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
