When I first bit into a piece of grilled pork jerky marinated with tantalizing Thai flavors, I was transported to a bustling street market in Bangkok, where the air was filled with the savory aroma of grilled meats and spices. This dish, often overlooked, is a delightful fusion of simplicity and bold taste that can elevate your snack game dramatically. The rich notes of garlic, roasted coriander, and a hint of sweetness from palm sugar make each bite a truly unforgettable experience.
What I love most about these Best Grilled Pork Strips is their versatility. Whether you’re whipping them up for a summer barbecue or enjoying them as a quick snack in front of the TV, they never fail to impress. Plus, the marinade does the heavy lifting – allowing the flavors to penetrate the pork thoroughly while you’re busy tackling life’s daily challenges. If you’re tired of the monotonous fast-food cycle and craving something homemade and delicious, this recipe is just what you need. Let’s dive in and transform simple pork into a flavorful adventure!
Why is Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade a Must-Try?
Irresistible Flavor: The marinade bursts with a delightful blend of garlic, roasted spices, and a touch of palm sugar that gives each piece a unique taste.
Quick Preparation: With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can prepare a marinated masterpiece, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and weekend gatherings.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: These grilled pork strips are sure to be a hit, whether served at a barbecue or as a satisfying snack while binge-watching your favorite series.
Homemade Goodness: Ditch the fast food and embrace the aromatic charm of homemade jerky, creating gratifying moments at your dining table.
Versatile Enjoyment: Enjoy them hot off the grill or cold as a portable snack – these pork strips fit perfectly into any lifestyle.
Transform your cooking game with this delicious and easy recipe; it’s time to elevate your meals!
Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade Ingredients
For the Pork
• 14 ounces pork – choose a tender cut like pork loin for the best results.
• 3 cloves garlic – crushed garlic adds rich flavor to the marinade.
For the Marinade
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted coriander seeds – enhances the flavor profile with a warm, nutty aroma.
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin seeds – adds a slightly smoky and earthy taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted black peppercorns – gives the marinade a subtle heat.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances the flavors and enhances taste.
• 1 1/2 tablespoon palm sugar – this sweetener provides a unique tropical sweetness to the pork.
• 1 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce – a key ingredient in Thai cuisine, adding depth and umami flavor.
Elevate your cooking with these Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade ingredients and prepare for a culinary adventure!
How to Make Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade
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Roast spices: Start by roasting the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns for about 20 seconds, or until they become fragrant. This step builds a delightful flavor base for your marinade.
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Pound spices: Using a mortar and pestle, pound the roasted spices until they form a fine powder. Next, add the crushed garlic and continue pounding until everything blends into a smooth paste.
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Mix marinade: Transfer the spice blend to a large mixing bowl. Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, and salt. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade that will coat the pork beautifully.
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Marinate pork: Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld.
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Check dryness: After marinating, check the pork to see if it has dried adequately. It should feel dry and firm but not hard. If it’s still a bit soft or wet, let it dry in the sun longer to achieve the perfect texture.
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Deep-fry option: For deep-frying, heat the oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully add the pork jerky and fry for about 3-5 minutes, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked.
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Grill option: Alternatively, preheat your grill and place the marinated meat on it. Ensure there’s a little space between each piece. Flip occasionally and grill until it has a lovely char and is cooked through.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Best Grilled Pork Strips
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Choose Quality Pork: Select a tender cut like pork loin for the best grilled results. Avoid tough cuts that may not soften during cooking.
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Marinate Longer: For maximum flavor infusion, let the pork marinate overnight. This allows the Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade to truly shine.
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Check Oil Temperature: If deep-frying, ensure your oil is at 350-375°F. Cooking at too low a temperature can result in greasy meat, while too high will burn it.
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Avoid Overcrowding: When grilling, give each piece some space. Overcrowding the grill can trap steam and prevent that beautiful char you desire.
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Monitor Cooking Time: Grill or fry until golden brown; avoid cooking too long to keep your jerky tender and juicy instead of dry.
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Experiment with Herbs: Serve with fresh herbs like cilantro for an extra pop of flavor and freshness, elevating your dish even more!
Storage Tips for Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade
Fridge: Store leftover pork strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the grilled pork strips in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Ensure they are completely cooled before freezing.
Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat the pork strips in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through for the best flavor and texture.
