There’s a special thrill that comes from grilling a marinated steak to perfection, a moment when the sizzle fills the air and you know something delicious is on the horizon. Crying Tiger Beef is a delightful Thai dish that encapsulates this experience, bursting with a vibrant mix of savory and spicy flavors that dance on your palate. I discovered this recipe on a rainy afternoon, craving something warm and bold, and let me tell you—it’s become my go-to for impressing friends at dinner gatherings and cozy family meals alike. It’s so simple yet incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for both novice cooks looking to elevate their skills and seasoned chefs eager to whip up a quick culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re serving it over fragrant jasmine rice or jazzing it up with creative variations, Crying Tiger Beef is sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire. Let’s get cooking!
Why is Crying Tiger Beef a Must-Try?
Flavor Explosion: The marinade combines savory soy sauce, zesty lime juice, and aromatic garlic for an unforgettable taste experience.
Quick Prep: Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Versatile Option: Customize with different proteins like chicken or tofu, or adjust the spiciness to suit your palate.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Impress your guests with a dish that showcases the bold flavors of Thai cuisine—ideal for gatherings.
Garnish Magic: Fresh cilantro and crisp cucumber elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, making each bite a treat.
Even if you’re new to Thai dishes, this recipe serves as a fantastic introduction. Don’t miss out; it’s a guaranteed flavor triumph!
Crying Tiger Beef Ingredients
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with these essential ingredients that make Crying Tiger Beef a standout dish!
For the Marinade
- Flank Steak – The main protein; its tenderness absorbs marinade flavors beautifully.
- Soy Sauce – Adds a savory depth; opt for gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
- Fish Sauce – Provides a signature salty kick; omit for a vegetarian version.
- Brown Sugar – Offsets savory notes with sweetness; honey works as a great substitute.
- Lime Juice – Brightens flavors; fresh lime juice is ideal, but lemon juice can be used.
- Garlic – Infuses aromatic flavor; fresh minced garlic is best.
- Black Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes – Controls heat; adjust to your spice preference.
For Cooking
- Vegetable Oil – Ideal for searing; sesame oil can add a nutty flavor if you prefer.
For Garnishing
- Cilantro – Fresh herb that adds brightness; parsley is a good alternative.
- Cucumber – Crunchy side to complement the beef; any crisp vegetable works.
- Jasmine Rice – The perfect base; consider quinoa or basmati rice for a twist.
- Sesame Seeds – Optional garnish; omit them if allergy concerns arise.
With this vibrant mix of ingredients, you’re just one step away from preparing a plate of delightful Crying Tiger Beef!
How to Make Crying Tiger Beef
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Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This marinade is the flavor powerhouse for your beef!
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Marinate Beef: Coat the flank steak evenly with the marinade, ensuring it’s fully submerged in flavors. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours for a more pronounced taste.
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Cook Jasmine Rice: Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water, ensuring it’s clean. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 1 ½ cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes. Let it rest off the heat for 10 minutes for fluffy rice.
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Heat Skillet: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet over medium-high heat, allowing it to heat up until shimmering—a key step in getting that beautiful sear on the steak!
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Cook Steak: Carefully place the marinated flank steak in the skillet. Sear for 4-5 minutes on one side, or until a golden-brown crust forms. Flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting time if you prefer a different doneness.
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Let Rest: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This ensures the juices redistribute for a tender bite when you slice.
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Assemble Dish: Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips and place over a bed of jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sprinkle sesame seeds, and add crisp cucumber slices on the side for a refreshing crunch!
Optional: Serve with a spicy dipping sauce made from lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar for an extra flavor punch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Crying Tiger Beef
• Slice Against the Grain: Ensure maximum tenderness by slicing the beef against the grain, making each bite melt in your mouth.
• Heat Matters: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding the steak; this will create a beautiful, caramelized crust.
• Marinade Safety: Never reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw beef to avoid foodborne illness; always discard it safely.
• Dipping Sauce Variations: Play with the balance of lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar in your dipping sauce to cater to different taste preferences.
• Quick Cooking Tips: If you’re in a hurry, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the steak a day ahead, saving time without sacrificing flavor.
Crying Tiger Beef Variations
Embrace your culinary creativity and make this dish your own with exciting twists and substitutions!
- Cut Swap: Use ribeye or skirt steak for a richer taste and varying tenderness while still soaking up flavors beautifully.
- Chicken Alternative: Swap out beef for grilled chicken for a lighter option, marinating and cooking it the same way to keep those bold Thai flavors.
