Entree: Thailand – Northeastern Isan – หมูน้ำตก ➤ Moo Nam Tok (Grilled sliced pork salad tossed in a spicy lime-chili dressing with toasted rice and fresh herbs)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 8 min

Additional 5 min

Total 30 min

Ingredients

- 1 lb (454 g) pork shoulder or pork neck, trimmed and about 1/2-inch thick for grilling
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil for grilling
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) fish sauce
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp (5 g) palm sugar or granulated sugar
- 3–4 Thai bird’s eye chilies, finely chopped, about 10–12 g (adjust to taste)
- 2 medium shallots, thinly sliced, about 1/2 cup (60 g)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced, about 1/3 cup (30 g)
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh cilantro leaves, loosely packed
- 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
- 2 tbsp (16 g) toasted rice powder (khao khua)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) warm water for dissolving dressing (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat a grill or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Brush pork with 1 tbsp vegetable oil and season lightly with salt.
2. Grill or sear pork until charred at the edges and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove and let rest 5 minutes.
3. While pork rests, combine fish sauce, lime juice, palm sugar, and chopped chilies in a bowl; stir until sugar dissolves. Add warm water if needed to help dissolve sugar and mellow the sauce.
4. Thinly slice the rested pork across the grain into 1/8–1/4-inch slices and place in a mixing bowl.
5. Add sliced shallots, green onions, cilantro, and mint to the pork. Pour the dressing over the warm pork so it absorbs the flavors.
6. Sprinkle toasted rice powder over the mixture and toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust fish sauce, lime, or chilies as desired.
7. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with extra herbs and a wedge of lime. Serve immediately with sticky rice if desired.