Thai > Grilled Pork Skewers

Mu Ping with Basil and Cashews Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews, chopped
- 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, fish sauce, and vegetable oil.
2. Add pork cubes to the bowl and toss to coat with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
4. Thread marinated pork cubes onto soaked bamboo skewers.
5. Grill skewers for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Remove skewers from the grill and sprinkle with chopped basil and cashews.
7. Serve hot.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes + marinating time
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for grilling
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 400
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 28g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork can be substituted with chicken or beef.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- Oyster sauce can be substituted with hoisin sauce or soy sauce mixed with a little sugar.

Variations:
- Add diced pineapple or bell peppers to the skewers for a sweet and savory twist.
- Use different herbs such as cilantro or mint instead of basil.
- Substitute cashews with peanuts or almonds.

Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the bamboo skewers in water prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Don't overcrowd the skewers to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the pork is cooked through (internal temperature of 145°F).

Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve skewers on a platter with a side of rice and steamed vegetables.

Garnishes:
- Garnish with extra chopped basil and cashews.

Pairings:
- Serve with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pork is not cooked through, continue grilling for a few more minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Food safety advice:
- Always marinate meat in the refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Use a clean cutting board and utensils when handling raw meat to prevent cross-contamination.

Food history:
- Mu Ping is a popular Thai street food that is typically made with pork or chicken marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and grilled on skewers.

Flavor profiles:
- Sweet, savory, and slightly spicy with a hint of basil and crunch from the cashews.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish with rice and vegetables.

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Region: Thai

Taste: Savory, Nutty, Herbal, Aromatic