- Vegan Delight: Try firm tofu instead of beef; marinate the tofu and grill it to offer a hearty, plant-based version that’s just as satisfying.
- Sweeten It Up: Substitute brown sugar with honey or coconut sugar for different levels of sweetness that can enhance the marinade unexpectedly.
- Spice It Up: Increase the red pepper flakes for an added kick, or toss in some sliced fresh chilies for vibrancy and extra heat.
- Herbal Twist: Replace cilantro with basil or mint for a refreshing herbaceous note that complements the dish in a unique way.
- Crispy Crunch: Add some crunchy bell peppers or radishes alongside the cucumber to introduce more texture and color to your plate.
- Rice Variety: Instead of jasmine rice, explore using quinoa or brown rice for a wholesome base that adds subtle flavors and a nutritional boost.
With these variations, you can create multiple renditions of Crying Tiger Beef, each filled with your personal touch and zest!
What to Serve with Crying Tiger Beef?
Elevate your dining experience with fantastic accompaniments that enhance the bold flavors and textures of your grilled beef.
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Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The perfect base to soak up the savory juices from the beef, creating a satisfying contrast with each bite.
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Crisp Cucumber Salad: A refreshing side that cuts through the richness of the dish, adding a cool crunch that’s irresistible. Adding a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of lime enhances its brightness further.
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Spicy Thai Dipping Sauce: A tangy mix of lime juice, fish sauce, and brown sugar provides an additional layer of flavor with a kick that complements the beef beautifully. This sauce can be tailored to your taste, giving you control over the heat.
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Sesame Noodles: Tossed with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a medley of vegetables, these noodles offer a delightful alternative to rice, bringing a lovely chewiness that pairs well with the rich flavors of the beef.
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Grilled Vegetables: Charred zucchini, bell peppers, and onions add a smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the meal, balancing the dish with their flavors.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this classic Thai treat offers a sweet ending to your meal, with its creamy coconut sauce harmonizing beautifully with the flavors of Crying Tiger Beef.
These pairings not only enhance the experience but create a mesmerizing feast that your family and friends will cherish!
Storage Tips for Crying Tiger Beef
Fridge: Store leftover Crying Tiger Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its delicious flavors and tenderness.
Freezer: If you have extra marinated beef, freeze it in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking for the best results.
Reheating: To reheat cooked beef, place it in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until heated through, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful.
Marinated Beef: For meal prep, you can marinate the flank steak ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 hours before grilling, enhancing the taste.
Make Ahead Options
Crying Tiger Beef is an excellent choice for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the flank steak up to 24 hours in advance. Simply whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, then coat the steak and refrigerate it in an airtight container. For the best flavor and quality, avoid leaving it longer than one day as the acidity from the lime juice may change the texture of the beef. When you’re ready to cook, all you need to do is sear the marinated steak and prepare the jasmine rice—quick and delicious results with minimal effort!
Crying Tiger Beef Recipe FAQs
What type of flank steak should I use?
Absolutely! Look for flank steak with a nice marbling, which indicates tenderness. A good cut will have a bright red color and minimal dark spots. If you have trouble finding flank steak, skirt steak or ribeye can also work beautifully as an alternative.
How do I store leftover Crying Tiger Beef?
Very simply! Store the leftover beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain flavors, keep it separate from the rice. Just make sure to let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it.
Can I freeze marinated beef?
Yes, you can! For the best results, place marinated beef in a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before grilling.
What if my steak turns out tough?
No worries! If your steak is tough, it might be due to slicing against the grain or not marinating long enough. For optimal tenderness, slice the beef into thin strips going against the grain and consider marinating for longer—up to 4 hours is ideal. Always ensure the skillet is heated properly for the best sear as well.
Are there any dietary considerations with this dish?
Definitely! If you’re serving this dish to family or friends with dietary restrictions, you can easily adjust the marinade. Omit the fish sauce for a vegetarian option, and if anyone has soy allergies, use coconut aminos as a substitute for soy sauce. Always double-check with your guests regarding any allergies before preparing!
Can I use other proteins in this recipe?
Of course! While flank steak is the star of this dish, feel free to substitute it with grilled chicken or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, particularly for chicken, which may require a longer cooking time. The more the merrier in flavor options!
Crying Tiger Beef: Elevate Your Thai Grilling Game Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Coat the flank steak evenly with the marinade, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
- Rinse 1 cup of jasmine rice under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 1 ½ cups of water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place the marinated flank steak in the skillet, sear for 4-5 minutes, flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium-rare.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes.
- Slice the beef against the grain into thin strips and place over a bed of jasmine rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and cucumber slices.