Juicy, smoky grilled beef paired with a bold, tangy, and spicy Thai dipping sauce—Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew is a must-try dish for lovers of bold flavors. This classic Thai recipe delivers the perfect balance of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy notes, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Thai Flavors – A perfect combination of smoky beef and a tangy, umami-rich dipping sauce.
- Quick and Easy – Simple marination and fast grilling make this dish easy to prepare.
- Perfect for Grilling – Great for BBQs or an indoor grill pan.
- Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice in the dipping sauce to suit your preference.
- Pairs Well with Rice – Serve with sticky rice or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beef:
- 1 pound flank steak or ribeye
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Nam Jim Jaew (Thai Dipping Sauce):
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder (khao khua)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
Directions
1. Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Add the beef and coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, sugar, and chili flakes.
- Stir in toasted rice powder, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and green onion.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
3. Grill the Beef
- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the beef for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or longer to your preferred doneness.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
4. Serve
- Arrange the sliced beef on a plate.
- Serve alongside the Nam Jim Jaew dipping sauce and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Different Cuts of Beef: Try sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye for different textures.
- Milder Sauce: Reduce or omit the chili flakes for a less spicy dip.
- Extra Smoky Flavor: Grill the beef over charcoal for a traditional smoky aroma.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Additional Garnishes: Serve with fresh mint, Thai basil, or cucumber slices for freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover beef and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as grilled beef loses its texture when frozen.
- Reheating: Reheat beef in a hot pan for a few minutes or enjoy it cold in a salad or wrap.
FAQs
1. Why is it called Crying Tiger Beef?
The origin of the name is unclear, but some say it’s due to the intense spiciness of the sauce making people “cry,” while others believe it’s inspired by the grilling marks resembling tiger stripes.
2. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! This recipe works well with grilled chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
3. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs perfectly with sticky rice, jasmine rice, or a fresh Thai papaya salad.
4. What is toasted rice powder?
Toasted rice powder (khao khua) is ground roasted glutinous rice, adding a nutty crunch to the sauce. You can make it by toasting rice in a dry pan and grinding it into a fine powder.
5. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! Nam Jim Jaew can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
6. How do I make the beef more tender?
For extra tenderness, marinate the beef longer (up to 24 hours) and slice thinly against the grain after grilling.
7. Can I cook the beef in a pan instead of grilling?
Yes, sear it in a hot cast-iron skillet for 4-5 minutes per side for a similar result.
8. How spicy is Nam Jim Jaew?
It has a medium spice level, but you can adjust the chili flakes to make it milder or hotter.
9. Can I substitute tamarind paste?
If you don’t have tamarind paste, use a mix of lime juice and a little brown sugar for a similar tangy-sweet balance.
10. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs, especially if served without rice.
Conclusion
Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew is a flavorful, smoky, and spicy Thai dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re grilling for a special occasion or just craving bold flavors, this dish is sure to impress. Serve it with sticky rice and enjoy an authentic Thai experience right at home!
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Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crying Tiger Beef is a bold and smoky Thai dish featuring juicy grilled steak paired with Nam Jim Jaew, a spicy, tangy, and umami-rich dipping sauce. Packed with authentic Thai flavors, this dish is perfect for grill nights, meal prep, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound flank steak or ribeye (flavorful & tender cut)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For Nam Jim Jaew (Thai Dipping Sauce):
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce (salty umami depth)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (zesty tang)
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (sweet-sour balance)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder (khao khua) (adds nutty crunch)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and vegetable oil.
- Coat the steak evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2️⃣ Prepare Nam Jim Jaew (Dipping Sauce):
- In a small bowl, mix fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, sugar, and chili flakes.
- Stir in toasted rice powder, minced garlic, cilantro, and green onion.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3️⃣ Grill the Beef:
- Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (or longer for your preferred doneness).
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain.
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Arrange the sliced beef on a plate.
- Serve alongside Nam Jim Jaew for dipping.
- Pair with sticky rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh Thai salad!
Notes
✅ Make It Extra Smoky: Add charcoal grilling or use a cast-iron grill pan for more depth.
✅ Adjust the Spice: Increase chili flakes for heat or add honey for a milder balance.
✅ No Tamarind Paste? Swap with a mix of lime juice & honey for similar tangy-sweetness.
✅ Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate the steak overnight, then grill fresh for an easy meal.
✅ Gluten-Free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Grilled Recipes, Thai Cuisine
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Seared
- Cuisine: Thai, Asian-Inspired
