Embark on a culinary adventure with this Crying Tiger Beef recipe, accompanied by the spicy and tangy Nam Jim Jaew Sauce. This dish is a staple in Thai cuisine, known for its bold flavors and the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and sweet. The marinated beef, grilled to perfection, pairs wonderfully with the complex flavors of the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce, making for a memorable meal. Here’s how to bring this Thai classic to your table.
Ingredients:
Crying Tiger Beef:
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 8 grams grated garlic
- 8 grams grated ginger
- 400 grams beef steak (no more than 1-inch thick), such as sirloin or ribeye
- White pepper, to taste
Nam Jim Jaew Sauce:
- 12 grams glutinous rice
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon tamarind paste
- 1 tablespoon evaporated cane sugar
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 10 grams cilantro (or mint), chopped
- 10 grams scallion, chopped
- 16 grams shallot, minced (optional)
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce, fish sauce, grated garlic, and grated ginger. Season the beef steak with white pepper and then coat it in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or for better flavor, marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce:
- Dry roast the glutinous rice in a pan over medium heat until golden brown. Once cooled, grind it into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, lime juice, tamarind paste, and evaporated cane sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in the chili flakes, chopped cilantro (or mint), chopped scallion, and minced shallot if using. Add the toasted rice powder and mix well. Adjust the flavors according to your taste, balancing the spicy, sour, and sweet elements.
- Grill the Beef:
- Preheat your grill or a grill pan over high heat. Grill the marinated beef for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the beef rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.
- Serve:
- Arrange the sliced beef on a plate and serve with the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce on the side for dipping. This dish can be accompanied by fresh vegetables or sticky rice.
The Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is a celebration of flavors that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or exploring it for the first time, this dish is a delightful introduction to the rich culinary traditions of Thailand. Enjoy the tender beef with the spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce for a dining experience that’s both exotic and comforting.
