Nam Tok Pork Bites

Nam Tok Pork Bites, also known as "Waterfall Pork," is a flavorful and succulent Thai dish that is incredibly popular both in Thailand and amongst Thai food enthusiasts worldwide. The name "Nam Tok" translates to "waterfall" in Thai, likely referring to the way the juices run off the cooked meat, shimmering like a cascading waterfall. This dish hails from the northeastern region of Thailand, where it is traditionally enjoyed as a part of Isaan cuisine. It's known for its bold flavors – spicy, tangy, and full of herbs.

Historical Background

Isaan cuisine is characterized by its use of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients, stemming from a region rich in agriculture. The dishes often feature sticky rice, fresh vegetables, and grilled meats, with a heavy influence from neighboring Laos. Nam Tok is a derivative of the famous Isaan delicacy known as Larb, which shares similar ingredient profiles and cooking styles.

Ingredients

• Pork - 500g of pork tenderloin, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• Lime - 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice
• Fish sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Chili flakes - 1 tablespoon
• Shallots - 3 shallots, thinly sliced
• Mint leaves - A handful of fresh mint leaves
• Coriander leaves - A handful of fresh coriander (cilantro)
• Sticky rice - 2 tablespoons, toasted and ground
• Water - 1 cup, as needed for dressing preparation

Preparation

Begin by preparing the pork, slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Next, prepare the herbs by thinly slicing the shallots and rinsing the mint leaves and coriander leaves under cold water. Potentially the most crucial preparatory step is toasting the sticky rice. Place the rice in a dry pan and toast it over medium heat until golden brown. Once cooled, grind it into a coarse powder.

Cooking Process

To cook the Nam Tok Pork Bites, follow this step-by-step process:

1. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the sliced pork pieces. Cook without oil to allow the meat to dry-fry in its own fat, ensuring each piece browns evenly.
2. While the pork is cooking, mix the dressing. Combine the lime juice, fish sauce, and chili flakes in a bowl with a splash of water to dilute slightly if desired.
3. Once the pork is cooked through and the edges are caramelized, remove from heat and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the cooked meat.
4. Add in the sliced shallots, mint leaves, and coriander leaves. Toss everything together lightly to combine.
5. Finally, sprinkle the ground sticky rice over the dish. This addition not only brings a nutty flavor but also gives the dish its distinctive crunch.

Enjoying Nam Tok Pork Bites

To fully enjoy the complexity and vibrancy of Nam Tok Pork Bites, serve them alongside sticky rice or steamed jasmine rice, with perhaps a light salad on the side. Its spicy and tangy nature means it pairs incredibly well with cool, crisp vegetables such as cucumber. For drink pairings, a cold Thai beer or a sweet iced tea helps to mellow the dish's heat. Set a vibrant table with colors that reflect the dynamic flavors of this dish, ideally shared amongst family or friends in true Thai spirit, where communal dining is at the heart of every meal.