Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is a spicy, flavorful Thai dish from Isan that will light up your taste buds. The tender grilled beef is marinated in a rich combination of oyster sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger, then paired with a fiery, tangy dipping sauce. This dish is full of umami, heat, and crunch, thanks to the toasted rice powder in the sauce. Serve it with vegetables and rice for a complete meal or as an appetizer with a refreshing dipping sauce.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Crying Tiger Beef:
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 teaspoon fish sauce
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8 grams garlic (grated)
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8 grams ginger (grated)
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400 grams beef steak (no more than 1-inch thick)
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White pepper (to taste)
For the Nam Jim Jaew (Thai BBQ Sauce):
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12 grams glutinous rice
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3 tablespoons fish sauce
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2 tablespoons lime juice
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1 tablespoon tamarind paste
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1 tablespoon evaporated cane sugar
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2 teaspoons chili flakes
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10 grams cilantro (or mint, chopped)
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10 grams scallion (chopped)
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16 grams shallot (optional, minced)
Directions
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Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix the oyster sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger. Marinate the beef with this mixture for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge. -
Toast the Rice:
Toast the glutinous rice in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown, shaking the pan occasionally to ensure even browning. Grind the toasted rice into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. -
Make the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, evaporated cane sugar, chili flakes, cilantro, scallion, and shallot (if using). Add 2 teaspoons of the toasted rice powder and mix until the sugar dissolves. -
Cook the Beef:
Heat a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Grill the beef, rotating it at 10 o’clock and 2 o’clock positions to create a crosshatch pattern. Cook to your desired doneness (about 5 minutes for medium-rare for a 1-inch thick steak). -
Slice and Serve:
Rest the beef for 10 minutes before slicing thinly against the grain. Serve the sliced beef with the Nam Jim Jaew sauce, along with vegetables like cucumber or cabbage for dipping.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
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Calories: 140 kcal
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Protein: 5g
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Fat: 1g
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Saturated Fat: 0.2g
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Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g
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Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g
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Cholesterol: 294mg
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Sodium: 2652mg
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Potassium: 778mg
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Fiber: 4g
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Sugar: 17g
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Vitamin A: 2660 IU
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Vitamin C: 37mg
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Calcium: 69mg
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Iron: 2mg
Why Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce Stands Out
What makes Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce so special is the perfect combination of flavors and textures that come together in this Thai dish. The beef is marinated in a mixture of oyster sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger, which infuses the meat with a savory depth of flavor. The grilling process further enhances the richness of the beef, giving it a smoky char that adds complexity to the overall taste.
The Nam Jim Jaew sauce, the star of this dish, adds an exciting level of spiciness and tanginess. Made from a blend of fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, chili flakes, and toasted rice powder, the sauce offers a unique mix of salty, sour, and spicy flavors that perfectly complement the grilled beef. The toasted rice powder provides a crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender beef, giving each bite an additional layer of texture.
This dish is also versatile and can be served in different ways. While it’s commonly enjoyed with rice and vegetables as a complete meal, it can also serve as an appetizer or shared plate for a family-style meal. The freshness of the vegetables like cucumber or cabbage helps balance the richness of the beef and sauce, making this dish suitable for various occasions, from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
The Key Ingredients of Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce
Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is made with a few essential ingredients, each contributing to the complexity of flavors that define this dish. Here are the key ingredients that bring this dish to life:
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Beef: The choice of beef is crucial for this dish, as it needs to be tender enough to absorb the marinade and remain juicy after grilling. A steak cut, such as flank or sirloin, works well because it is flavorful and easy to slice thinly against the grain. The beef is marinated in a mixture of oyster sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger, allowing the meat to take on a deep savory flavor.
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Oyster Sauce and Fish Sauce: These two sauces form the savory base of the marinade. Oyster sauce provides a rich, slightly sweet umami flavor, while fish sauce brings a salty, briny note that’s characteristic of Thai cuisine. Together, they create a robust marinade that complements the natural flavor of the beef.
