Sizzling Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce Recipe

Culinary adventures often spark unexpected magic with crying tiger beef and its vibrant nam jim jaew sauce.

Passionate home cooks discover a Thai street food sensation that dances between heat and harmony.

Tender strips of marinated beef promise an explosive flavor journey across your taste buds.

Spicy, tangy elements weave through each succulent bite, creating a symphony of sensations.

Complex marinades infuse depth into every morsel, revealing layers of traditional Thai seasoning techniques.

Bold ingredients collaborate to craft a dish that feels both rustic and refined.

Invite you to unleash your inner chef and transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

FAQs About Crying Tiger Beef

• What does Nam Jim Jaew sauce taste like?

Nam Jim Jaew is a spicy, tangy Thai dipping sauce with complex flavors. It combines sour lime, salty fish sauce, sweet sugar, and hot chili flakes, creating a balanced and intense taste that complements grilled meats perfectly.

• Do I need special ingredients for this recipe?

Most ingredients are common in Asian kitchens, but toasted rice powder might be less familiar. You can easily make it by dry-roasting uncooked rice in a pan until golden brown, then grinding it into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

• Is Crying Tiger Beef a traditional Thai dish?

Crying Tiger Beef (Sua Rong Hai) is a classic Thai street food originating from northeastern Thailand. The name suggests the beef is so spicy it could make a tiger cry, though the heat level can be adjusted to personal preference.

• Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Sirloin, flank, or skirt steak work best for this dish. These cuts are lean, flavorful, and become tender when marinated and grilled quickly at high heat. Avoid thick, tough cuts that require longer cooking times.

Why Crying Tiger Beef Is Packed with Flavor

• Savor the excitement of this authentic Thai dish without complex cooking skills.
• Effortless preparation allows you to mix ingredients and let time do the work, making it perfect for busy home cooks.
• Switch between grilling methods and enjoy as a main course or appetizer, ideal for casual dinners or weekend gatherings.
• Impress family and friends with professional-level Thai cuisine that delivers bold, complex flavors without requiring professional chef training.

Ingredients for Crying Tiger Beef and Nam Jim Jaew

• Beef (Steak): Rich, flavorful meat that absorbs marinade well. Choose a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak with good marbling.

• Soy Sauce, Fish Sauce, Oyster Sauce: Adds depth, saltiness, and umami flavor to the meat. Look for high-quality, authentic Asian brands.
• Brown Sugar: Balances saltiness and helps create caramelization. Provides a hint of sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps distribute marinade and prevents meat from sticking.
• White Pepper, Garlic: Adds aromatic complexity and warmth to the marinade.

• Fish Sauce, Lime Juice: Creates a tangy, sour base for the sauce. Provides bright, zesty flavor.
• Tamarind Paste: Adds deep, slightly sour complexity. Brings authentic Thai flavor profile.
• Sugar: Balances the sourness and heat of the sauce.
• Chili Flakes: Adds spicy kick and traditional Thai heat.
• Toasted Rice Powder: Provides nutty, toasted undertone. Unique texture and flavor element.
• Shallots, Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add brightness and aromatics to the sauce.

Instructions for Making Crying Tiger Beef

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Soy sauce
• Fish sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Vegetable oil
• Brown sugar
• White pepper
• Crushed garlic

Massage the marinade thoroughly into beef, letting it absorb flavors for 2-4 hours in refrigerator.

Step 2: Craft Tangy Nam Jim Jaew Sauce

• Fish sauce
• Fresh lime juice
• Tamarind paste
• Granulated sugar
• Dried chili flakes
• Toasted rice powder

• Finely chopped shallots
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onions

Allow sauce to rest for 10 minutes to harmonize flavors.

Step 3: Grill The Beef To Perfection

Heat cast-iron skillet or outdoor grill until scorching hot.

Cook beef 3-5 minutes per side for desired doneness.

Rest meat 5-10 minutes to seal in juices.

Step 4: Slice And Serve

Cut beef against grain into thin strips.

