Crying Tiger Beef Recipe

Crying Tiger Beef is a bold and flavorful Thai steak dish made with juicy strips of seared beef and a sweet, tangy, spicy dipping sauce. The steak is tender, savory, and full of umami, while the dipping sauce adds the perfect punch of lime, tamarind, fish sauce, chili, and toasted rice powder.

This easy recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and does not require a grill. You can make it right in a pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a better-than-takeout Thai-inspired meal.

Table of Contents

What Is Crying Tiger Beef?

Crying Tiger Beef, also known as Crying Tiger Steak or Suea Rong Hai, is a popular Thai dish from Northeastern Thailand.

It is traditionally made with grilled beef served with Nam Jim Jaew, a spicy and tangy Thai dipping sauce. The name is said to come from the way the beef fat drips while cooking, almost like tears.

Despite the dramatic name, there is no tiger meat in this recipe. It is all about tender steak, bold seasoning, and a delicious dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in about 30 minutes
No grill required
Juicy, tender steak
Sweet, spicy, tangy dipping sauce
Packed with Thai-inspired flavor
Great for weeknight dinners
Delicious with rice, vegetables, or salad

Ingredients

For the Steak

1 pound ribeye, sirloin, striploin, or New York strip steak

2 teaspoons neutral oil

For the Marinade

1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 teaspoons neutral oil

For the Dipping Sauce

1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
3 tablespoons boiling water
1 teaspoon uncooked glutinous rice or jasmine rice
1 tablespoon palm sugar or brown sugar
1 tablespoon finely diced shallots
1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
½ teaspoon Thai chili flakes or gochugaru

Best Steak for Crying Tiger Beef

Ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful after searing.

You can also use:

New York strip
Striploin
Skirt steak
Flank steak

Choose steak that is about 1 inch thick for the best texture and cooking control.

How to Make Crying Tiger Beef

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

In a large bowl, combine oyster sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, garlic, and oil.

Add the steak and coat it evenly in the marinade.

Let it rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Tamarind Paste

Place tamarind pulp in a small bowl.

Add boiling water and mash with a fork until softened.

Once cool enough to handle, loosen the pulp with clean fingers.

Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and fibers.

Set the smooth tamarind paste aside.

Step 3: Make Toasted Rice Powder

Heat a dry pan over medium heat.

Add the uncooked rice and toast for 3 to 4 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.

Transfer to a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or blender.

Grind into a fine powder.

Step 4: Prepare the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

Tamarind paste
Toasted rice powder
Palm sugar
Shallots
Cilantro
Fish sauce
Lime juice
Chili flakes

Mix well and set aside.

Step 5: Cook the Steak

Heat oil in a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.

Add the steak and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side for rare to medium-rare.

For medium-well, reduce the heat slightly and cook for about 1 extra minute per side.

For well-done, continue cooking for 2 to 3 more minutes per side.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Slice thinly against the grain.

Serve with the dipping sauce on the side.

Expert Tips

Let the Steak Rest Before Cooking

Bringing the steak closer to room temperature helps it cook more evenly.

Use Fresh Lime Juice

Fresh lime juice gives the sauce a bright, authentic flavor.

Don’t Skip the Toasted Rice Powder

Toasted rice powder adds a nutty aroma and classic texture to the dipping sauce.

Slice Against the Grain

Cutting against the grain makes the steak easier to chew and more tender.

Use a Meat Thermometer

A thermometer helps prevent overcooking and keeps the beef juicy.

Steak Doneness Guide

Rare: 125°F
Medium-rare: 131–139°F
Medium: 140–149°F
Medium-well: 150–158°F
Well-done: 158°F+

Variations

Chicken Crying Tiger

Use boneless chicken thighs and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Pork Version

Use pork chops or pork shoulder slices and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free oyster sauce and replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

Extra Spicy Version

Add more Thai chili flakes or fresh chopped Thai chilies to the dipping sauce.

What to Serve With Crying Tiger Beef

This steak pairs beautifully with:

Steamed jasmine rice
Sticky rice
Fresh cucumber slices
Lettuce leaves
Tomato wedges
Thai papaya salad
Garlic green beans
Fresh spring rolls
Pad Thai or drunken noodles

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover beef and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat the steak gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

The beef can also be frozen for up to 3 months without the dipping sauce. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Crying Tiger Beef Ahead of Time?

Yes. You can cook the steak ahead and store it in the fridge. For the freshest flavor, make the dipping sauce close to serving time.

Can I Grill the Steak?

Absolutely. Preheat the grill to high heat, lightly oil the grates, and grill the steak for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness.

Is Crying Tiger Beef Spicy?

The steak itself is not extremely spicy, but the dipping sauce has heat from chili flakes. You can adjust the spice level to your taste.

Can I Use Tamarind Concentrate?

You can, but tamarind pulp gives a fresher and richer flavor.

What Does Nam Jim Jaew Taste Like?

Nam Jim Jaew is tangy, salty, slightly sweet, spicy, and nutty from the toasted rice powder.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 4

Final Thoughts

Crying Tiger Beef is a simple but unforgettable Thai-inspired steak recipe. The beef is juicy and savory, while the dipping sauce adds bright, spicy, tangy flavor that makes every bite exciting.

It is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to serve when you want something special. Pair it with rice and fresh vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.