Nhem Laotian Crispy Rice Salad Recipes

NHEM (LAOTIAN CRISPY RICE SALAD)

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine coconut milk (just the thick, creamy part of the can), red curry paste, sugar, salt and grated coconut; add the rice and mix well so that the rice absorbs all the liquid.
• Form the rice mixture into tennis-sized balls and pack tightly so they do not fall apart while frying.
• Dip the balls into the egg, then dredge with cornstarch.
• Deep fry (medium high) until golden brown; let cool slightly.
• Break the balls apart into a clean bowl, gently stir, and bring to room temperature; if desired, reserve some of the crust to deep fry until crispy.
• Add the chopped Som Moo (or Spam), shallots, season with fish sauce and a little lime (some people add a little sugar too), chopped cilantro, mint, then lightly toss to combine.
• If desired, return the reserved crusts to the deep fryer until crispy, then drain on paper towels; once cooled enough to handle, crumble them onto the rice mixture or serve on the side.
• Add peanuts and toss; garnish with dried chilies.

NAM KAO: LAO CRISPY FRIED RICE BALL SALAD

Steps:

• For the rice balls: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled rice, grated coconut, chopped onion, red curry paste, oyster sauce, paprika, salt, soup base, sugar and egg and gently toss until the rice mixes well with the other ingredients. Form small balls by squeezing the rice between both hands; remember to make them tight so they will not fall apart when frying. Rest the rice balls in the fridge for 1 hour before frying.
• To fry the balls: Heat the oil in a large frying pan until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350 degrees F. Add the balls to the frying pan in batches of 6 to 7, making sure not to overcrowd the pan or the balls will stick together and the rice will break apart. Cook until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to drain the oil. Repeat with the remaining rice balls. Let cool for 1 hour at room temperature.
• For the salad: In a large bowl, break the fried rice balls apart and add the cured pork, pork skin if using, cilantro, green onion, ginger if using, sugar, roasted peanuts if using, lime juice and fried chiles if using and gently mix them together well. Eat with or without lettuce.