Ingredients

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2 servings

1 pound pork shoulder — thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons lime juice — freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon toasted rice powder — Khao Khua
1 teaspoon chili flakes — or to taste
1 cup red onion — thinly sliced
1 cup fresh mint leaves
1 cup fresh cilantro — chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil — for grilling

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Before You Start

Have your ingredients measured and ready. This recipe comes together quickly once you start cooking.

LUNCH

Thai Grilled Pork Salad with Toasted Rice Powder (Nam Tok Moo)

Name: Thai Grilled Pork Salad with Toasted Rice Powder (Nam Tok Moo)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 1 pound pork shoulder — thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons lime juice — freshly squeezed; 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder — Khao Khua; 1 teaspoon chili flakes — or to taste; 1 cup red onion — thinly sliced; 1 cup fresh mint leaves; 1 cup fresh cilantro — chopped; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil — for grilling

This vibrant Thai grilled pork salad, known as Nam Tok Moo, features tender slices of grilled pork tossed with fresh herbs, a spicy lime dressing, and aromatic toasted rice powder. It's a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or appetizer.

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◷35 minutes

♨Thai

Medium

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HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Marinate the thinly sliced pork shoulder with 1 tablespoon of fish sauce for 10 minutes.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Grill the pork slices for 2-3 minutes per side, until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of toasted rice powder, and 1 teaspoon of chili flakes. Whisk until well combined.

Add the grilled pork, 1/2 cup of thinly sliced red onion, 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro to the dressing. Toss gently to coat all ingredients.

Serve immediately with sticky rice or fresh lettuce leaves.

About This Recipe

Thai Grilled Pork Salad with Toasted Rice Powder (Nam Tok Moo)

Simple ingredients.
Big flavor.✦

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Chef's Tips

For extra flavor, toast your own sticky rice for the rice powder. Simply dry-roast 2 tablespoons of sticky rice in a pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, then grind it into a powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.

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Easy Substitutions

You can substitute pork shoulder with thinly sliced beef sirloin or chicken breast. For a vegetarian option, use grilled firm tofu or mushrooms. Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level.

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Storage & Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, but the herbs may wilt and the texture will change.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Nam Tok Moo with warm sticky rice to soak up the delicious dressing. It also pairs wonderfully with fresh crisp lettuce leaves, cucumber slices, and long beans for a refreshing crunch. For a more complete meal, add a side of clear broth soup.

Common Mistakes

1. Overcooking the pork: This can make the pork dry and tough. Grill quickly over high heat to keep it tender. 2. Not resting the pork: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more succulent meat. 3. Skipping the toasted rice powder: This ingredient is essential for the authentic flavor and texture of Nam Tok Moo. 4. Adding herbs too early: Add fresh herbs just before serving to prevent them from wilting. 5. Over-dressing the salad: Start with the recommended amount of dressing and add more if needed, to avoid a soggy salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It's best to assemble and serve this salad fresh to maintain the crispness of the herbs and the texture of the pork. You can grill the pork and prepare the dressing a few hours in advance, then combine everything just before serving.

What kind of fish sauce should I use?

Use a good quality Thai fish sauce for the best flavor. Look for brands that list anchovy extract, salt, and sugar as primary ingredients.

Is Nam Tok Moo very spicy?

The spice level can be adjusted to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili flakes. Traditional Nam Tok Moo is usually quite spicy.

MORE TO KNOW

Toasted rice powder (Khao Khua) is a crucial ingredient in Nam Tok Moo, providing a unique nutty aroma and slightly gritty texture that distinguishes this dish. It's readily available in Asian markets, but making it fresh enhances the flavor significantly. The char from grilling the pork adds another layer of depth, so don't be afraid to get a good sear on the meat.

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About This Recipe

Chef's Tips

Easy Substitutions

Storage & Reheating

Serving Suggestions

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

What kind of fish sauce should I use?

Is Nam Tok Moo very spicy?

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