Arrange beautifully on serving plate.

Drizzle Nam Jim Jaew sauce alongside.

Garnish with fresh herbs.

Serve with sticky or jasmine rice.

Grilling and Sauce Tips You’ll Want to Know

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the beef sit in the marinade for 2-4 hours to allow the sauces and spices to deeply penetrate and tenderize the meat.
• Perfect Grill Technique: Use high heat and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, ensuring a beautiful char while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
• Slice Against the Grain: Cut the beef perpendicular to the muscle fibers to guarantee the most tender and easy-to-chew meat possible.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust chili flakes in Nam Jim Jaew sauce to control the spiciness, making it milder or hotter according to personal preference.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh cilantro, green onions, and herbs just before serving to add brightness and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Tiger Beef

• Store leftover beef in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days.
• Wrap sliced beef tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, which preserves quality for up to 3 months.
• Warm beef in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of broth to prevent drying, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Consume reheated beef immediately and avoid reheating multiple times to maintain best texture and flavor.

What to Pair with Crying Tiger Beef

• Crisp Thai Singha beer perfectly balances the bold, spicy flavors of the Crying Tiger Beef, cutting through the richness with its light, refreshing profile.
• Choose a bright, fruity Gewürztraminer with subtle spice notes that complement the complex Nam Jim Jaew sauce and enhance the beef's marinade complexity.
• Mix a Thai-inspired gin cocktail with lemongrass, ginger, and lime to mirror the dish's tangy and herbaceous elements, creating a vibrant flavor harmony.
• Prepare a refreshing Thai iced tea with creamy condensed milk to soothe the palate after each spicy, intense bite of the grilled beef.

Flavor Variations You Can Explore

• Vegetarian Substitute: Replace beef with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, marinating them in the same sauce for a plant-based version that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all other sauces are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Increase chili flakes in Nam Jim Jaew sauce or add fresh sliced Thai chilies for an extra heat kick that elevates the dish's intensity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Skip the rice and serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, keeping the protein and sauce components intact while reducing carbohydrate content.

Crying Tiger Beef With Nam Jim Jaew Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Thai “crying tiger beef” tantalizes taste buds with its fiery nam jim jaew sauce, delivering a bold culinary journey through Thailand’s street food landscape. Tender grilled beef meets zesty, complex flavors that will ignite your passion for Southeast Asian cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak

Marinade and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon tamarind paste (or more lime juice if unavailable)
• 1 teaspoon palm sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder
• 1 tablespoon chili flakes
• 1 small shallot, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust marinade by whisking together soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, vegetable oil, brown sugar, white pepper, and minced garlic in a mixing container.
2. Thoroughly massage the marinade into the beef, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, though allowing 2-4 hours will intensify the flavor profile.
3. Prepare the Nam Jim Jaew sauce by combining fish sauce, fresh lime juice, tangy tamarind paste, granulated sugar, fiery chili flakes, and nutty toasted rice powder in a separate bowl.
4. Incorporate finely chopped shallots, fresh cilantro, and sliced green onions into the sauce, then allow the mixture to rest for 10 minutes to meld the complex flavors.
5. Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet to high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the marinated beef.
6. Cook the beef for 3-5 minutes on each side, adjusting time based on thickness and preferred doneness, aiming for a beautifully caramelized exterior.
7. Transfer the cooked meat to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the protein.
8. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and optimal texture.
9. Artfully arrange the sliced beef on a serving plate, accompanied by the vibrant Nam Jim Jaew sauce.
10. Garnish with an abundance of fresh herbs and serve alongside sticky or jasmine rice for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate beef overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Toast rice powder at home by gently roasting raw rice in a dry pan until golden brown and grinding into powder for authentic smoky depth.
• Adjust chili flakes according to personal heat preference, using milder options for sensitive palates or adding extra for spice lovers.
• Choose high-quality, well-marbled cuts like ribeye or sirloin for the most succulent and flavorful Crying Tiger Beef experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (+ marinating)
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg