Authentic Thai Crying Tiger Recipe (Sua Rong Hai) – Grilled Beef with Spicy Dipping Sauce

🥩 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• ✅ Authentic Northern Thai flavor — tastes just like Chiang Mai street food.

• ✅ Simple ingredients — easy to make at home or on the grill.

• ✅ Customizable spice level — adjust the chili in the dipping sauce.

• ✅ Perfect for gatherings — a great Thai BBQ for friends and family.

🧂 Ingredients

For the Beef:

• Sirloin or rib-eye steak 400–500 g

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground white pepper

• 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

For Nam Jim Jeaw (Dipping Sauce):

• 2 tablespoons toasted rice powder (Khao Khua)

• 2 tablespoons fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon palm sugar

• 2–3 Thai bird’s eye chilies (crushed)

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

• Optional: thinly sliced shallots

🔥 How to Make Crying Tiger (Sua Rong Hai)

1. Marinate the beef:
   Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, pepper, and oil. Rub over the beef and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the dipping sauce:
   Combine toasted rice powder, fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, crushed chilies, cilantro, green onions, and shallots in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Grill the beef:
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Grill the beef for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer well-done.

4. Rest and slice:
   Let the beef rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.

5. Serve:
   Serve with Nam Jim Jeaw on the side, fresh vegetables, and sticky rice or jasmine rice.

🌶️ Tips for the Perfect Crying Tiger

• Use high-quality beef for tenderness and flavor.

• Don’t overcook — medium-rare is ideal to keep the beef juicy.

• Toasted rice powder gives Nam Jim Jeaw its signature nutty flavor.

• Serve immediately after grilling for the best aroma and taste.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Crying Tiger is traditionally enjoyed with:

• Sticky rice (Khao Niao)

• Fresh cabbage, cucumber, or lettuce

• Nam Jim Jeaw dipping sauce for extra flavor

💡 Fun Fact

Crying Tiger is considered a Northern Thai specialty, and you can find it in street stalls and restaurants across Chiang Mai. Its bold flavors, smokiness, and spicy dipping sauce make it a favorite at Thai BBQ parties.