If you are looking to impress your taste buds and your friends with a dish that bursts with bold flavors and irresistible textures, the Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe is your new go-to. This Thai-inspired feast features perfectly grilled, tender beef paired with a zesty, spicy dipping sauce called Nam Jim Jaew that balances smoky, tangy, and salty notes in every bite. It’s a dish that really brings people together around the table, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat. Once you make this, you’ll find it’s one of those magical recipes you want to keep coming back to because it’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simple list fool you—each ingredient plays a vital role in building the vibrant and harmonious flavors of the Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe. From the rich umami of fish sauce to the refreshing zing of lime juice, these components come together to create an unforgettable taste experience that’s surprisingly easy to achieve.
- 1 pound flank steak or ribeye: Choose a flavorful and tender cut to ensure juicy grilled beef that melts in your mouth.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds a subtle salty depth to the marinade, enhancing the meat’s natural flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce: Infuses the beef with that signature Thai umami character.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances out the salty and tangy elements in the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: Helps the marinade coat the meat evenly and keeps it moist while grilling.
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce (for dipping sauce): Brings intense savory, salty flavor to Nam Jim Jaew.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Provides a bright, zesty note that lifts the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste: Adds a sweet-sour balance, crucial for an authentic dipping sauce.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (for sauce): Rounds out the tangy elements for perfect harmony.
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes: Gives the sauce its enticing spicy kick—adjust to your heat preference.
- 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder (khao khua): Adds a delightful nutty crunch that distinguishes the dipping sauce.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Packs an aromatic punch that complements the bold flavors.
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro: Freshens the sauce with its vibrant herbal notes.
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion: Adds mild sharpness and color to Nam Jim Jaew.
How to Make Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and vegetable oil in a bowl until they are well combined. This simple marinade is the secret to infusing the beef with a rich, savory taste that will shine through when grilled. Coat the steak evenly with the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes so the flavors seep deep into the meat. For an even more intense flavor, marinate it overnight in the fridge – it’s worth the wait!
Step 2: Prepare Nam Jim Jaew (Dipping Sauce)
While the beef is marinating, it’s the perfect time to mix your Nam Jim Jaew dipping sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, sugar, and chili flakes. Then fold in the toasted rice powder, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and green onion. This sauce is where the magic happens – salty, tangy, spicy, and nutty all at once. Give it a taste, and adjust the seasoning according to your preference, because this sauce will elevate your Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe to unforgettable heights.
Step 3: Grill the Beef
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot and ready. Place your marinated steak on the grill and cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side to achieve a juicy medium-rare finish. If you prefer your meat more done, just give it an extra minute or two per side. Once cooked, take the beef off the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes—this helps the juices redistribute, keeping every slice tender and flavorful. After resting, slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
Arrange your beautifully grilled slices of beef on a serving plate and accompany them with the vibrant Nam Jim Jaew sauce on the side for dipping. This dish pairs wonderfully with sticky rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh Thai salad to add even more layers of flavor and texture. Once you start, you’ll find dipping each tender bite in that zesty sauce absolutely addictive—this is exactly what makes the Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe so cherished worldwide.
How to Serve Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe is a fantastic way to add extra freshness and texture. Try sprinkling more chopped cilantro and green onions on top for an herby burst. Thin slices of fresh red chili or a wedge of lime can brighten up the presentation and provide a punch of flavor.
Side Dishes
Sticky rice is the classic companion for this dish, perfectly soaking up all of the delicious dipping sauce. Grilled or fresh vegetables like cucumbers, Thai eggplants, or green mango salad make lovely, refreshing sides that balance the rich beef. If you love a fusion touch, a crisp Asian slaw also pairs wonderfully here.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe family-style on a large platter surrounded by bowls of dipping sauce, sticky rice, and fresh herbs for everyone to build their own bites. Or, try wrapping slices of the beef with fresh lettuce leaves and a drizzle of Nam Jim Jaew for a delicious hand-held treat that’s bursting with flavors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled beef and Nam Jim Jaew sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The beef should stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the sauce may keep for about a week due to its acidic components. Keeping them separate ensures each retains its ideal texture and taste.
Freezing
If you want to save the beef for later, freezing is an option, though the texture may change slightly after thawing. Wrap the cooked beef tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to two months. It’s best not to freeze the Nam Jim Jaew sauce because the fresh herbs and garlic can lose their charm after thawing.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover Crying Tiger Beef by warming it in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid drying it out. Serve with freshly made Nam Jim Jaew or simply use the reserved sauce to freshen up the dish. This way, every bite tastes as close to freshly grilled as possible.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe?
Flank steak or ribeye are ideal cuts because they’re tender yet flavorful, perfect for quick grilling and slicing thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness.
Can I make the Nam Jim Jaew sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! Nam Jim Jaew can be made a few hours ahead or even the night before to allow the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated and freshen it up with a little extra lime juice before serving if needed.
How spicy is this dish?
The chili flakes in Nam Jim Jaew bring a medium heat, which you can easily adjust to your liking. Feel free to add more or less chili depending on your spice tolerance.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Fish sauce and other ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.
What can I serve instead of sticky rice?
If sticky rice isn’t available, jasmine rice or even steamed basmati rice work well. You could also try some quinoa or a light salad to accompany your beef.
Final Thoughts
The Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe is truly a celebration of bold, balanced flavors and simple, fresh ingredients. This dish never fails to bring smiles and full bellies to the table, and it’s so approachable to make at home. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try—you might just find your new favorite grilled beef recipe that’s packed with the soul of Thai cuisine.
Print
Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew is a flavorful Thai grilled steak dish featuring tender marinated flank or ribeye steak paired with a zesty, spicy, and nutty dipping sauce called Nam Jim Jaew. This dish combines savory, tangy, and spicy flavors, perfect for a quick dinner or special gathering, served best with sticky rice or fresh salad.
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 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 (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
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and vegetable oil. Coat the steak evenly with this marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate overnight for a deeper infusion of flavors.
- Prepare Nam Jim Jaew (Dipping Sauce): In a small bowl, combine fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, sugar, and chili flakes. Stir in toasted rice powder, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and chopped green onion. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning to balance salty, sour, sweet, and spicy notes as desired.
- Grill the Beef: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated steak for approximately 4-5 minutes per side to achieve medium-rare doneness, adjusting time based on your preferred level of cooking. Once grilled, remove the steak and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness. Arrange slices on a serving plate and serve alongside the freshly prepared Nam Jim Jaew dipping sauce. Complement the dish with sticky rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh Thai salad for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances the beef’s flavor significantly.
- Adjust the chili flakes in the dipping sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
- Toasted rice powder (khao khua) can be made by dry roasting sticky rice and grinding it into a powder; it adds an authentic nutty crunch.
- Resting the steak after grilling ensures juicier, more tender meat.
- Serve with traditional sticky rice and fresh herbs for an authentic Thai meal.
