Crying Tiger Beef

Crying Tiger Beef is not just a dish; it’s a delightful culinary adventure that instantly elevates any meal. Picture this: tender, marinated steak, perfectly seared and paired with an irresistible spicy dipping sauce. This recipe blends rich flavors and textures, making it a standout choice for your dining table. Whether you’re inviting friends over or just treating yourself to something special, Crying Tiger Beef adds a splash of excitement to your culinary repertoire.

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What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that feels gourmet. It’s great for those busy weeknights or even a fancy dinner party. The balance of sweetness, sourness, and heat in the dipping sauce makes every bite memorable, so your taste buds will thank you! Let’s not waste any time—let’s get cooking this amazing dish!

Why This Recipe Works

Crying Tiger Beef is a dazzling dish that perfectly balances rich flavors and tender textures. The marinade infuses the meat with umami goodness while the spicy dipping sauce complements every bite. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into an unexpectedly luxurious experience, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Crying Tiger Beef

Not only is Crying Tiger Beef visually stunning, but it also brings a unique combination of sweetness, sourness, and spice that dances on your palate. Its versatility allows you to serve it as an appetizer or a main dish. The accompanying sauce can be customized to suit your personal taste. Plus, the quick cooking time means you can enjoy this gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 lb rib eye steak or strip sirloin, flat iron steak, flank steak (1-inch thick)
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir fry sauce)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (finely chopped, or brown sugar or coconut sugar)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind pulp
• 3 tablespoons hot boiling water (to make tamarind paste)
• 1 teaspoon uncooked glutinous rice (or jasmine rice)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar (finely chopped, or brown sugar or coconut sugar)
• 1 tablespoon shallots (finely diced)
• 1 tablespoon cilantro (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• ½ teaspoon Thai chili flakes (or Korean red pepper flakes)

Marinate the Steak

Combine the Marinade Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vegetable oil. Whisk until fully combined, ensuring that each ingredient melds together for maximum flavor.

Marinate the Steak

Add your choice of steak to the marinade. Ensure it’s coated evenly and let it marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This step makes a world of difference by infusing the meat with flavor.

Prepare the Tamarind Paste

Make Tamarind Paste

In a small bowl, add the tamarind pulp and hot boiling water. Use a fork to dissolve the pulp. After a few minutes of cooling, use clean hands to break apart any remaining pulp. Strain this mixture through a fine sieve to remove seeds and pulp, and set it aside.

Toast the Rice

Toast the Rice

In a dry pan over medium heat, toast the uncooked glutinous or jasmine rice until golden brown, which should take about 3-4 minutes. The aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling it’s ready.

Grind the Rice

Transfer the toasted rice to a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or high-powered blender. Grind it until it becomes a fine powder. This step adds a unique texture and flavor to your dipping sauce.

Make the Dipping Sauce

Combine Sauce Ingredients

In a small bowl, mix together the tamarind paste, rice powder, fish sauce, palm sugar, diced shallots, lime juice, and Thai chili flakes until everything is well combined. Taste as you go to ensure it balances your preference for sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

Cook the Steak

Heat the Pan

In a heavy-bottom frying pan or cast iron skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the pan hot to get that perfect sear on the steak.

Sear the Steaks

Place the marinated steaks in the hot pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side for a rare to medium-rare steak, achieving an internal temperature of 131-139°F. For medium to medium-well, add an additional minute on each side. This brings out the meat’s rich flavor and retains its juiciness.

Rest the Steak

Once cooked, remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for about 10 minutes on a cutting board. This resting time is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice bursting with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the sliced steak alongside the homemade dipping sauce. For a well-rounded meal, complement it with jasmine rice or a fresh salad. This not only satisfies hunger but also tantalizes all the senses with vibrant colors and flavors.

Tips for Success

• Using a digital thermometer can give you precise temperatures for your preferred doneness.
• Allowing the steak to rest after cooking is crucial. This simple step maintains juiciness that makes the dish even more enjoyable.

Variations

If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider substituting the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Adjust the marinade and cooking times accordingly to maintain flavor while accommodating your needs. Additionally, feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like mint or basil for a unique twist on the sauce.

Pairing Ideas

Pair Crying Tiger Beef with a chilled Thai iced tea or a crisp Chardonnay. Both beverages perfectly complement the spice and richness of the dish, allowing for a delightful dining experience.

FAQs

Q1: Can I marinate the steak overnight?
A1: Yes, marinating the steak overnight enhances the flavor. Just be cautious not to marinate too long to avoid toughening the meat.

Q2: What type of steak is best for Crying Tiger Beef?
A2: Rib eye or strip sirloin are ideal due to their tenderness and flavor. Flank or flat iron steaks also work well.

Q3: How spicy is Crying Tiger Beef?
A3: The spice level can be easily adjusted by modifying the amount of Thai chili flakes in the dipping sauce. So, feel free to tailor it to your liking!

Q4: Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! You can prepare the dipping sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

Q5: How should I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating gently will help avoid drying it out.

Indulging in Crying Tiger Beef is more than just a meal; it’s a flavor-packed experience that leaves you wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is bound to impress. Its perfect blend of savory and spicy notes will create lasting memories at your dinner table. So gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the delight of this culinary gem!

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