Minced Pork Salad (Laab Moo)

Thai Translation – Laab = Minced Meat Salad, Moo = Pork

Laab is a very tasty, and healthy salad that is quick and easy to make. It is common in northern Thailand and Laos with variations on the ingredients depending on the region. You can make laab it with any kind of minced meat, including fish and tofu and it can be made as spicy or as mild as you like. It is traditionally served with sticky rice which you form into a ball in your hand and flatten before scooping up some of the meat.

Bamboo Shoot and Pork Soup (Naw Mai Moo Nam)

Thai Translation - Naw Mai = Bamboo Shoot, Moo = Pork, Nam = Water

This soup is a distinctly northern dish. It is made with fresh bamboo shoots that are cut from the base of certain types of bamboo plants. The shoots are then shredded and boiled with pork bones to make a delicate soup with soft pork meat.

Bamboo shoots can be purchased in jars or tins from Asian grocery stores. You should endevour to buy whole bamboo shoots rather than the pre-cut ones as they will have a better flavour for the soup. Some Asian grocery stores will also have the fresh ones which are much better to use though!

Stir Fried Chinese Broccoli with Crispy Pork (Pad Khana Moo Grob)

Thai Translation - Pad = Stir Fried, Khana = Chinese Broccoli, Moo Grob = Crispy Pork

This delicious dish with a hint of the Chinese influence on thai cooking is super easy and super yummy. Made with only a couple of ingredients, it can be quickly whipped up and served with steamed rice. This is a dish I fell in love with at Spice I Am restaurant in Sydney. The flavours were amazing and I had never eaten Thai food like it before. This recipe will definitely have you wanting more!

Crispy Pork (Moo Grob)

Thai Translation: Moo = Pork, Grob = Crispy

Moo Grob is an ingredient that is used in a number of different stir fries. It is made from pork belly that is fatty meat with layers of skin and fat. When it is fried in this way the fat will become soft and the flavour of the meat enhanced. When this is made, you will only need to use a small amount of it for your dish. It can be sliced and served with rice and thick sweet soy sauce or used in soups and stir fries. In Thailand, you can buy this pork ready made from markets or street vendors.

Pork with Basil (Pad Krapow Moo)

Thai Translation – Pad = Stir Fried, Kaprow = Holy Basil, Moo = Pork

This dish is a quick and tasty meal that has a spicy earthy flavour in it thanks to the holy basil which is used in the dish. It is a great beginner dish to try and even kids will have fun helping in the kitchen. It has only a few ingredients which are the basis of most Thai dishes.

Pork Noodle Soup (Gway Tiao Moo Nam)

Thai Translation – Gway Tiao = Rice Noodles, Moo = Pork, Nam = Water

Noodle soups are a very common dish.They are usually sold by street vendors and typically consist of a  simple soup stock that is flavoured with a range of meats and seasoned to taste with fish sauce, ground and fresh chilli's and sometimes vinegar or sugar. This meal can be served in small portions as an entree to a Thai feast, or is just a quick and easy meal.

Pork with Garlic and Pepper (Moo Pad Gratiem Prig Thai)

Thai Translation – Moo = Pork, Pad = Stirfry, Gratiem = Garlic, Prig Thai = White Pepper

Garlic and pepper pork is a delicious and spice-free dish that will be enjoyed by everyone. It does not contain any chilli so is perfect for children or those who do not enjoy spicy food. It is also delicious when eaten as a leftover meal, or as a packed lunch.

Pork With Bean Shoots (Moo Pad Thua Ngok)

Thai Translation – Moo = Pork, Pad = Stir Fried, Thua Ngok = Mung Beans

Mung bean shoots are a super healthy food and when coupled with lean pork mince make for a filling and healthy meal. Served with steamed rice and a side of nam pla prik, it is perfect for lunch or a quick dinner meal.