Thai Pork Salad Recipes

SPICY THAI PORK TENDERLOIN SALAD

Steps:

• Pat pork dry with paper towel. In a bowl, combine shallot, cilantro, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, garlic, soy sauce, peanut or grapeseed oil, lime zest and juice, ginger, fish sauce, salt and chile. Pour a quarter of the mixture into a blender, add remaining sugar and purée until a smooth, loose paste forms. (Save the unblended mixture to use as dressing.)
• Place tenderloin in a large bowl and spread the paste all over pork. Marinate at room temperature for 2 hours, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours; turn the tenderloin occasionally.
• Light the grill or heat the broiler and arrange a rack at least 4 inches from the heat. Grill or broil pork, turning occasionally, until well browned and meat reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees, 4 to 10 minutes per side depending upon the heat of your broiler or grill. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't overcook. Let meat rest while you prepare the salad. (Or, cook the pork 1 or 2 hours ahead and serve it at room temperature.)
• In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients, reserving the herbs, cashews and coconut. Whisk the dressing and use just enough to dress the salad, tossing to combine. Let sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld, then right before serving, add herbs and toss again.
• To serve, slice the pork. Arrange salad on a platter and top with sliced pork. Scatter cashews and coconut on top, drizzle with a little more of the remaining dressing, to taste.

THAI PORK SALAD

Steps:

• Season pork with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over high 5 minutes. Add half of cabbage, cut-side down; cook, flipping once, until charred, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil to skillet, then pork; cook, flipping once, until a thermometer inserted into thickest parts registers 140 degrees, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer pork to a plate; let cool slightly, then thinly slice.
• In a large bowl, whisk together onion, lime juice, fish sauce, chile, sugar, and remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Chop raw and charred cabbage into bite-size pieces; add to bowl along with cucumber and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Divide among plates. Top with pork, mint, and peanuts; serve.