Nam Khao (Laotian Crispy Rice Salad): The Aimless Cook

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu provides a plant-based option that is budget-friendly.

fish sauce

🥗Healthier: soy sauce

💰Cheaper: salt

Soy sauce is a common substitute for those avoiding fish.

coconut

🥗Healthier: coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk

Coconut milk offers a similar flavor with lower cost.

peanuts

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: almonds

Sunflower seeds maintain crunchiness while being more affordable.

Make a paste with galangal, chopped chili, lemongrass, and garlic blended with oil.

In a bowl, mix the paste with cooked jasmine rice, a dash of fish sauce, and 1 egg. Cover and set aside.

In another bowl, combine 1 pound of ground pork with 10 cloves of finely chopped garlic, half a cup of cooked rice, and salt. Mix well and form into about 16 meatballs.

Steam the meatballs for about 10 minutes until just cooked.

Wet hands and form the rice mixture into patties, then fry them in hot oil in a skillet until golden brown.

In a large mixing bowl, break up the pork patties and add green onion, ginger, diced shallots, cilantro, lime juice, and fish sauce.

Break up the crispy rice patties and garnish with peanuts.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens