Description
Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is a vibrant Thai dish featuring marinated flank steak grilled or pan-seared to perfection and served with a spicy, tangy, and umami-packed dipping sauce called Nam Jim Jaew. This recipe combines bold flavors with a simple cooking process, making it an ideal dish for weeknights or gatherings. The tender beef pairs beautifully with the zesty sauce, offering a delicious balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy notes that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 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)
Nam Jim Jaew Sauce
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness. Use a sharp knife and cut perpendicular to the muscle fibers for the best texture.
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic powder, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves. Add the sliced beef, ensuring every piece is well coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator to develop maximum flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef strips in a single layer. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Avoid overcrowding to maintain a good sear. Remove from heat and let the beef rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
- Make the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce: While the beef rests, mix fish sauce, lime juice, rice powder, chili flakes, sugar, and chopped cilantro in a small bowl. Stir until well combined. Adjust the chili flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the rested beef into bite-sized pieces and arrange on a platter. Serve alongside the Nam Jim Jaew sauce for dipping. This dish pairs well with sticky rice or fresh vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For added smoky flavor, grill the beef instead of pan-searing.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; 135°F (57°C) is ideal for medium-rare.
- Letting the beef rest after cooking enhances juiciness and tenderness.
- Adjust chili flakes in the dipping sauce to control the heat level.
- Serve with sticky rice or fresh vegetable slices like cucumber for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Thai
Keywords: Crying Tiger Beef, Nam Jim Jaew Sauce, Thai beef recipe, marinated flank steak, spicy dipping sauce, Thai cuisine, gluten-free beef recipe