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Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are essential for adding aromatic warmth to the dish. Garlic provides a savory kick, while ginger adds a touch of spice and freshness. Together, they enhance the overall flavor profile of the marinade and bring a traditional Thai touch to the dish.
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Nam Jim Jaew Sauce: The dipping sauce, Nam Jim Jaew, is where the magic happens. This sauce features a combination of fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, and evaporated cane sugar, resulting in a perfect balance of salty, sour, and sweet flavors. The chili flakes provide heat, while the addition of toasted rice powder gives the sauce a delightful texture and crunch.
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Toasted Rice Powder: A key ingredient in the Nam Jim Jaew sauce, toasted rice powder is made by dry-toasting glutinous rice until golden brown and then grinding it into a coarse powder. This ingredient adds a unique, nutty flavor and a crunchy texture to the sauce, enhancing its depth and providing a contrast to the tender beef.
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Fresh Herbs and Vegetables: Fresh cilantro and scallions bring brightness and freshness to the dish, adding a pop of color and flavor. Vegetables like cucumber or cabbage can also be served alongside the dish, providing a crisp, refreshing balance to the richness of the beef and the spiciness of the sauce.
Cooking Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce
Cooking Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce involves a few simple steps, but the results are extraordinary. The first step is marinating the beef in a mixture of oyster sauce, fish sauce, garlic, and ginger, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat. The beef is then grilled until it reaches the desired level of doneness, typically around medium-rare for a tender and juicy texture. The grilling process imparts a smoky flavor to the beef, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish.
The key to a perfect Crying Tiger Beef is ensuring the beef is cooked just right. Overcooking can make the meat tough, so it’s important to monitor the grilling time carefully. Once cooked, the beef is rested for a few minutes before being sliced thinly against the grain. This helps to maintain the tenderness of the beef and ensures that each slice is easy to eat.
Meanwhile, the Nam Jim Jaew sauce is prepared by combining the essential ingredients, such as fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, sugar, chili flakes, and toasted rice powder. Once the sugar is dissolved, the sauce is ready to serve alongside the grilled beef. The combination of the smoky beef and the spicy, tangy sauce makes each bite an explosion of flavors.
Serving Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce
Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce can be served in various ways, depending on the occasion and your preferences. For a complete meal, serve the sliced beef with a side of steamed rice, which helps balance the bold flavors of the beef and sauce. A side of vegetables, such as cucumber, cabbage, or pickled vegetables, provides a refreshing crunch that complements the richness of the beef.
For an appetizer or shared dish, the beef can be served as part of a Thai-style platter, with small portions of rice, vegetables, and the dipping sauce. The dipping sauce is essential for adding an extra layer of flavor to the dish and allowing guests to customize their experience by dipping the beef into the sauce as they eat.
If you want to elevate the dish further, garnish the beef with additional fresh herbs, such as cilantro or mint, and top it with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This adds brightness and freshness to the dish, helping to cut through the richness of the beef and sauce.
Customizing Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce
Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ways to modify the recipe:
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Protein Substitutions: While the dish is traditionally made with beef, you can substitute the beef with other proteins, such as chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. If using chicken or pork, adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is tender and juicy.
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Adjusting the Spice Level: The heat in this dish comes from the chili flakes in the dipping sauce. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them entirely. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to add extra chili flakes or even fresh chopped Thai bird’s eye chilies to the sauce.
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Making it Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, make sure to use a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce in the marinade and sauce. You can also substitute the rice powder in the sauce with a gluten-free alternative, such as ground quinoa or millet.
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Vegetable Additions: For added nutrition and flavor, consider adding more vegetables to the dish, such as grilled mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots. These vegetables can be served alongside the beef or added directly to the dipping sauce for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the bold tastes of Thai cuisine to your table. The combination of tender grilled beef, the rich umami of the marinade, and the spicy, tangy dipping sauce creates a dynamic flavor profile that is both satisfying and exciting. This dish is versatile and can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or shared platter, making it perfect for any occasion. With its balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch, Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a seasoned fan, this dish is guaranteed to impress with its depth of flavor and mouthwatering appeal.