How to Make Thai-style Grilled Pork (Moo Ping)

Thai-style grilled pork, known as Moo Ping, is a popular street food that combines savory, sweet, and slightly smoky flavors. This dish is loved for its juicy tenderness and aromatic spices. Here’s a simple guide on how to make this delicious Thai treat right at home.

Ingredients

To make Moo Ping, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound of pork shoulder or pork belly, sliced into thin strips
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or palm sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Preparation

Follow these steps to prepare your Moo Ping:

  1. Marinate the Pork: In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, black pepper, and sesame oil. Stir them together until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Add the Pork: Add the sliced pork to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor.

Grilling the Pork

Once your pork has marinated, it’s time to grill it:

  1. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a charcoal grill, ensure the coals are evenly spread out for consistent heat.
  2. Skewer the Pork: Thread the marinated pork onto the soaked bamboo skewers. Leave some space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your strips, you should be able to fit 4-5 pieces on each skewer.
  3. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely charred and cooked through. Baste with leftover marinade if desired, but discard any marinade that has come into contact with raw meat.

Serving Suggestions

To enjoy your Moo Ping, remove the skewers from the grill and let the pork rest for a couple of minutes. Serve it with:

  • Sticky rice
  • Thai-style dipping sauce (nam jim) made from vinegar, chilies, and garlic
  • Fresh vegetables, such as cucumber and cilantro

Tips for the Perfect Moo Ping

For the best Moo Ping experience, keep these tips in mind:

  • Choose a good cut of pork with some fat for juiciness.
  • Experiment with the marinade ingredients to suit your taste. Some people like to add coconut milk for a richer flavor!
  • Make sure your grill is hot enough to get that nice char, but not so hot that the pork burns.

With this recipe, you can enjoy Thai-style grilled pork (Moo Ping) right from your kitchen. Enjoy this flavorful dish that transports you to the vibrant streets of Thailand with every bite!