Authentic Thai Nam Tok Mu (Grilled Pork Salad) Recipe

Ingredients

500 grams of pork neck
3 tablespoons of fish sauce
2 tablespoons of lime juice
2 tablespoons of roasted rice powder
1 tablespoon of sugar
1 tablespoon of chili flakes
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Handful of mint leaves
Handful of coriander leaves
2 spring onions, chopped
1 cucumber, sliced (for serving)
Iceberg lettuce (for serving)

Steps and instructions

Heat a grill or barbecue to medium-high heat. Grill the pork neck for about 15-20 minutes, turning it occasionally, until it's cooked and slightly charred.
Remove the pork from the grill and let it rest for about 10 minutes.
While the pork is resting, prepare the dressing by combining fish sauce, lime juice, roasted rice powder, sugar, and chili flakes in a bowl. Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Thinly slice the rested pork and add it to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat the pork in the dressing.
Add the sliced red onion, mint leaves, coriander leaves, and chopped spring onions to the bowl. Toss well to combine everything.
Arrange lettuce and cucumber slices on serving plates. Spoon the pork salad onto the lettuce and cucumber. Serve immediately.

Tools for making

Grill or Barbecue - Used to cook the pork neck and create a smoky flavor.
Bowl - Used to mix the dressing and toss the salad ingredients.
Knife - Needed to slice the red onion and cucumber.
Chopping Board - Used as a surface for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Measuring Spoons - Used to accurately measure the fish sauce, lime juice, roasted rice powder, sugar, and chili flakes.
Tongs - Needed to flip and handle the pork while grilling.
Serving Plates - Used to present the final dish.

Recipe variations

Make it spicy: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add fresh chopped Thai chili peppers for an extra kick.
Chicken Nam Tok: Replace the pork neck with boneless chicken thighs or chicken breast.
Beef Nam Tok: Swap the pork with thinly sliced beef such as flank steak or sirloin.
Tofu Nam Tok: For a vegetarian or vegan option, substitute the pork with cubed tofu or tempeh.
Seafood Nam Tok: Use grilled shrimp or squid instead of pork for a seafood twist.
Vegetable Nam Tok: Skip the meat altogether and use a variety of grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Extra herbs: Add more fresh herbs like Thai basil, cilantro, or Vietnamese mint for added freshness and flavor.
Crunchy peanuts: Sprinkle roasted and crushed peanuts over the salad for a delicious nutty texture.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free soy sauce instead of fish sauce to make it gluten-free.
Spicy-sweet dressing: Mix in a tablespoon of sweet chili sauce or honey to the dressing for a balance of heat and sweetness.

Recipe overview

Nam Tok Mu, also known as Thai Pork Salad, is a flavorful and refreshing dish popular in Thailand. This recipe features grilled pork neck tossed in a tangy and slightly spicy dressing, combined with fresh herbs and onions. It's a perfect blend of savory, sour, and spicy flavors, making it a delightful choice for a light lunch or dinner. The dish is typically served over fresh lettuce and cucumber slices for added freshness and crunch. Despite its complex flavors, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make at home. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, making it a suitable choice for both weekday meals and special occasions. Enjoy a taste of Thailand with this delicious Nam Tok Mu recipe!

Common questions

Can I use a different cut of pork?
Yes, you can use a different cut of pork such as pork shoulder or pork loin if you prefer. However, pork neck is traditionally used in Nam Tok Mu for its tenderness and flavor.
Can I substitute the fish sauce?
Fish sauce is a key ingredient in this recipe and provides a unique umami flavor. It is recommended to use fish sauce for the authentic taste of Nam Tok Mu. However, if you have dietary restrictions or allergies, you can try using soy sauce as a substitute.
What can I use instead of roasted rice powder?
Roasted rice powder adds a nutty flavor and texture to the dish. If you don't have roasted rice powder, you can make your own by toasting uncooked rice in a dry pan until golden brown and then grinding it into a powder. Alternatively, you can omit it if needed.
Is this recipe spicy?
The level of spiciness in Nam Tok Mu can be adjusted to personal preference. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chili flakes or omit them altogether. Conversely, if you enjoy spicy food, you can add more chili flakes or even include fresh chili peppers.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Nam Tok Mu is best enjoyed fresh when all the flavors are vibrant. However, you can prepare the grilled pork in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, assemble the salad with the dressing and herbs for the best taste and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

Grill or barbecue - A grill or barbecue is needed to cook the pork neck.
Bowl - A bowl is required to mix the dressing and toss the pork salad.
Knife - A knife is needed to slice the pork neck and red onion.
Cutting board - A cutting board provides a surface for slicing ingredients.
Grilling tongs - Grilling tongs are useful for flipping and handling the pork on the grill.
Spoon - A spoon is necessary for spooning the dressing onto the pork salad.
Plates - Plates are needed to serve the Nam Tok Mu salad.

Origin stories

Nam Tok Mu, also known as Thai waterfall pork salad, is a vibrant dish originating from Northeastern Thailand, also known as the Isan region. The name 'Nam Tok Mu' is quite evocative as it translates to 'waterfall pork', named so because it's traditionally cooked on a barbecue and the juices that drip from the grill evoke an image of a waterfall. This dish is a testament to the balance of flavors that Thai cuisine is renowned for – sour, spicy, and salty, all marrying together in this delightful salad. The inclusion of roasted rice powder, a signature ingredient in many Isan dishes, gives it a unique nutty aroma and texture, making it a memorable meal for anyone who tries it.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.