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The sizzle of a hot grill can transport you to a vibrant Thai street market, where the tantalizing aroma of steak fills the air. Enter Crying Tiger Beef—a dish that’s not only quick to whip up but also promises to impress both family and friends with its explosion of bold flavors. In less than 30 minutes, you can prepare juicy grilled steak paired with a zesty dipping sauce that dances between spicy and savory notes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Whether you choose sirloin, ribeye, or even tenderloin, this recipe is a delightful way to elevate your grilling game. Are you ready to dive into this flavor experience? Let’s get cooking!
Why is Crying Tiger Beef So Irresistible?
Quick Preparation: This recipe is perfect for busy evenings, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of grilled steak and zesty dipping sauce creates an unforgettable taste that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
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Versatile Ingredients: Use different cuts of beef like sirloin or flank steak, catering to your preference and availability.
Crowd-Pleasing: With its vibrant flavors and appealing presentation, Crying Tiger Beef is sure to impress your guests, making it ideal for gatherings.
Perfect Pairing: Serve it with sticky rice or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the bold flavors beautifully. For more delicious dishes, check out my Mongolian Beef Noodles or try a comforting Old Fashioned Beef Stew for variety.
Crying Tiger Beef Ingredients
• A flavorful foundation for your perfect dish!
For the Beef
- Sirloin or Ribeye – Both offer juiciness; flank steak can be used as long as it’s sliced against the grain.
- Tenderloin – A leaner option, perfect for those watching their fat intake.
For the Dipping Sauce
- Fish Sauce – Essential for depth of flavor, but soy sauce can substitute for a vegetarian option.
- Soy Sauce – Provides a savory base for the dipping sauce.
- Palm Sugar – Balances the salty and spicy notes beautifully.
- Minced Garlic – Adds a robust flavor to the sauce.
- Chopped Chilies – Adjust the heat to suit your taste!
- Lime Juice – Fresh lime brightens the dish; lemon juice is a fitting substitute.
- Cilantro & Green Onions – Used for garnish and an added touch of freshness.
- Toasted Rice Powder – Adds a nutty crunch, but can be omitted if necessary.
Feel free to experiment and make this Crying Tiger Beef your own!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crying Tiger Beef
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Start by choosing your steak, such as sirloin or ribeye. Trim any excess fat, then pat the steak dry with paper towels. Lightly brush both sides with oil to prevent sticking. Let the beef sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes while you prepare the grill, allowing it to cook evenly for your delicious Crying Tiger Beef.
Step 2: Toast the Rice Powder (Optional)
If you plan to use toasted rice powder for added flavor and texture, begin this step by heating a skillet over medium heat. Add uncooked sticky rice, stirring frequently for 5–8 minutes until it turns golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat, allow it to cool, then grind the rice into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or a food processor, creating a delicious component for your dipping sauce.
Step 3: Grill the Steak
Preheat your grill to high heat, ensuring it reaches around 450°F to 500°F. Once heated, place the steak on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare, flipping only once. You want to achieve a well-seared crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. After grilling, transfer the steak to a cutting board, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in the flavors.
Step 4: Make the Dipping Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, fresh lime juice, palm sugar, minced garlic, chopped chilies, and optional toasted rice powder. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved, creating a harmonious blend of salty, sweet, and spicy flavors. Adding fresh cilantro and chopped green onions to the mixture not only enhances the taste but also adds a beautiful freshness to the dipping sauce for your Crying Tiger Beef.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
To serve, slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips, which helps maintain tenderness. Arrange the slices on a platter and drizzle with the spicy dipping sauce or serve it in a bowl on the side. Garnish generously with fresh cilantro and, if desired, a sprinkle of sesame seeds to add an appealing touch. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors that makes Crying Tiger Beef a hit at any meal!
What to Serve with Crying Tiger Beef
The excitement of a delicious meal doesn’t end with the main dish; it enhances every bite when perfectly paired with vibrant sides.
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Sticky Rice: A traditional accompaniment that soaks up the bold flavors of the Crying Tiger Beef, offering a comforting contrast. The soft, slightly sticky texture is a delightful balance to the grill’s smokiness.
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Fresh Cucumber Salad: Crisp and refreshing, this salad adds a cooling element to your meal, balancing the dish’s spicy notes. Toss together thin cucumber slices, mint, and a touch of vinegar for a light crunch.
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Grilled Vegetables: Colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant add a vibrant medley of flavors to your plate, pairing beautifully with the savory beef. Their charred edges enhance the grilled aroma while adding essential nutrients.
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Thai Papaya Salad: This zesty salad introduces a refreshing crunch with a hint of acidity, enhancing the overall flavor spectrum. The sweet and spicy undertones elevate each bite, creating a memorable dining experience.
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Thai Iced Tea: Smooth and creamy, this sweetened tea counterbalances the spiciness of the beef and dipping sauce. Served cold, it’s the perfect refreshing drink to complement a warm meal.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For a delightful dessert, indulge in this popular Thai treat. The creamy coconut milk and sweet mango provide a luscious ending to your flavorful journey with Crying Tiger Beef.
