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This juicy and flavorful crying tiger beef brings authentic Thai flavors to your dinner table in just 30 minutes. The combination of tender marinated steak and the tangy, spicy dipping sauce creates an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
I first made this crying tiger beef when I was craving Thai food but didn't want to order takeout. My family was so impressed with how authentic it tasted that it's now in our regular dinner rotation for those nights when we want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ribeye steak: Provides the perfect marbling for juicy tender results, but strip sirloin, flat iron, or flank steak work beautifully too
- Oyster sauce: Adds that umami depth that makes the marinade so special
- Palm sugar: Brings authentic sweetness that balances the spice and acid perfectly
- Fresh lime juice: Cuts through the richness and tenderizes the meat
- Tamarind pulp: Creates that signature tangy flavor that makes this sauce craveable
- Toasted rice powder: Gives the dipping sauce its distinctive texture and nutty flavor
- Fish sauce: Provides that quintessential Thai salty umami that cannot be substituted
- Thai chili flakes: Deliver that characteristic heat that makes this dish memorable
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Steak:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl until well mixed. Add your steak and ensure it's evenly coated on all sides. Let it sit at room temperature for exactly 15 minutes. This time is crucial as the acid in the lime juice begins tenderizing the meat without making it mushy.
- Prepare the Tamarind Paste:
- Place tamarind pulp in a small bowl and pour hot boiling water over it. Using a fork, mash and stir until the pulp dissolves. Once cooled enough to handle, use your fingers to work the pulp away from any seeds. Strain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract all the paste. The resulting tamarind paste should be smooth and intensely flavored.
- Toast the Rice:
- Place uncooked rice in a completely dry pan over medium heat. Watch carefully and stir frequently as it turns golden then light brown, about 3-4 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it becomes fragrant with a nutty aroma. Do not let it burn or it will become bitter.
- Create Rice Powder:
- Transfer the toasted rice to a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or blender. Grind until it becomes a somewhat coarse powder. The texture adds wonderful dimension to the dipping sauce, so avoid grinding it too fine.
- Mix the Dipping Sauce:
- Combine the tamarind paste, ground rice powder, and all remaining sauce ingredients in a bowl. Stir well to incorporate everything, allowing the palm sugar to fully dissolve. The sauce should be balanced between sweet, sour, salty and spicy with no single flavor dominating.
- Cook the Steak:
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet until it's nearly smoking. Place the marinated steak in the hot pan and sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare. For more doneness, reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until your desired temperature is reached. The high initial heat creates a flavorful crust while sealing in juices.
- Rest and Slice:
- Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let rest for 10 full minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice thinly against the grain at a slight angle to ensure tenderness with each bite.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the sliced beef on a serving plate alongside the dipping sauce. Each bite should be dipped into the sauce for the full crying tiger experience.
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The toasted rice powder is truly what makes this dish special for me. The first time I made it without this ingredient, something was missing. Once I added it, the sauce transformed completely, giving it that authentic restaurant quality texture and nutty flavor that makes the dipping experience so satisfying.
Making Ahead
The dipping sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, the flavors develop and meld together beautifully over time, making this a perfect prepare-ahead component. Just give it a good stir before serving as the rice powder may settle at the bottom.
Serving Suggestions
Crying tiger beef pairs wonderfully with a side of coconut rice to balance the spice of the dipping sauce. I love serving it with a crisp papaya salad for authentic Thai meal experience. For a complete spread, add some fresh spring rolls or crispy chicken satay to create an impressive Thai feast that will transport your dinner guests straight to Bangkok.
Understanding the Heat
Thai chili flakes provide the traditional heat for this dish, but you can easily adjust to your comfort level. For mild heat, use just ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes. For those who love spice, increase to 1 teaspoon or more. Remember that the sauce is meant to be potent as you're dipping rather than drenching the meat. The rice powder helps mellow the heat slightly while adding wonderful texture.
Quick Substitutions
If you cannot find tamarind pulp, mix 1 tablespoon lime juice with 1 teaspoon brown sugar as a substitute. While not identical, it provides the tangy sweetness needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → What cut of beef is best for this dish?
Rib eye, strip sirloin, flat iron, or flank steak at 1-inch thickness works well for this recipe.
- → Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the dipping sauce can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
- → How do I achieve a medium-rare steak?
Sear each side of the steak for 3-4 minutes and check the internal temperature. It should be 131-139°F.
- → What can I use as a substitute for tamarind pulp?
You can substitute tamarind pulp with an equal amount of lime juice mixed with a bit of brown sugar for a similar tart and sweet flavor.
- → Can this dish be made spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the heat level by adding more Thai chili flakes or using Korean red pepper flakes as needed.