How to Make Thai-Style Minced Pork Salad
Thai-Style Minced Pork Salad, known as "Larb Moo," is a delicious and refreshing dish that combines fragrant herbs, spices, and lean minced pork. This recipe offers a balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make this delightful dish at home.
Ingredients
- 500g minced pork
- 1 tablespoon uncooked rice
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1-2 Thai bird's eye chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
- 1 bunch fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped
- 2-3 green onions, finely chopped
- Lettuce leaves or cabbage leaves for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Toasted Rice Powder
To enhance the flavor of the salad, start by making toasted rice powder. In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the uncooked rice and toast it until it turns golden brown and releases a nutty aroma. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, let it cool and then grind it into a coarse powder using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
2. Cook the Minced Pork
In a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, add the minced pork. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked minced pork, fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, and chopped chilies. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. Then, add the sliced red onion, mint, cilantro, and green onions to the bowl. Gently toss everything together.
4. Add Toasted Rice Powder
Sprinkle the toasted rice powder into the salad mixture and give it another gentle toss. This ingredient adds a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor profile of the dish.
5. Serve
To serve, use lettuce leaves or cabbage leaves as cups to hold the minced pork salad. Spoon the salad mixture onto the leaves and enjoy it as a wrap. This dish can be served warm or cold and is perfect for sharing.
Tips for Best Results
- Adjust the level of spiciness by varying the amount of bird's eye chilies or using milder chili options if desired.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice for a heartier meal.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding other fresh herbs like Thai basil or using ground chicken or turkey instead of pork.
Enjoy making and savoring this authentic Thai-Style Minced Pork Salad. It's not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors and refreshing aromas that will transport you to the streets of Thailand!