Moo Ping (Thai Grilled Pork Skewers)
Local name: หมูปิ้ง
In short: Thin slices of pork marinated in coconut milk, garlic, white pepper and palm sugar, grilled on skewers and served with sticky rice. It takes about 32 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Resting
- 2 h
- Total
- 32 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 420 kcal
Moo ping are the pork skewers sold from smoking charcoal grills on Thai street corners, usually in the morning with a bag of sticky rice. Thin slices of pork shoulder soak in a marinade of garlic, pepper, palm sugar and a little coconut milk, which keeps the meat tender and helps it caramelize. Grill them over medium heat and brush with extra marinade to get a sticky, shiny glaze.
Instructions
- Cut the pork slices into strips about 2.5 cm (1 in) wide. Soak 12 bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes.
- Pound the garlic, coriander stems and pepper to a paste. Mix in the palm sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, coconut milk and oil until the sugar dissolves.
- Set aside a few tablespoons of the marinade in a separate small bowl for brushing. Toss the pork with the remaining marinade, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Thread 3 or 4 strips onto each skewer, folding them in a ribbon so they sit tightly.
- Heat a grill or grill pan to medium. Cook the skewers for 8 to 12 minutes, turning every 2 minutes and brushing with the reserved marinade until the final 2 minutes, until browned with slightly charred edges and cooked through (at least 63°C/145°F).
- Rest for 2 minutes, then serve hot with sticky rice and a dipping sauce.
Tips
- Do not grill over very high heat, since the sugar in the marinade burns before the pork cooks. A medium fire gives caramelized edges and juicy meat.
- Chicken thigh works too, with the same marinade. Slice it to the same thickness and cook until it reaches 74°C (165°F).
Questions and answers
How long should I marinate moo ping?
A minimum of 2 hours, and up to 24. Longer marinating makes the pork more flavorful, and the sugar and coconut milk keep it tender.
Can I cook moo ping in the oven?
Yes. Broil or grill them at the top of a very hot oven, 5 cm (2 in) from the heat, for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until browned.
How do I make sticky rice?
Soak glutinous rice for at least 4 hours, drain and steam in a basket over simmering water for 20 to 25 minutes until translucent and chewy.
How long does it take to make Moo Ping (Thai Grilled Pork Skewers)?
About 32 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Moo Ping (Thai Grilled Pork Skewers)?
About 420 kcal per serving, with 29 g of protein, 26 g of carbohydrates and 22 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 420 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 29 g |
| Carbohydrates | 26 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
