Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce

Name: Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak; 2 tbsp fish sauce; 4 cloves garlic, minced; Juice of 2 limes; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped; 1 tbsp palm sugar (or brown sugar); 1 tsp chili flakes

Published: January 7, 2026

by william castellanos

Why You'll Love This Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce

This incredible Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.

What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce:

Flank Steak: Choose high-quality flank steak for optimal tenderness and flavor; it’s ideal for grilling.
Fresh Herbs: A mix of cilantro and mint adds freshness that balances the rich beef perfectly.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key; they bring robust flavor to both the beef and the dipping sauce.
Fish Sauce: Essential in Thai cuisine, fish sauce provides a savory depth; don’t skip this ingredient!
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens up the flavors; bottled juice just won’t cut it!

For the Sauce:

Sugar: Use palm sugar if you can find it; it adds authentic sweetness that complements the dish.
Chili Flakes: Adjust these according to your heat tolerance; they’ll give your sauce a delightful kick.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce:

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by slicing your flank steak against the grain into thin strips. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, and lime juice. Toss in the beef slices and let them marinate for at least an hour—longer if you dare!

Step 2: Prepare the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce

In another bowl, mix together lime juice, sugar, chili flakes, chopped herbs (cilantro and mint), and fish sauce until combined. Taste test! Adjust heat levels if necessary—you want it flavorful but not nose-tingling.

Step 3: Grill Time

Preheat your grill or grill pan over high heat. Once hot, toss on your marinated beef strips. Grill for about 3-4 minutes per side until they reach medium-rare perfection (or your desired doneness).

Step 4: Serve

Remove from heat and allow resting for a few moments before serving—this helps keep all those juicy flavors locked inside! Slice into bite-sized pieces if desired.

Step 5: Plate It Up

Transfer your grilled beef onto a platter and drizzle generously with your homemade Nam Jim Jaew sauce. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for that pop of color!

Step 6: Enjoy

Gather around the table with family or friends (or maybe just eat it all yourself). Serve alongside rice or fresh veggies to balance everything out.

And there you have it! Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Your taste buds are going to throw a party!

You Must Know About Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce

This showstopping Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting Cooking Process

To achieve the best results, start by marinating your beef while preparing the sauce. Sear the beef in a hot pan until it reaches your desired doneness. Let it rest while you plate up the sauce for an efficient cooking sequence.

Flavor Your Way

Feel free to swap out the beef for chicken or tofu if you prefer. Add different herbs like cilantro or mint to enhance freshness. You can also experiment with spice levels by adjusting chili quantities in the Nam Jim Jaew sauce!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness and prevent drying out the beef or tofu.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce

This professional-quality Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
Pro tip: let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.

Sharing a plate of this flavorful Crying Tiger Beef with my friends was a highlight of my summer barbecue—everyone raved about it, begging for the recipe, and I felt like a kitchen rock star!

FAQs

What is Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce?

Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce is a popular Thai dish renowned for its bold flavors and unique combination of grilled beef and spicy dipping sauce. The beef, usually marinated and grilled to perfection, is served alongside the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce, which features ingredients like chili, lime juice, fish sauce, and herbs. This dish is loved for its savory taste and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course. The name “Crying Tiger” refers to the idea that the flavors are so intense they could make a tiger cry!

How do you prepare Crying Tiger Beef?

Preparing Crying Tiger Beef involves marinating beef cuts such as sirloin or flank steak in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and sugar for several hours. After marination, grill the beef until it reaches your preferred level of doneness. It’s important to let the meat rest before slicing it thinly against the grain. This technique ensures tenderness and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. The preparation process highlights the freshness of ingredients, making it a delightful culinary experience.

What are the best side dishes for Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce?

When serving Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce, consider complementary side dishes that enhance its rich flavors. Sticky rice is a classic choice that balances out the spiciness of the sauce. Fresh vegetables like cucumber and lettuce provide a refreshing crunch. Additionally, you can serve this dish alongside Thai papaya salad (Som Tam) for an extra zing. These sides not only add variety but also contribute to a well-rounded meal that captures the essence of Thai cuisine.

Can I make Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare certain components of Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce ahead of time. Marinate the beef in advance to allow the flavors to penetrate thoroughly; doing this overnight yields better results. You can also prepare the Nam Jim Jaew Sauce ahead of time by mixing all ingredients together and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it’s best to grill the beef just before serving to maintain its tenderness and flavor.

Conclusion

Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce offers a vibrant blend of flavors that showcase Thai culinary excellence. This dish combines perfectly grilled beef with an exciting dipping sauce that’s both spicy and tangy. By following simple preparation steps, you can enjoy this flavorful meal at home or impress guests at gatherings. Remember to pair it with delicious sides like sticky rice or fresh vegetables for a complete experience. Dive into this culinary adventure and savor every bite of Crying Tiger Beef with Nam Jim Jaew Sauce!