Crying Tiger Beef is like a love letter to your taste buds—a vibrant dish that practically dances with flavor. Picture tender strips of beef, marinated to perfection, sizzling on the grill while your mouth waters in anticipation. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing you with hints of garlic and lime, making you feel like a culinary artist ready to impress.
This dish isn’t just about good flavors; it brings back memories of backyard barbecues and family gatherings where laughter mingles with the scent of grilled meat. Imagine sharing this delightful experience with friends at a summer party or enjoying it as a cozy dinner during a chilly evening. Trust me, once you try Crying Tiger Beef, you’ll be dreaming up excuses to make it again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe offers effortless preparation, letting you focus on savoring every bite
- The flavor profile combines savory and tangy notes, creating an unforgettable taste sensation
- Its visual appeal will impress anyone lucky enough to share your table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for stir-frying or even serving cold in salads
Ingredients for Crying Tiger Beef
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Flank Steak: This cut is perfect for marinating and grilling due to its tenderness and rich flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves add an aromatic punch that enhances the overall flavor of the steak.
- Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens the dish and helps tenderize the beef.
- Soy Sauce: A key ingredient that adds depth and umami to the marinade.
- Chili Flakes: Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance; they’ll give the dish a delightful kick.
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Fish Sauce: This pungent sauce is essential for adding that signature Southeast Asian flair.
- Fresh Herbs (Cilantro and Mint): These herbs add freshness and balance out the flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Crying Tiger Beef
First, Prepare Your Marinade
Start by combining soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili flakes in a bowl. Whisk until well blended—this fragrant mix will elevate your beef.
Marinate the Flank Steak
Place flank steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish; pour the marinade over it. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
Get Your Grill Ready
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat—aim for around 400°F (200°C). You want it hot enough to sear but not so hot that it incinerates your delicious beef.
Grill the Steak
Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off; place on the grill. Cook each side for about five minutes until it reaches medium-rare doneness—look for that beautiful char!
Let It Rest Before Slicing
After grilling, transfer steak to a cutting board; let it rest for five minutes before slicing. This step ensures juicy meat by allowing all those flavorful juices to redistribute.
Slice Against the Grain
Using a sharp knife, slice flank steak against the grain into thin strips—this technique keeps each piece tender and easy to chew.
Prepare Your Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, mix fish sauce with chopped fresh herbs like cilantro and mint. This zesty dip adds another layer of flavor that complements your grilled beef brilliantly.
Serve It Up!
Arrange sliced Crying Tiger Beef on a platter alongside dipping sauce; garnish with additional herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately while warm—they won’t last long!
Now you have an exciting dish that’s sure to impress! Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or an extravagant feast, Crying Tiger Beef is bound to steal the spotlight.
You Must Know
- Crying Tiger Beef is a dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy
- The combination of marinated grilled beef and a zesty dipping sauce brings the flavors to life
- It’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by marinating the beef for at least an hour. Next, grill it until perfectly charred while preparing the spicy dipping sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of herbs for an aromatic touch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cuts of beef or play with spices in the marinade. Adding lime juice or chili flakes can kick up the zing, while fresh herbs like cilantro add vibrant flavor. Customize it to suit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover Crying Tiger Beef in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on low heat to prevent drying out, ensuring it’s just as delicious as when first made.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use flank steak for tenderness and flavor; it’s perfect for grilling
- Be mindful not to over-marinate, as too long can toughen the meat
- Grill on high heat for that signature char without losing juiciness
Sometimes I think my friends might actually be more excited about my cooking than me. When I first served Crying Tiger Beef at a gathering, they practically fought over the last bite!
FAQs :
What is Crying Tiger Beef?
Crying Tiger Beef is a popular Thai dish featuring grilled marinated beef served with a spicy dipping sauce. The name refers to the idea that the flavor is so intense it might make you cry. Typically made from tender cuts of beef, this dish combines savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a favorite among many food lovers. The marinade often includes ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, and chili, enhancing the beef’s natural flavors.
How do you prepare the marinade for Crying Tiger Beef?
To prepare the marinade for Crying Tiger Beef, mix together soy sauce, fish sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. This combination creates a balanced flavor profile that enhances the beef’s taste while keeping it tender. Once mixed, add your choice of beef cuts to the marinade and allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes. For best results, longer marination times yield deeper flavors and more tender meat.
What side dishes pair well with Crying Tiger Beef?
Crying Tiger Beef pairs beautifully with various side dishes. A fresh cucumber salad or sticky rice complements the dish nicely by balancing its bold flavors. Additionally, grilled vegetables or a simple green salad can provide a refreshing contrast. If you’re feeling adventurous, serve it with Thai-style dipping sauces like Nam Jim Jaew for an extra kick. These sides enhance the overall dining experience while maintaining the focus on the savory beef.
Can Crying Tiger Beef be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare components of Crying Tiger Beef in advance to streamline your meal preparation. Marinate the beef a day ahead to allow flavors to develop deeply. You can also pre-cook any side dishes like sticky rice or salads earlier in the day. However, it’s best to grill or pan-sear the beef just before serving to ensure it remains juicy and tender. This method allows you to enjoy this flavorful dish without last-minute stress.
Conclusion for Crying Tiger Beef :
Crying Tiger Beef is an exciting dish that showcases bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. Its unique marinade elevates the beef’s natural essence while creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Pair it with refreshing sides for balance and consider preparing elements in advance for convenience. Enjoy this Thai culinary gem as part of your next meal; it’s sure to impress both family and friends alike with its rich taste and vibrant presentation.
Crying Tiger Beef
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crying Tiger Beef is a mouthwatering Thai dish that tantalizes your taste buds with its bold flavors and aromatic marinade. This grilled flank steak, enhanced with zesty lime and savory garlic, is served with a refreshing dipping sauce made from fresh herbs. Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy dinners, this dish promises to impress your guests with its vibrant presentation and unforgettable taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, and chili flakes.
- Marinate the Flank Steak: Place the flank steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over it, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for better flavor.
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F or 200°C).
- Grill the Steak: Remove steak from marinade and let excess drip off. Grill each side for about five minutes until medium-rare.
- Let It Rest: Transfer steak to a cutting board and rest for five minutes before slicing against the grain into thin strips.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: Mix fish sauce with chopped cilantro and mint in a small bowl.
- Serve: Arrange sliced beef on a platter alongside the dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Thai
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 5 oz of beef with sauce
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added tenderness, marinate the beef overnight. - Substitute flank steak with sirloin or ribeye if desired. - Adjust chili flakes for personal spice preference.
