Crack Steak Sauce
This homemade crack steak sauce balances sweet brown sugar, tangy lime juice, savory fish sauce, and fresh chilies. I used two red bird’s eye chilies, added green chilies, swapped shallots for red onion, and crushed everything with a mortar and pestle for a delicious chunky texture. It tastes wonderful spooned over freshly grilled steak or served on the side.
Why You’ll Love This Crack Steak Sauce
It is sweet, tangy, garlicky and spicy all at once. This no-cook sauce takes about 10 minutes, and pounding it by hand gives it more texture than a blender. Add green chilies to control the heat and enjoy it with beef, chicken or kebabs.
Crack Steak Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp loosely packed brown sugar
- 2 red bird’s eye chilies
- Fresh green chilies, to taste
- 1 tbsp garlic paste
- 1–2 tbsp finely chopped red onion
- 1 tbsp minced fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp Squid Brand fish sauce
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the red onion, cilantro and chilies. Finely chop the onion and cilantro, and cut the chilies into small pieces.
- Place red bird’s eye chilies and green chilies in a mortar and pestle. Pound gently to release their flavor.
- Add garlic paste and finely chopped red onion. Pound until roughly combined, leaving some texture.
- Add brown sugar and mix it into the crushed mixture.
- Pour in Squid Brand fish sauce and lime juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Fold in the cilantro. Taste and adjust the chilies, lime or sugar to your liking.
- Spoon into a small bowl and serve with grilled steak, chicken, kebabs or other grilled foods.
Tips for the Best Flavor
Use a mortar and pestle: Gently crush the ingredients to release their flavor without turning them into a smooth puree.
Control the heat: Two red bird’s eye chilies are already quite hot. Start with a little green chili and adjust as desired.
Use fresh lime: Fresh lime juice makes the sauce bright and balances the sugar and fish sauce.
Serve fresh: For the best taste, serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers promptly in an airtight container and use within 1–2 days.
What to Serve With Crack Steak Sauce
Use it as a dipping sauce for grilled steak, beef kebabs, grilled chicken, chicken skewers or roasted vegetables. The sweet-spicy flavor also pairs well with rice and grilled meat platters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use red onion instead of shallots?
Yes. I used finely chopped red onion, which adds a delicious fresh bite.
How spicy is this sauce?
Two red bird’s eye chilies make it hot, and green chilies add even more heat. Reduce the chili quantity for a milder sauce.
Can I make it without a mortar and pestle?
Yes. Very finely mince everything and mix in a small bowl. The result may have a slightly different texture.
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