Dinner

Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce Recipe

Name: Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking); 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed); 1 tablespoon rice powder or toasted ground rice; 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

ByHarper Ellington November 23, 2025November 23, 2025

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Introduction

Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish featuring marinated flank steak paired with a spicy, tangy dipping sauce. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with family or friends, delivering bold tastes without requiring hours in the kitchen.

The dish shows sliced grilled steak arranged in the center of a white plate with a blue patterned edge, cooked medium rare with a pink center and brown grill marks, topped with fresh green herbs scattered over it. On the upper side of the plate, there are several thick slices of bright green cucumber overlapping. To the top right, a small white bowl is filled with a dark brown sauce containing red chili pieces, white sesame seeds, and green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled textured surface, and the overall look is fresh and colorful. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound flank steak
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce:

2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon rice powder or toasted ground rice
1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until sugar dissolves. Add the sliced beef and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your liking. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Let the beef rest for a few minutes after cooking.
Step 4: While the beef rests, prepare the Nam Jim Jaew sauce by mixing fish sauce, lime juice, rice powder, chili flakes, sugar, and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Stir well and adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.
Step 5: Slice the rested beef into bite-sized pieces, arrange on a platter, and serve with the Nam Jim Jaew sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy with sticky rice or fresh vegetables.

Tips & Variations

Use a meat thermometer to cook beef to medium-rare at 135°F for ideal tenderness.
Let the beef rest after cooking to retain its juiciness.
Grill the beef instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.
Adjust chili flakes in the sauce to control the heat.
Substitute flank steak with chicken, pork, tofu, or tempeh for variations.
Try fresh mint or basil in the sauce for a different herbal note.
Serve with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Storage

Store any leftover beef and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the beef gently in a skillet over medium heat to prevent drying out. The sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and stirred before using.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate with blue stripes containing four layers: the bottom layer is several thick slices of grilled steak with a pink inside and charred grill marks, arranged in a fan shape toward the front; on top of the steak, there is a layer of fresh green cilantro leaves with some sesame seeds sprinkled around; next to the steak on the left side, there is a pile of sliced cucumbers, pale green with darker green edges; finally, on the top right, there is a small white bowl filled with a dark red sauce containing small bits of green herbs and chili flakes. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

What is Crying Tiger Beef?

Crying Tiger Beef is a Thai dish made with marinated flank steak served alongside a spicy dipping sauce called Nam Jim Jaew. Its name comes from its bold, fiery flavors that “bring tears” to your eyes.