Weeping Tiger (Thai Marinated Beef)

Ingredients

for the steak

• 1 garlic clove, sliced
• 4 coriander sprigs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh green peppercorns, available from specialist stores
• 1 teaspoon nam pla (Thai fish sauce)
• 1 teaspoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 lb sirloin steak

for the chili sauce

• 1 teaspoon Thai rice
• 3 teaspoons nam pla (Thai fish sauce)
• 3 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon sweet chili paste

Directions

1. 1

   To make the 'weeping tiger', pound together the garlic and coriander in a pestle and mortar.

2. 2

   Transfer to a large mixing bowl and combine with the peppercorns, fish sauce, soy sauce and sugar. Add the steak to the bowl and rub with the marinade. Leave in a cool place for 20 minutes.

3. 3

   For the chilli sauce, toast the rice in a dry wok over a low heat, until golden brown all over. Grind to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.

4. 4

   Transfer the toasted rice powder to a small bowl, add the fish sauce, lemon juice, crushed chillies and sugar, stirring until the sugar has dissolved. Leave on one side.

5. 5

   For the steak, preheat a grill until hot, and lightly grease a grill rack. Grill the steak for 1½ - 2 minutes on each side, if you like your steak rare. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes on each side for well-cooked steak. Leave the steak to stand for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

6. 6

   Serve the steak with the chilli sauce and accompany with rice.