Name: Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-483109H2M11S
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp brown sugar; 1 tsp ground white pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp tamarind paste (or more lime juice if unavailable); 1 tsp palm sugar (or brown sugar); 1 tbsp toasted rice powder (see notes below); 1 tbsp chili flakes (adjust for spice level); 1 small shallot, finely sliced; 1 tbsp chopped cilantro; 1 tbsp chopped green onions

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Crying Tiger Beef is a Thai grilled beef dish known for its smoky, juicy meat and bold, spicy dipping sauce called Nam Jim Jaew. The dish features perfectly grilled steak, marinated with aromatic Thai seasonings, and paired with the tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet dipping sauce. The name “Crying Tiger” is said to come from the idea that the dish is so spicy, it could make a tiger cry!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Juicy and Flavorful Steak: A simple but powerful marinade enhances the beef’s natural richness.
Authentic Thai Flavors: A balance of smoky, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and only a few minutes on the grill.
Perfect for Grilling Season: Great for BBQs and outdoor cooking.
Versatile: Serve with sticky rice, fresh vegetables, or even in a salad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Beef Marinade:

Beef steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak)
Oyster sauce
Soy sauce
Fish sauce
Palm sugar or brown sugar
Garlic (minced)
White pepper
Vegetable oil

For the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce:

Fish sauce
Lime juice
Tamarind paste
Palm sugar or brown sugar
Toasted rice powder (khao khua)
Thai chili flakes
Shallots (finely chopped)
Green onions (chopped)
Fresh cilantro (chopped)

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, mix oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, palm sugar, minced garlic, white pepper, and vegetable oil.
Marinate the Steak:
- Coat the beef with the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Make the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce

Mix the Ingredients:
- In a bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Add Aromatics and Spices:
- Stir in toasted rice powder, Thai chili flakes, shallots, green onions, and cilantro. Mix well.

Step 3: Grill the Beef

Preheat the Grill:
- Heat the grill to high heat.
Grill the Steak:
- Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare or until desired doneness.
Rest the Steak:
- Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Serve

Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
Serve with Nam Jim Jaew sauce and sticky rice.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes – overnight
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

Extra Spicy: Add more chili flakes to the dipping sauce.
Sweeter Flavor: Increase palm sugar in the Nam Jim Jaew.
Alternative Meat: Use pork or chicken instead of beef.
Pan-Fried Option: Cook in a cast-iron pan if you don’t have a grill.
Less Tangy: Reduce tamarind paste if you prefer a milder sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 30 seconds.
Sauce Storage: Nam Jim Jaew can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.

FAQs

What is Nam Jim Jaew?

Nam Jim Jaew is a Thai dipping sauce made with fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind, chili flakes, and toasted rice powder.

What is toasted rice powder?

Toasted rice powder (khao khua) is ground toasted sticky rice, giving the sauce a nutty flavor.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Yes! Reduce the chili flakes in the Nam Jim Jaew sauce.

What’s the best cut of beef for Crying Tiger?

Ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak work best due to their tenderness and flavor.

Can I cook this in a pan instead of grilling?

Yes, a cast-iron pan works great for searing the steak.

How do I get the best char on my steak?

Pat the beef dry before grilling and use high heat.

What can I serve with Crying Tiger Beef?

Sticky rice, grilled vegetables, or a Thai papaya salad.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! The marinade and sauce work great with grilled chicken.

How do I make it more authentic?

Use Thai ingredients like tamarind paste and aji amarillo for an authentic taste.

What’s the difference between Crying Tiger Beef and regular grilled steak?

The marinade and the unique Nam Jim Jaew dipping sauce make Crying Tiger Beef distinct.

Conclusion

Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is a flavorful, smoky, and slightly spicy Thai dish perfect for grilling. The juicy, marinated steak pairs beautifully with the tangy, spicy dipping sauce, making it a must-try for any Thai food lover. Whether you grill it for a BBQ or cook it indoors, this dish will impress!