Crying Tiger

Name: Crying Tiger
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 500 g grilled beef; nam jim jaew to dip; sticky rice — to serve; 1 handful herbs; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 meat

Crying Tiger finds its roots in the Isaan region of Thailand, where it is a staple of home-cooked meals. It's a dish that effortlessly captures the spirit of communal dining, with every component crafted to be shared. The recipe here reflects the traditional Isaan approach, where salt is measured by intuition and the richness of fat is embraced, resulting in a flavor profile that is deeply satisfying.

Expect a bold interplay of smoky, grilled beef and the vibrant, tangy notes of nam jim jaew. The sticky rice serves as the perfect backdrop, absorbing the complex flavors while offering a comforting texture. A handful of fresh herbs brings a burst of freshness, creating a harmonious balance that is uniquely Thai.

Ingredients

500 ggrilled beef
nam jim jaewto dip
sticky rice — to serve
1 handfulherbs
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Begin by seasoning the 500 g of grilled beef generously with fine sea salt. Use your hands to ensure the salt is evenly distributed across all surfaces of the meat. This step enhances the natural flavors of the beef and prepares it for browning.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a generous amount of oil. Once the oil shimmers, place the seasoned beef in the skillet. Allow each side to brown deeply; you're looking for a rich, caramelized crust that enhances the beef's flavor. Turn the beef only when it releases easily from the pan.
Once browned, decide whether to braise or grill the beef. For braising, add a splash of water or broth to the pan, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cook until the beef is tender and easily pierced with a fork. If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the beef until it reaches your desired level of doneness, ensuring it remains juicy.
After cooking, taste a small piece of beef to check for saltiness. Adjust the seasoning if necessary, keeping in mind that the dipping sauce, nam jim jaew, will add additional flavor.
Serve the Crying Tiger with sticky rice on the side. Arrange a handful of fresh herbs on the platter for a burst of freshness. Provide nam jim jaew for dipping, allowing each person to customize their bite with the sauce's tangy and spicy notes.