Expert Tips for Crying Tiger Beef
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Heat Matters: Ensure your grill is preheated to a high temperature. A hot grill creates a perfect sear that locks in the juices of the beef.
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Steak Preparation: Pat the steak dry and brush it lightly with oil before grilling to prevent sticking and achieve a nice crust in your Crying Tiger Beef.
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Resting Time: Don’t skip the resting period after grilling; allowing the steak to rest for 5 minutes helps reabsorb the juices for enhanced tenderness.
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Customize the Heat: Adjust the spiciness of your dipping sauce by varying the number of chopped chilies. This lets you tailor the flavor to your personal preference!
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Slice Correctly: To maintain tenderness, always slice the steak against the grain. This technique shortens the muscle fibers, ensuring each bite is juicy and easy to chew.
Crying Tiger Beef Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to play around with this dish and make it your own, elevating your culinary experience even further!
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Different Cuts: Use flank steak or tenderloin for a leaner option. Each cut brings a unique texture to the dish, so don’t hesitate to experiment!
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Vegetarian Twist: Swap the beef for grilled mushrooms like portobello or zucchini for a hearty yet plant-based variation. This makes for a deliciously smoky alternative!
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Dipping Sauce Heat: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chilies in your dipping sauce. For a fun kick, try adding chili oil or Sriracha!
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Citrus Swap: If you’re out of lime juice, lemon juice works just as well in the sauce—offering a slightly different but refreshing flavor profile.
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Nutty Texture: Omit the toasted rice powder if you’re short on time, or replace it with toasted sesame seeds for a different crunch and earthy flavor.
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Bold Flavors: For added depth, include a splash of Worcestershire sauce in the dipping sauce to enhance the umami taste—a little goes a long way!
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Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like basil or mint in your sauce to introduce a fragrant layer of freshness that will make your flavor palette sing.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with a light cucumber salad or fragrant jasmine rice to balance the boldness of the steak, creating a delightful meal that guests will adore. For more savory ideas, take a look at my Mongolian Ground Beef options for varied flavors!
How to Store and Freeze Crying Tiger Beef
Fridge: Store leftover Crying Tiger Beef in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to retain tenderness.
Freezer: If freezing, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. It can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Dipping Sauce: The dipping sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Ensure it’s in a sealed container to maintain its fresh flavors.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy your refrigerated or frozen leftovers, reheat the steak in the skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Make Ahead Options
Crying Tiger Beef is a fantastic recipe for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy bold flavors with minimal last-minute effort! You can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance, enhancing the taste while saving precious time. Additionally, the spicy dipping sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator for optimal flavor fusion. To maintain quality, keep the sauce in an airtight container and ensure your steak is covered well to prevent drying. When ready to serve, simply grill the marinated steak to perfection, slice, and pair it with the prepared dipping sauce for a meal that’s just as delicious as if made fresh!
Crying Tiger Beef Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best beef for Crying Tiger Beef?
Absolutely! For the best results, opt for cuts like sirloin or ribeye for juiciness and flavor. Flank steak is also great but make sure to slice against the grain to maintain tenderness. Tenderloin is a leaner alternative if you’re watching fat intake. Always look for beef that is bright red with good marbling for the best flavor and texture.
How should I store leftovers of Crying Tiger Beef?
To keep leftover Crying Tiger Beef fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat to prevent it from drying out. For optimal results, resist the urge to microwave directly, as this can toughen the meat.
Can I freeze Crying Tiger Beef?
Yes, you can! To freeze, wrap the cooked steak tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag, ensuring all air is removed. This will preserve the meat’s quality for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What if my dipping sauce is too spicy?
Very! If your dipping sauce ends up being too spicy, you can easily balance it out. Start by adding a bit more palm sugar to sweeten it. If the heat is still overwhelming, mixing in a dash of coconut milk or yogurt can tone it down significantly, lending a creamy texture and mild flavor.
Can I make Crying Tiger Beef with other meats?
Certainly! Crying Tiger Beef can be adapted to various meats, including chicken or pork. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the meat’s thickness and type. For chicken, grill until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, while pork should be cooked to 145°F.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! While Crying Tiger Beef is inherently a meat-based dish, you can enjoy a vegetarian alternative by using grilled tofu or tempeh. Marinate them in a similar mixture of soy sauce and lime juice to infuse flavor. You can still use the zesty dipping sauce with them, maintaining that irresistible tang and spice!
Crying Tiger Beef: Grilled Thai Steak for Flavor Lovers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by choosing your steak, such as sirloin or ribeye. Trim any excess fat, pat dry with paper towels, and brush lightly with oil. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- If using toasted rice powder, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add uncooked sticky rice, stirring frequently for 5-8 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool and grind into a coarse powder.
- Preheat your grill to high heat (450°F to 500°F). Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare, only flipping once. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after grilling.
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, minced garlic, chopped chilies, and optional toasted rice powder. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Slice the rested steak against the grain into thin strips. Serve on a platter with the dipping sauce and garnish with cilantro and optional sesame seeds.
