Tantalize Your Senses with Thai Kebab Delicacies
When it comes to Thai cuisine, most people think of Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and Green Curry. However, Thai food comprises a myriad of flavors, spices, and aromas that can surprise even the most adventurous foodies. Today, we will take a closer look at one of Thailand’s most underrated delicacies: Thai Kebabs.
What are Thai Kebabs?
In Thai cuisine, kebabs are known as “Moo Bing,” which literally translates to grilled pork skewers. Thai kebabs are made by marinating small strips of pork in a flavorful blend of fish sauce, palm sugar, garlic, and coriander. Once the meat has absorbed the marinade, it is skewered and grilled over charcoal until it becomes tender and smoky.
The Flavors and Aromas of Thai Kebabs
One of the defining characteristics of Thai kebabs is the balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy flavors. The marinade contains fish sauce, which gives it a salty umami taste, palm sugar, which adds sweetness, and lime juice, which provides acidity. Additionally, the coriander and garlic add an aromatic kick, while the crushed red chilis give the kebabs a fiery heat that lingers on the tongue.
The Best Thai Kebab Dishes
Moo Bing can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a main course. In Thailand, vendors often sell freshly grilled Moo Bing on the streets, making it a perfect on-the-go snack. However, some restaurants serve it as a starter or a side dish, accompanied by a sweet chili dipping sauce.
One of the most popular Thai dishes that feature Moo Bing is called “Khao Soi,” which is a Northern Thai curry noodle soup. The dish comprises crispy noodles topped with a rich and creamy curry broth, boiled egg, pickled mustard greens, shallots, and lime. Additionally, it features chicken, beef, or pork cooked in a flavorful curry paste and coconut milk. Top it off with some Moo Bing, and you have a bowl of heaven.
Another classic Thai dish that incorporates Moo Bing is called “Som Tum.” It is a green papaya salad that features shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and dried shrimps, all dressed in a tangy and spicy lime dressing. Adding some grilled Moo Bing to the mix provides an extra layer of smoky flavor and texture.
How to Make Your Own Thai Kebabs
If you want to recreate the flavors of Thailand in your own kitchen, making Moo Bing is relatively simple. Here is a recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of pork tenderloin
- 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons of palm sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of coriander roots, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of crushed red chili flakes
Method:
- Cut the pork tenderloin into thin strips and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix together the fish sauce, palm sugar, garlic, ground black pepper, chopped coriander roots, and crushed red chili flakes until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the pork strips to the marinade and mix well, ensuring that the meat is coated evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated pork strips onto skewers, ensuring that they are not too tightly packed.
- Grill the kebabs for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the pork is fully cooked and lightly charred.
- Serve the kebabs hot with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
Conclusion
Thai Kebabs may not be as famous as other Thai dishes, but they offer an explosion of flavors, aromas, and textures that will leave you wanting more. From the smoky and tender pork to the tangy and spicy marinade, the Moo Bing experience is nothing short of tantalizing. So, next time you visit a Thai restaurant, don’t forget to try the Thai kebabs. You never know, they may just become your new favorite dish.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use chicken instead of pork for the kebabs?
A1. Yes, you can use chicken thighs or breast for the kebabs. However, the cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the meat.
Q2. Can I make the marinade in advance?
A2. Yes, you can make the marinade in advance and keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
Q3. Is it necessary to use a grill for the kebabs?
A3. No, you can also use a grill pan or even a broiler in your oven. However, grilling over charcoal will give the kebabs a smokier flavor.
Q4. Can I use something else instead of coriander roots?
A4. Yes, you can use coriander stems or leaves if you don’t have access to coriander roots. However, the roots have a stronger flavor.
Q5. What kind of dipping sauce goes well with the kebabs?
A5. A sweet chili sauce, a peanut sauce, or a tangy tamarind sauce are all great options to serve with the kebabs.
Q6. Are Thai kebabs spicy?
A6. Yes, Thai kebabs can be quite spicy due to the crushed red chili flakes in the marinade. However, you can adjust the heat level according to your preference.
Q7. Can I store the leftover kebabs in the fridge?
A7. Yes, you can store the leftover kebabs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or on the grill before serving.
References
Kang, W. C. (2017). Hit the Grill: Thai-Style Grilled Pork Skewers (Moo Bing หมูปิ้ง). Retrieved from https://thewoksoflife.com/thai-style-grilled-pork-skewers-moo-bing/
Street Food Thailand. (2017). Thai Street Food: Khao Soi with Moo Bing. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAW7_OjlfuI
Thai Food Master. (2021). Som Tum Recipe (วิธีทำส้มตำไทย). Retrieved from https://thaifoodmaster.com/thai_food_recipes/thai_salads_recipes/6843.
