Thai beef salad must be one of the new classics of the last 20 years. It appears all over the place and owes its success to the combination of sweet and sour with crunchy textures and fresh herby tastes. I like to add the rice as it provides yet another layer of flavour to the dish, but it is optional. Remember to serve this as soon as you make it. It is also great made with chicken, duck or salmon instead of beef.