Thai Salad with Pork

Thai Salad with Pork Recipe - A Flavorful Dish from Thailand

Region / culture: Thailand | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Thai Salad with Pork is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender grilled pork with a refreshing and crunchy salad. The dressing is a creamy and tangy peanut sauce that adds a burst of flavor to the dish.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Thai flavors and ingredients. Thai cuisine is known for its bold flavors, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices. This salad with pork is a modern twist on classic Thai dishes, combining the flavors of grilled meat with a light and refreshing salad.

Ingredients

Dressing

0.33 cup smooth peanut butter
3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp sugar
0.5 tbsp red pepper flakes
0.25 tsp garlic powder
0.25 tsp ground ginger

Pork and Salad

6 boneless thin cut pork chops
2 tbsp soy sauce
8 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup bean sprouts
1 cucumber, peeled, thinly sliced
2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
3 scallions, thinly sliced

How to prepare

Preheat the outdoor grill.

Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together all ingredients until smooth.
Whisk in 0.33 cup of warm water.
Cover the bowl and set it aside.

Pork and Salad

Brush the pork chops with soy sauce.
Grill the chops for 4 minutes.
Turn the chops and continue grilling until they are done.
Set the cooked chops aside and keep them warm.
In a separate bowl, toss together the lettuce, sprouts, cucumber, red pepper, and scallions with 0.75 cup of the dressing.
Place 2 cups of the salad mixture on each plate.
Thinly slice the pork and fan the slices over each salad.
Drizzle each salad with 1 tbsp of the dressing.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the pork for a different protein option.
Add chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint to the salad for extra flavor.
Top the salad with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to thinly slice the pork chops to ensure they cook quickly and evenly on the grill.

- Marinating the pork chops in soy sauce adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.

- Tossing the salad ingredients with the dressing just before serving ensures that the vegetables stay crisp and fresh.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Thai Salad with Pork as a light and refreshing main course for lunch or dinner. Pair it with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling the pork chops adds a smoky flavor to the dish and helps to caramelize the meat for a delicious crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

- Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The salad ingredients can also be prepped in advance and assembled just before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced pork on top of the salad in a fan shape for an elegant presentation. Drizzle extra dressing over the top for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this Thai Salad with Pork with a crisp white wine such as a Riesling or a light lager beer. For a non-alcoholic option, try a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with a squeeze of lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pork chops in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, then assemble the salad just before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the red bell peppers and vitamin K from the lettuce.

Alergens

This recipe contains peanuts and soy, which are common allergens.

Summary

This recipe is a balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Thai Salad with Pork is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender grilled pork with a refreshing and crunchy salad. The creamy peanut dressing adds a burst of flavor to the dish, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious recipe with family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was many years ago when I first tasted the delicious Thai Salad with Pork. I remember it like it was yesterday, the flavors bursting in my mouth, the perfect balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy.

I was visiting a friend in Thailand, and she invited me to join her for dinner at a local restaurant. The moment I took my first bite of the Thai Salad with Pork, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The flavors were unlike anything I had ever tasted before, and I was determined to recreate it in my own kitchen.

After dinner, I asked the chef for the recipe, but he simply smiled and said it was a family secret. Undeterred, I decided to approach the owner of the restaurant, an elderly woman who seemed to be the matriarch of the family. She took one look at me and knew I was serious about learning the recipe.

She invited me into her kitchen and showed me how to make the salad step by step. I watched in awe as she chopped the fresh herbs, grilled the pork to perfection, and mixed together the dressing with a deft hand. She explained the importance of balancing the flavors and how each ingredient played a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony.

As I watched her work, I realized that this recipe was not just about following a set of instructions. It was about understanding the ingredients, respecting the tradition behind the dish, and putting love and care into every step of the cooking process. I knew then that I had stumbled upon a culinary treasure, and I was determined to master it.

Over the years, I have made the Thai Salad with Pork countless times, each time refining my technique and adding my own personal touch. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all marveled at the explosion of flavors in every bite. It has become a signature dish of mine, one that I am proud to serve to anyone who walks through my door.

I have since learned that the key to making the perfect Thai Salad with Pork lies in the quality of the ingredients. I always make sure to use the freshest herbs, the juiciest pork, and the most flavorful dressing. I take my time to marinate the pork, to let the flavors meld together, and to present the dish with care and attention to detail.

But beyond the ingredients and the technique, there is something deeper that I have come to appreciate about this recipe. It has taught me about the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish not just the body, but the soul. Every time I make this salad, I am transported back to that kitchen in Thailand, to the kindness of the elderly woman who shared her family secret with me, and to the joy of discovering a new recipe that would become a beloved part of my culinary repertoire.

So, if you ever find yourself in need of a little taste of Thailand, just come to my kitchen, and I will gladly whip up a batch of my famous Thai Salad with Pork. I will share with you the story behind the recipe, the love and care that goes into making it, and the memories that make it a cherished part of my culinary journey. And who knows, maybe one day you will pass on this recipe to someone else, and they too will discover the magic of this beloved dish.