Crying Tiger Sauce
Crying Tiger Sauce is a bold and addictive Thai dipping sauce that’s tangy, spicy, and salty-sweet, perfect for enhancing grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and meal-prep bowls.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lime juice can substitute with lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce can replace with soy sauce for vegetarian option
- 2 tablespoons water adjust for desired consistency
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar honey or maple syrup can be alternatives
Aromatic Ingredients
- 1 clove garlic, minced can use garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons lemongrass, minced lemongrass paste as substitute
- 1 tablespoon green onions, finely sliced chives can be used
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped basil can replace
Heat Ingredients
- 4 pieces Thai red chili peppers can substitute with jalapeños for milder heat
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes omit for milder sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted rice powder optional, can replace with crushed peanuts
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, add the lime juice, fish sauce, water, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved—about 30 seconds.
- Taste it now. Adjust with more sugar or lime to balance flavors.
Building Flavor
- Add minced garlic, lemongrass, green onions, and cilantro. Stir together and let sit for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors bloom.
Adding Heat
- Thinly slice the Thai red chilies and add them to the bowl along with red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat level according to your preference.
Finishing Touch
- Stir in the toasted rice powder or crushed peanuts. Adjust thickness with extra water if necessary.
- Let the sauce rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
Notes
For the best flavor, make the sauce 30 minutes before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 4-5 days. Perfect for dipping grilled meats or drizzling over rice and veggies.