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What is Crying Tiger?
Crying Tiger (also known as Suea Rong Hai) is a popular Thai dish, typically made from grilled beef, often using sirloin or flank steak, served with a spicy dipping sauce. The dish originates from Isan, the northeastern region of Thailand, known for its bold, spicy cuisine.
The beef is marinated and grilled, achieving a charred exterior while maintaining a tender and juicy interior. The key to the dish is the accompanying sauce, made from a combination of fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, ground roasted rice (which adds a unique nutty flavor), and sometimes palm sugar. The sauce is both spicy and tangy, adding complexity to the meat.
The name "Crying Tiger" is often attributed to a legend where a tiger cried because the beef was so delicious, or because of the spiciness of the dipping sauce. It’s usually served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables.
Key Ingredient?
Nam Jim Jaew
What sets the dish apart is its spicy dipping sauce, made from ingredients like fish sauce, lime juice, chili flakes, ground toasted rice, and palm sugar. This sauce provides the signature bold, spicy, and tangy flavor that complements the smoky, grilled beef.
The ground toasted rice (also known as khao khua) is particularly important, adding a nutty, crunchy texture to the dipping sauce that defines Crying Tiger’s unique taste.
FAQs
What If I Don’t Have It?
See substitution suggestions above. For this recipe, the combination of all other ingredients is mandatory to create this flavorful dish.
Is Costco Striploin Steak any good?
Costco's striploin steak (often sold as New York strip or strip steak) is generally well-regarded for its quality and value. Here are a few reasons why it’s a popular choice among shoppers:
1. USDA Grading:
Costco typically sells USDA Choice or Prime grade beef. The Prime grade is the highest in terms of marbling and tenderness, making it ideal for grilling or searing, while Choice is still a high-quality cut but with slightly less marbling.
2. Affordable Price:
Compared to grocery stores or specialty butcher shops, Costco offers competitive pricing for high-quality cuts. Their bulk packaging and membership model allow you to get restaurant-quality steaks for much less.
3. Consistent Quality:
Costco is known for maintaining consistent standards across its meat department, meaning you can typically expect a reliable level of tenderness and flavor from their striploin steaks.
4. Great for Grilling:
Due to its tenderness and marbling, striploin is a popular choice for grilling or pan-searing. Costco’s striploin has been praised for achieving a nice balance between juiciness and flavor when cooked correctly.
In summary, Costco's striploin offers excellent value, especially for home cooks looking for high-quality steaks at a reasonable price. Many people find the steaks comparable to those found in steakhouses, making them a go-to for grilling or special occasions.
Do I need a vacuum sealer?
No! Most people do not own a vacuum sealer at home. A vacuum sealer speeds up the marinating process. It is more effective because it removes air from the bag, which forces the marinade into the food’s pores more efficiently, but it is not necessary in this case. Instead, you can marinate in a freezer bag or in a covered mixing bowl.
What is Crying Tiger?
Crying Tiger is a Thai dish featuring grilled beef (often sirloin or flank steak) served with a spicy, tangy dipping sauce made from chili, lime, fish sauce, and roasted rice powder. The dish is believed to originate from the Isan region of Thailand.
Why is it called Crying Tiger?
The name "Crying Tiger" is said to stem from a Thai legend where a tiger wept after tasting beef so delicious that it wished it had saved some for itself. Another theory suggests that the "crying" refers to the spicy dipping sauce that brings tears to the eyes due to its heat.
What kind of meat is best for Crying Tiger?
Traditionally, beef is used, particularly cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or flank steak. The beef is grilled to perfection, usually to medium-rare, which keeps it tender and juicy.
What is Myoglobin?
A protein found in muscle tissue that binds to oxygen, helping store and transport oxygen within muscles, especially during physical exertion. It's responsible for the red color in meat, and the red liquid often seen in raw meat is myoglobin, not blood. When cooked, myoglobin changes color, contributing to the appearance of doneness in meats.
What is the dipping sauce made from?
The dipping sauce for Crying Tiger is called Nam Jim Jaew. It is a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet mix of fish sauce, lime juice, ground chili, toasted rice powder, and sometimes a touch of palm sugar. This sauce enhances the flavor of the grilled beef.
Can I make Crying Tiger with other meats?
Yes! While traditionally made with beef, you can use other meats like pork or chicken. The grilling technique and the dipping sauce will complement any of these meats, though the name might vary when different meats are used.
What should I serve with Crying Tiger?
Crying Tiger is often served with sticky rice and sometimes a side of fresh vegetables or herbs like cucumber, cilantro, or Thai basil. The sticky rice helps balance the heat of the dipping sauce while adding texture to the meal.
Grill Pan versus Grilling on a BBQ?
A grill pan can replicate some aspects of grilling, such as sear marks and direct heat, but it won’t provide the smoky flavor or high heat intensity of a BBQ grill. If you’re looking for authentic BBQ flavor, the outdoor grill is still the best option. However, a grill pan is a convenient indoor alternative for when outdoor grilling isn’t possible.
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