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Moo Ping (Thai Fresh-Herb Tradition)

Name: Moo Ping (Thai Fresh-Herb Tradition)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: thai-fresh-herb
Ingredients: 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 2 cm cubes, excess fat trimmed; 2 tbsp organic date syrup, room temperature; 1/4 cup full-fat coconut milk, shaken well; 2 tbsp fish sauce, check label for no added sugar; 3 stalks lemongrass, white and tender green parts only, finely minced; 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed; 3 roots cilantro roots, scrubbed clean; 1/2 tsp white pepper, freshly ground; 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, cold-pressed; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, whole leaves; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 1 cup organic short-grain brown rice, cooked according to package

Tender, caramelized pork skewers marinated in aromatic lemongrass, garlic, and date syrup, grilled to perfection and served with a cooling mint and cucumber salad. This version honors the Thai street food tradition while eliminating refined sugars and seed oils, focusing on anti-inflammatory herbs and pasture-raised protein for a nutrient-dense meal.

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Serves

Prep

20 min

Cook

45 min

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Moo Ping (Thai Fresh-Herb Tradition) — authentic Thai Fresh-Herb recipe from Taste Meridian

Ingredients

Serves

Marinade & Protein

1 lbpork shoulder, cut into 2 cm cubes, excess fat trimmed
2 tbsporganic date syrup, room temperature
1/4 cupfull-fat coconut milk, shaken well
2 tbspfish sauce, check label for no added sugar
3 stalkslemongrass, white and tender green parts only, finely minced
4 clovesgarlic, peeled and smashed
3 rootscilantro roots, scrubbed clean
1/2 tspwhite pepper, freshly ground
1 tbspextra-virgin olive oil, cold-pressed

Serving

1/2 cupfresh mint leaves, whole leaves
1/2 cupcucumber, diced
1 cuporganic short-grain brown rice, cooked according to package

Equipment

bamboo skewers — traditional presentation and heat conduction
cast-iron grill pan or outdoor grill — retains high heat for proper sear without needing excess oil

A little context

Moo Ping is a beloved Thai street food staple traditionally made with pork shoulder, coconut milk, and palm sugar. We honor this tradition by using organic coconut milk for creaminess and swapping refined palm sugar for organic date syrup to avoid blood sugar spikes. We also substitute seed oils for extra-virgin olive oil during grilling to maintain a high smoke point without inflammatory fats.

Why this food

The longevity story

Lemongrass provides citral and myrcene, compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties that support metabolic health. Fresh garlic offers allicin, which supports cardiovascular function and immune resilience. The marinade uses date syrup instead of refined palm sugar, providing lower glycemic impact while delivering fiber and polyphenols. Fresh mint and cilantro add additional antioxidants and digestive enzymes to aid protein breakdown.

Method

01
Prepare the Marinade
Combine date syrup, coconut milk, fish sauce, minced lemongrass, smashed garlic, cilantro roots, and white pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and emulsified.
02
Marinate the Pork
Place pork cubes in a glass bowl. Pour marinade over the meat, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
03
Soak Skewers
While pork marinates, submerge bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
04
Thread the Skewers
Thread 3-4 cubes of pork onto each skewer, leaving a small gap between pieces to ensure even cooking. Do not pack too tightly.
05
Grill the Skewers
Preheat grill or cast-iron pan to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and basting lightly with extra-virgin olive oil to keep moist.
06
Rest and Serve
Remove from heat and let rest for 3 minutes. Serve immediately with fresh mint, diced cucumber, and warm organic rice.

Pro tips

✦Source pork shoulder that is bright pink with firm white fat; avoid grey or soft meat which indicates age.
✦Soak bamboo skewers in warm water for 1 hour if you forgot to soak them in cold water.
✦Use the tough outer leaves of the lemongrass to flavor your rice water while cooking for extra aroma.
✦Do not skip the marinating time; the acid in the coconut milk and salt in the fish sauce tenderize the meat naturally.

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Specialty ingredients

Fish Sauce →Lemongrass →

Substitutions

pork shoulder → pasture-raised pork loin (leaner option, reduce grilling time to 8 minutes to prevent drying)
fish sauce → coconut aminos (makes it soy-free but slightly sweeter; reduce date syrup slightly)

Storage

Store cooked skewers in a glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze raw marinated pork skewers on a baking sheet, then bag for up to 2 months.

What to serve with it

Hot green tea with a slice of lime
Sparkling water with fresh ginger and mint
Dry Riesling or light Pinot Noir

FAQ

Can I use regular sugar instead of date syrup?+

No. Refined sugar causes inflammation and blood sugar spikes. Date syrup provides sweetness with fiber and minerals, aligning with the no-added-sugar rule.

Is coconut milk safe for daily consumption?+

Yes, in moderation. Full-fat coconut milk provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are easily metabolized for energy without seed oils.