Nam Tok Moo
Nam Tok Moo is a traditional Thai dish that features grilled marinated pork, which is sliced and tossed with a flavorful mixture that includes herbs, spices, and rice powder. This refreshing and aromatic salad is perfect for sharing and pairs well with steamed rice or vegetables.
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Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
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Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
Start by preparing the pork shoulder. Marinate it with 2 tablespoons of fish sauce and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- 2
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated pork for about 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and nicely charred on the outside.
- 3
Once cooked, remove the pork from the heat and let it rest. Then, slice it thinly against the grain.
- 4
In a large bowl, combine the sliced pork, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of roasted rice powder. Mix thoroughly to ensure the pork is well coated.
- 5
Add the thinly sliced shallots and the chopped fresh mint leaves and cilantro to the pork mixture. Stir gently, making sure not to break the herbs.
- 6
If desired, add 2 sliced Thai bird's eye chilies for extra heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
- 7
Serve the Nam Tok Moo at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook notes
Tips
For an authentic taste, use freshly roasted rice powder, which can be made by toasting uncooked rice in a skillet and then grinding it into a powder.
Letting the dish rest for a few minutes after mixing allows the flavors to combine beautifully.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For best results, store the pork and dressing separately until ready to serve.
Substitutions
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the fish sauce is gluten-free or substitute with coconut aminos.
- You can replace fresh mint with basil or cilantro if preferred.
What to Serve With
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Grilled vegetables
- Fresh cucumber slices
Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the pork can make it tough, so monitor the grilling closely.
- Too much lime juice or sugar can overpower the dish, so adjust to your taste.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use another cut of pork for Nam Tok Moo?
Yes, you can use pork loin or tenderloin as alternatives to pork shoulder.
Is this dish spicy?
It's moderately spicy due to the bird's eye chilies, but you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
What can I serve with Nam Tok Moo?
This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice or fresh vegetable sticks.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
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Rice cooker
Good for steady rice, grains, and meal-prep bowls.
Baking sheet
Useful for roasting, baking, broiling, and sheet-pan prep.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
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