Name: Quick & Easy Crying Tiger Beef Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 lb rib eye steak or strip sirloin, flat iron steak, flank steak at 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 or coriander, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon lime juice; ½ teaspoon Thai chili flakes or Korean red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 15 reviews

If you’re craving something bursting with bold flavors yet utterly simple to prepare, this Quick & Easy Crying Tiger Beef Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine juicy, tender marinated steak paired with a deliciously sweet, tangy, and spicy Thai dipping sauce that punches way above its weight in flavor. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic Thai dish brings restaurant-quality delight right to your kitchen table, perfect for family dinners or impressing friends without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a sliced piece of steak placed directly on a light brown wooden surface with a clear grain pattern. The steak has about 10 uneven slices, showing a dark brown outside with grilled marks and a slightly pinkish center, indicating it is cooked medium. Juices are spread around the steak, creating a shiny wet look on the wood. The background is neutral and does not distract from the meat. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because the ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding remarkable character. The balance between sweet, sour, salty, and spicy comes from familiar pantry staples that can transform simple steak into an extraordinary meal.

1 lb rib eye steak or strip sirloin, flat iron steak, flank steak (1-inch thick): Choose your favorite cut for ideal tenderness and marbling.
2 teaspoons vegetable oil or any neutral oil: To achieve a perfect sear without overpowering the beef’s natural flavor.
1 tablespoon oyster sauce or vegetarian stir fry sauce: Provides a deep umami kick in the marinade.
1 tablespoon palm sugar (or brown sugar, coconut sugar): Adds sweetness and caramelization to balance the heat.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings the fresh acidity that brightens the entire dish.
1 tablespoon regular soy sauce: Infuses saltiness and depth.
2 teaspoons garlic, minced: For that irresistible aromatic punch.
1 tablespoon tamarind pulp: A cornerstone for authentic tang in the dipping sauce.
3 tablespoons hot boiling water: To soften and dissolve the tamarind pulp into a smooth paste.
1 teaspoon uncooked glutinous rice or jasmine rice: Toasted and ground for a nutty crunch in the sauce.
1 tablespoon shallots, finely diced: Adds sweet sharpness to the dipping sauce.
1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped: Fresh herbaceousness to balance flavors.
1 tablespoon fish sauce: Enhances the sauce with savory complexity.
½ teaspoon Thai chili flakes or Korean red pepper flakes: Delivers the signature heat that makes crying tiger beef so addictive.

How to Make Quick & Easy Crying Tiger Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Steak

Start by combining oyster sauce, palm sugar, lime juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and vegetable oil in a large bowl. This marinade is packed with layers of umami, sweetness, and brightness that will soak deep into the steak. Coat your steak evenly and let it rest for about 15 minutes at room temperature to soak in all those flavors. The marinade tenderizes the beef while building that unforgettable Thai essence right in the meat.

Step 2: Make the Tamarind Paste

In a small bowl, dissolve the tamarind pulp in hot boiling water using a fork. Once cooled, gently rub the pulp to separate it from the seeds, then strain through a fine sieve to get a smooth tamarind paste. This step is key because the tamarind’s signature tang will balance the dipping sauce perfectly, adding depth and complexity to each bite.

Step 3: Toast and Grind the Rice

Toast the uncooked rice in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. This will introduce a nutty aroma essential for the texture and flavor of the dipping sauce. After toasting, grind the rice into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle, spice grinder, or blender. This toasted rice powder adds that uniquely crunchy, slightly nutty element that makes the sauce sing.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients for the Dipping Sauce

Mix the tamarind paste with toasted rice powder, palm sugar, shallots, cilantro, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili flakes. Each ingredient is carefully balanced to create a dipping sauce that is sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy all at once. This sauce is what elevates your steak from just tasty to unforgettable.

Step 5: Sear the Steak to Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottom skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated steak for 3-4 minutes on each side for rare to medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time for your preferred doneness, resting the steak afterward so the juices settle and the meat stays tender. Achieving a perfect sear locks in flavor and gives the steak a delightful caramelized crust that pairs exquisitely with the spicy dipping sauce.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

After resting for 10 minutes, slice the steak thinly on the bias to ensure tenderness in every bite. Serve alongside the dipping sauce made earlier. The special combination of juicy steak and vibrant sauce will surely have everyone reaching for seconds, making this a quick & easy crying tiger beef recipe that’s impossible to resist!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Crying Tiger Beef Recipe

A close-up of a single piece of grilled meat held by a gold fork above a clear glass bowl filled with chunky sauce that includes visible bits of herbs and spices, the meat is coated with the sauce and shows a shiny, textured surface with herbs stuck to it; the bowl rests on green leafy lettuce with a sliced lime half nearby, all placed on a white marbled surface, a blurred white cloth in the background enhances the focus on the food, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro sprigs and thinly sliced green onions bring a bright, fresh finish that complements the rich steak and spicy sauce beautifully. Adding a few wedges of lime on the side invites everyone to add that extra zesty spark if desired. These simple garnishes not only enhance presentation but reinforce the layered flavors of this dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with fragrant jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up every drop of the flavorful dipping sauce. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a crisp cucumber salad tossed in a light chili-lime dressing. The cool salad keeps the palate happy and balances the fiery heat of the dipping sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this meal into a fun platter by slicing the steak thinly and arranging it on a large plate surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauce and fresh herbs. Let your guests build their own mouthwatering bites for a communal dining vibe. For a casual twist, wrap steak slices with fresh lettuce leaves, add some sliced chilies and herbs, then drizzle with sauce for delicious Thai-inspired wraps.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra cooked steak and dipping sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate preserves the texture and flavor so that the steak doesn’t get soggy and the sauce remains vibrant and fresh.

Freezing

While the cooked steak freezes well, the dipping sauce is best made fresh to retain its complex flavors. Freeze leftover steak in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain tenderness.

Reheating

Reheat the steak by warming it briefly in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at short intervals to avoid overcooking. Serve immediately with freshly prepared dipping sauce or warm up the stored sauce gently, stirring to combine before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While rib eye or strip sirloin is ideal for tenderness and flavor, flank steak or flat iron steak also work beautifully, especially when sliced thin against the grain. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What if I can’t find tamarind pulp?

Tamarind is key to authentic flavor, but if it’s tricky to find, you can substitute with a mix of lime juice and a touch of brown sugar for tanginess and sweetness. Keep in mind the flavor won’t be exactly the same but still delicious.

How spicy is this Quick & Easy Crying Tiger Beef Recipe?

You can control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili flakes in the dipping sauce. For milder versions, reduce the chili or omit it altogether. For heat lovers, add extra flakes or fresh Thai chilies to amp up the spice.

Can I prepare this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! Simply multiply the ingredients to serve larger groups. The marinade and dipping sauce scale nicely, and cooking multiple steaks in batches ensures everyone gets to enjoy the dish fresh and hot.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce and ensuring oyster sauce is gluten-free. Double-check any store-bought sauces to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that brings authentic Thai flavors to your table without complicated steps, this Quick & Easy Crying Tiger Beef Recipe is a total game changer. Its vibrant dipping sauce paired with perfectly seared steak makes every dinner feel special. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a recipe you return to time and again. Go ahead, give it a shot and watch this delicious dish become a household favorite!