Irresistible Crying Tiger Sauce

Name: Irresistible Crying Tiger Sauce (Sua Rong Hai) Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons tamarind sauce; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; ½ tablespoon palm sugar; 1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust to taste); 1 tablespoon ground roasted rice; ½ tablespoon chopped shallot; ½ tablespoon chopped spring onion; ½ tablespoon chopped coriander; ½ tablespoon chopped sawtooth coriander (optional)

Posted on July 5, 2025 · [Elisa]

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If you’ve ever tried the famous Thai grilled beef dish known as Crying Tiger (or Sua Rong Hai), then you know that the real star of the show is the crying tiger sauce served alongside it. This sauce is an explosion of bold, tangy, spicy, and umami-packed flavors that perfectly complement the smoky richness of grilled meat. With its unique blend of tamarind, fish sauce, chili, and fragrant herbs, crying tiger sauce is a must-have addition to your repertoire of Asian-inspired condiments.

This easy-to-follow recipe walks you through making the authentic version of this classic dipping sauce, traditionally served with grilled beef in northeastern Thailand but equally delicious with chicken, pork, or even grilled vegetables. Best of all, it comes together in just a few minutes and uses simple ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores.

Let’s dive into why you’ll fall in love with this sauce, how to make it step by step, and how to serve it to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Crying Tiger Sauce

One of the main reasons this sauce is so beloved is because of its intense flavor profile. The tangy tamarind brings brightness, while the salty fish sauce adds depth. Palm sugar balances the tang and heat with a hint of sweetness, and chili flakes deliver a fiery kick that you can easily adjust to your taste. On top of that, toasted rice powder provides a unique nutty aroma and texture, while shallots, spring onions, and fresh herbs add freshness and complexity.

Not only does this sauce taste incredible, but it also comes together in under 10 minutes, making it the ideal accompaniment for a last-minute barbecue or weeknight dinner. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable yet authentic — the perfect way to elevate your next grilled meal.

What Is Crying Tiger Sauce?

Crying Tiger Sauce, known in Thai as Nam Jim Jeaw, is a classic dipping sauce from the Isaan region of Thailand. It’s most famously served with Sua Rong Hai, or Crying Tiger beef, a dish of perfectly grilled marinated beef. The sauce is so flavorful and spicy that it’s said to make a tiger cry — hence the colorful name!

This sauce is incredibly versatile and works equally well with grilled pork, chicken, seafood, or vegetables. The key to its irresistible taste is the perfect balance of sour, salty, sweet, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make this irresistible sauce:

2 tablespoons tamarind sauce
2 tablespoons fish sauce
½ tablespoon palm sugar
1 tablespoon chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon ground roasted rice
½ tablespoon chopped shallot
½ tablespoon chopped spring onion
½ tablespoon chopped coriander
½ tablespoon chopped sawtooth coriander (optional)
300g Beef

These ingredients can all be found in most well-stocked supermarkets, and definitely at any Asian grocery store. If you’ve never used sawtooth coriander before, don’t worry — it’s optional and can be replaced with more regular coriander.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this sauce is quick and easy. Here’s how to do it right:

Step 1: Mix the Sauces

In a small bowl, combine the tamarind sauce, fish sauce, and palm sugar. Stir until the sugar has fully dissolved. This creates the salty-sour-sweet base of your sauce.

Step 2: Add Heat and Aroma

Next, add the chili flakes and ground roasted rice. The chili flakes provide the characteristic heat, while the roasted rice powder adds a smoky, nutty aroma and a little texture.

Step 3: Add Fresh Herbs

Finally, stir in the chopped shallots, spring onions, coriander, and sawtooth coriander (if using). Taste the sauce at this stage and adjust the seasoning as needed — more sugar if you like it sweeter, more fish sauce for saltiness, or more tamarind if you prefer it tangier.

And that’s it — your crying tiger sauce is ready to serve!

Tips for the Best Crying Tiger Sauce

Adjust the spice level. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with half the amount of chili flakes and add more to taste.
Make it fresh. This sauce tastes best when made fresh and served right away, though it can be kept in the fridge for up to one day.
Roast your rice. You can easily make ground roasted rice by toasting raw sticky rice in a dry pan until golden, then grinding it into a coarse powder.
Chop herbs finely. This ensures that the herbs release their flavor and blend beautifully into the sauce.

Why Add Roasted Rice Powder?

One of the most distinctive elements of crying tiger sauce is the addition of roasted rice powder, or khao khua. This ingredient not only thickens the sauce slightly but also adds an earthy, toasted aroma that pairs perfectly with grilled meat. If you’ve never used it before, give it a try — it’s what makes this sauce so special.

Serving Suggestions

The traditional way to serve crying tiger sauce is with Sua Rong Hai, or grilled marinated beef. However, its bold flavors make it a perfect companion for many dishes, such as:

Grilled pork chops or tenderloin
Char-grilled chicken thighs
Seared shrimp or scallops
Roasted or grilled vegetables like eggplant or mushrooms
Sticky rice as a side

Simply drizzle it over your dish or serve it in a small bowl for dipping.

Delicious Variations

While the classic recipe is perfect as written, here are a few creative ways to put your own spin on this sauce:

Add fresh lime juice for extra acidity.
Use brown sugar if you can’t find palm sugar.
Add minced garlic for a punch of savory depth.
Stir in chopped mint leaves for a refreshing twist.

How to Store Leftovers

While this sauce is best served fresh, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir before serving, as the ingredients may settle.

It’s not recommended to freeze this sauce, as the texture and flavor of the fresh herbs will degrade.

Essential Kitchen Tools

You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this sauce, but having the following on hand helps:

Small mixing bowl
Spoon or whisk
Sharp knife and cutting board
Mortar and pestle (optional, for grinding roasted rice)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best made just before serving. If making ahead, add the fresh herbs right before serving for maximum flavor.

What can I use instead of tamarind sauce?
You can use lime juice mixed with a little brown sugar as a substitute in a pinch.

Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes — replace fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegetarian fish sauce alternative.

Can I make it less spicy?
Absolutely — just reduce the chili flakes to your liking.

If you enjoy bold, Asian-inspired flavors, check out these other recipes:

Each of these recipes pairs wonderfully with vibrant herbs, spices, and unique sauces just like this one.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Dipping Sauce

This Irresistible Crying Tiger Sauce (Sua Rong Hai) is a game changer for any grilled dish, adding layers of tangy, spicy, and savory flavor that make every bite unforgettable. Once you try it, you’ll want to serve it at every barbecue, dinner party, or casual weeknight meal.

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