Crying Tiger Beef: A Delicious Guide to This Thai Grilled Delight

Crying Tiger Beef is a dish that tantalizes the taste buds and evokes a sense of culinary adventure. Originating from Thailand, this flavorful recipe is steeped in tradition and is often enjoyed during festive gatherings and family celebrations. The name itself is intriguing, suggesting a story behind the dish that many food enthusiasts love to explore. What makes Crying Tiger Beef so beloved is its perfect balance of tender, marinated beef paired with a zesty dipping sauce that brings a burst of flavor with every bite. The combination of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet elements creates a delightful experience that keeps people coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it a favorite for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Join me as we dive into the world of Crying Tiger Beef and discover how to create this mouthwatering dish in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound flank steak
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced (for serving)
• 1 cup jasmine rice (for serving)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Preparing the Marinade

1. In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk the ingredients together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This marinade will infuse the beef with a rich, savory flavor. 2. Place the flank steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. 3. Refrigerate the marinating steak for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Cooking the Rice

4. While the steak is marinating, prepare the jasmine rice. Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. 5. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 1 ½ cups of water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. 6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb any remaining moisture. 7. After the resting period, fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.

Cooking the Beef

8. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to heat up for about 1 minute. 9. Remove the flank steak from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off. Discard the marinade, as it has been in contact with raw meat. 10. Place the steak in the hot skillet or grill pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving it. This will create a nice sear. 11. Flip the steak and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes on the other side for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes per side. 12. Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.

Slicing the Steak

13. After the steak has rested, use a sharp knife to slice it against the grain into thin strips. Slicing against the grain helps to break down the muscle fibers, making the meat more tender.

Assembling the Dish

14. To serve, place a generous scoop of jasmine rice on each plate. Arrange the sliced beef on top of the rice. 15. Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro and sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired. The fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and a pop of color to the dish. 16. Serve with thinly sliced cucumber on the side for a refreshing crunch. The coolness of the cucumber complements the savory flavors of the beef beautifully.

Enjoying Your Crying Tiger Beef

17. Now that your Crying Tiger Beef is ready, dig in! The combination of the marinated beef, fluffy jasmine rice, and fresh cucumber creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures. 18. If you want to elevate the dish even further, consider serving it with a dipping sauce made from a mix of lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. This sauce can be drizzled over the beef or used as a dip for the slices. 19. Don’t forget to share this delicious meal with friends or family. It’s a great dish for gatherings, and everyone will love the bold flavors

Conclusion:

In summary, this Crying Tiger Beef recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their culinary skills and impress their friends and family. The combination of tender, marinated beef paired with a zesty dipping sauce creates a flavor explosion that is simply unforgettable. Whether you serve it as a main dish alongside fragrant jasmine rice, or as an appetizer at your next gathering, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. For those looking to mix things up, consider variations such as using different cuts of beef, or even substituting the beef with grilled chicken or tofu for a delightful twist. You can also experiment with the dipping sauce by adding more chili for heat or a splash of lime juice for extra brightness. The possibilities are endless! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Crying Tiger Beef recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the love for this incredible dish together! Happy cooking! Print