Khao Moo Dang Recipe (Thai Red Pork)

Ingredients

• 3 cloves of garlic (peeled)
• 2 coriander root
• 1 1/2 tablespoon Chinese five spice powder
• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• 4 tablespoons palm sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 1/2 tablespoon tapioca starch
• a few drops of red food coloring
• 1 lb pork (see notes)
• 1 tablespoon palm sugar
• 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons red sauce (see notes)
• 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon tapioca starch (optional, for thickening the sauce, mixed with water)

Instructions

1. 1

   --- Marinate the pork ---

2. 2

   Crush garlic and coriander root using a mortar and pestle until fine.

3. 3

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic-coriander paste, Chinese five spice powder, white pepper, palm sugar, sesame oil, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and tapioca starch. Add red food coloring and mix well.

4. 4

   Slice the pork into long strips and coat each piece evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Don’t discard the marinade—it becomes the base of the sauce!

5. 5

   --- Cook the pork (choose one method) ---

6. 6

   Air fryer: Place pork in a single layer. Cook at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes per side.

7. 7

   Grill: Grill over charcoal or on a grill pan until fully cooked, flipping occasionally.

8. 8

   --- Make the red sauce ---

9. 9

   In a saucepan, combine the leftover marinade with palm sugar, sesame oil, sesame seeds, dark soy sauce, and light soy sauce. Heat over medium. Once bubbling, add water. For a thicker sauce, stir in a little tapioca starch mixed with water.

10. 10

    --- Slice the pork ---

11. 11

    Let the pork rest for a few minutes after cooking. Then, slice thinly against the grain.

12. 12

    --- Serve ---

13. 13

    Scoop steamed jasmine rice onto a plate. Top with sliced red pork, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with sliced cucumber and hard-boiled egg.