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Moo manao, also called lime pork, is everything you crave in a Thai salad. It’s tangy, spicy, sweet, and umami, and the crunch from the white cabbage is the perfect contrast. This bright, refreshing dish is a total win for a light dinner or easy lunch.
Table of Contents
What is moo manao
Moo manao (หมูมะนาว) is a refreshing Thai salad featuring tender pork slices tossed with garlic and chilies, dressed in a zesty lime and umami-rich fish sauce dressing.
Chili lime pork tenderloin
This refreshing pork salad is an easy-to-make dish perfect for summer and any time of the year! Tender slices of pork are marinated in a zesty chili-lime mixture that’s both spicy and refreshing.
With little prep time, this spicy garlic lime pork dish is all about big flavors with minimum effort. Just toss your salad right before serving.
It’s perfect for lazy days when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
The key is the easy homemade dressing. A simple mix of Southeast Asian pantry staples – fish sauce, lime juice, chilies, and sugar. Feel free to add Thai chili flakes for a little bit of extra heat.
It’s a flexible salad that can be served on its own or on a bed of fresh greens like lettuce wraps. Serve it up at your next family dinner or an outdoor gathering, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
Why try this Thai lime pork salad
- Simple and straightforward: This healthy Thai salad shines for its simplicity. No complex steps or difficult instructions here, it’s perfect for cooks of all levels. You’ll love how easy it is!
- Healthy and refreshing: This easy salad is the perfect choice for a nutritious, refreshing meal. It’s perfect for keeping things light and refreshing. For a leaner option, feel free to swap pork for chicken.
- Great with a cold beer: In Thailand, this pork salad is famously paired with beer, making it perfect for those evenings you want to relax with a bit of alcohol.
- Ideal for any occasion: A summer barbecue, a family dinner, a low-kcal salad lunch, this recipe fits right in.
- Better than take-out!
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Pork – Pork tenderloin is lean yet tender, perfect for absorbing the lime and chili flavors. Sprinkling the pork with sugar is key for a juicy and tender bite. If using steak or loin, make sure to slice against the grain and avoid overcooking.
- White sugar – Sugar draws moisture out of the meat, which then gets reabsorbed, making the meat more tender.
- Fish sauce – Fish sauce, a key ingredient in Thai cuisine, brings umami and a salty depth.
- Coriander
- Chilies – Thai Jinda chilies, homegrown in our garden, add a spicy kick. For those who prefer a milder flavor, any mild chili variety can be used.
- Garlic – A key ingredient for its aromatic and pungent flavor.
- Lime – White sugar is crucial for tenderizing the pork. It draws out moisture, which is then reabsorbed, resulting in incredibly tender meat. The sugar also balances the heat from the chilies and the sourness from the lime.
- White cabbage – Crunchy white cabbage adds texture and freshness.
Cooking instructions
1. Begin by seasoning pork slices with salt to extract moisture, ensuring it is tender when cooked. Let rest in your fridge for 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the vegetables. Shred the cabbage thinly and chop the chilies and garlic.
3. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the seasoned pork slices with water. Cook until they are cooked through, stirring occasionally.
4. Once the pork is cooked, transfer to a mixing bowl, removing any excess water. Add the chopped chilies, garlic, coriander, lime, white sugar, and fish sauce to the bowl. Toss and mix thoroughly.
5. Lay out the shredded cabbage on a serving plate, creating a bed for the pork. Top the cabbage with the freshly tossed pork and serve immediately.
Kitchen tools
- Flat dish for sprinkling the pork with sugar, which draws out moisture.
- Small cooking pot with stirring spoon for cooking the pork.
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
How to serve
Serve this garlic lime pork tenderloin with rice or on its own over a bed of chopped cabbage as a light dinner option. Alternatively, serve in lettuce wraps as a low-kcal snack.
Pair this lime pork salad with a cold beer or a glass of alcohol, as it’s popular drinking food in Thailand.
Optional garnishes
- Fresh vegetables: Add a side of fresh veggies like carrots, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, etc.
- Thai chili flakes: For those who love a bit of extra heat.
- Lime wedges: For extra tangy flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped mint, coriander, or cilantro over the pork.
More Thai pork salad recipes you’ll love
- Yum woon sen pork (Thai glass noodle salad)
- Thai pork salad with lemongrass and mint
- Thai pork larb
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Moo Manao (Garlic Lime Pork Tenderloin Recipe)
Author:Praew Cooking Method:Stovetop Cuisine:Thai Cuisine Courses:Dinner, Salad Recipe Keys: egg-free Egg Free high-protein High Protein Low Carb nut-free Nut Free O One Pot Spicy
Prep Time10 minCook Time10 minRest Time15 minTotal Time35 mins
Servings:3 Calories:327
Description
Try this delicious Thai salad moo manao, with garlic and pork tenderloin tossed in a spicy, zesty sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Begin by sprinkling salt over the pork slices for extracting moisture, ensuring it is tender when cooked. Let rest in your fridge for 30 minutes.
-
Prepare the vegetables. Shred the cabbage thinly and chop the chilies and garlic.
-
Heat a pan over medium heat and add the seasoned pork slices with water. Cook until they are cooked through, stirring occasionally.
-
Once the pork is cooked, transfer to a mixing bowl, removing any excess water. Add the chopped chilies, garlic, coriander, lime, white sugar, and fish sauce to the bowl. Toss and mix thoroughly.
-
Lay out the shredded cabbage on a serving plate, creating a bed for the pork. Top the cabbage with the freshly tossed pork and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 327kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15.48g24%
- Saturated Fat 4.8g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 9.29g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
- Sugars 4.74g
- Protein 37g74%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- Sprinkling the pork with sugar is key for a juicy and tender bite.
Keywords: moo manao, garlic lime pork tenderloin, chili lime pork salad
