain off any excess juice and discard the garlic, shallot and lemongrass pieces. Leave the beef to cool.

Preparing the vegetables

While the beef is cooling, drain the onion slices and place them in a mixing bowl. Add the sliced red peppers and chopped herbs. If you'd like some heat, add a fresh red chilli, finely chopped.

Mix the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of lime juice and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the sugar dissolves.

Assemble the salad

Combine the beef with the vegetables and herbs in the mixing bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss everything together until well coated. Finish with a generous sprinkle of roasted peanuts and fried shallots.

Serving suggestions

This Vietnamese Beef Salad (Gỏi Bò Bóp Thấu) can be served on its own as a light meal or as part of a bigger Vietnamese spread alongside prawn crackers, grilled meats and noodle dishes. It's best enjoyed freshly tossed when the herbs are still vibrant and the beef is tender.

Final thoughts

Vietnamese cuisine is all about balance - light yet full of flavour, refreshing yet satisfying. This Vietnamese Beef Salad (Gỏi Bò Bóp Thấu) is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something incredibly delicious and refreshing.