Room Temperature: If serving at a gathering, keep the pork strips at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
Make Ahead Options
These Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the marinade and marinate the pork up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse the meat. Simply roast the spices, mash them with garlic, and mix in the palm sugar, fish sauce, and salt. Pour the marinade over the sliced pork, ensuring it’s well-coated, then cover and refrigerate. To maintain quality, let the marinated pork sit in the fridge for no longer than 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just grill or deep-fry the pork for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. This approach not only saves time on busy weeknights but also delivers tender, flavorful results that are just as delicious fresh off the grill!
What to Serve with Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade?
When creating a complete meal, consider delicious accompaniments that enhance the delightful flavors of your pork strips.
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Thai Coconut Rice: This creamy, fragrant rice perfectly soaks up the savory marinade flavors and offers a luscious texture that balances the dish.
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Fresh Green Papaya Salad: The crunch of the papaya salad brings a refreshing contrast to the rich pork, with tangy and spicy notes that dance on the palate.
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Garlic Sautéed Green Beans: Their crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color make an excellent side, adding a burst of freshness that complements the grilled pork beautifully.
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Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: This sauce is a delightful contrast, adding a layer of sweetness with a gentle heat that enhances each bite, perfect for additional dipping.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: The crunch and refreshing fillings of these rolls provide contrast while adding a touch of fun and crispy texture to your meal.
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Mango Sticky Rice: A sweet finish, this dessert pairs wonderfully with the smoky pork strips, creating a delightful harmony of flavors that will leave you and your guests wanting more.
Elevate your dining experience by choosing one or more of these options to accompany your Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade!
Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your grilled pork strips with any of these delightful variations!
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Spicy Kick: Add 1–2 tablespoons of sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade for a fiery twist that will certainly awaken your taste buds.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or cilantro into the marinade, lending a vibrant freshness that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
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Soy Sauce Swap: Replace fish sauce with soy sauce for a delightful umami boost, making it a perfect match for those looking for a different flavor profile.
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Sweet Honey Glaze: Drizzle a tablespoon of honey over the marinated pork before grilling for a caramelized finish and an irresistible sweetness that pairs exquisitely with the spices.
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Fruit Flair: Add a splash of pineapple juice or diced mango to the marinade for a tropical touch, giving a unique fruity flavor that balances the spice wonderfully.
Want to make it even heartier? Serve the grilled strips over a bed of stir-fried vegetables, embracing a colorful presentation.
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Oven-Baked Variation: If grilling isn’t an option, bake the marinated strips in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, ensuring they’re gloriously juicy.
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Rice Bowl Creation: Serve the grilled pork strips on a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, topped with steamed veggies for a complete meal that brings the essence of Thai cuisine home.
With these variations, your culinary journey just got a whole lot more exciting! Enjoy experimenting!
Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best pork for this recipe?
Absolutely! Choose a tender cut like pork loin or pork tenderloin, as these cuts are not only flavorful but also remain juicy after grilling. Avoid tougher cuts like pork shoulder, which may be chewy and less enjoyable.
How long can I store the grilled pork strips in the refrigerator?
You can store leftover pork strips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply make sure to let them cool completely before sealing, as this will help maintain their texture and prevent moisture buildup.
Can I freeze the grilled pork strips? If so, how?
Very! To freeze your grilled pork strips, allow them to cool completely. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer them to the fridge overnight before reheating.
What if the pork strips turn out too dry?
If your jerky ends up too dry, they can become less enjoyable. To recover, try soaking the pork strips in a little broth or water for about 15 minutes before gently reheating. Alternatively, when grilling or frying, monitor the cooking time closely and aim for a slightly less cooked appearance, which helps keep them juicy.
Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind for this recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe contains fish sauce, which is not suitable for vegetarians or those with seafood allergies. If you need a substitute, you can use soy sauce mixed with a little lime juice for a similar umami flavor but keep in mind that it will alter the taste slightly.
How should I best reheat leftover pork strips?
For the best result, reheat the pork strips in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the pork from drying out and maintains its delicious flavor. Enjoy!
Savory Best Grilled Pork Strips with Thai Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by roasting the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns for about 20 seconds, or until fragrant.
- Using a mortar and pestle, pound the roasted spices until they form a fine powder.
- Add the crushed garlic and continue pounding until everything blends into a smooth paste.
- Transfer the spice blend to a large mixing bowl. Add the palm sugar, fish sauce, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the thinly sliced pork to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and let it marinate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- After marinating, check the pork for dryness and let it dry in the sun if needed.
- For deep-frying, heat oil to 350-375°F and fry the pork for about 3-5 minutes until golden.
- Alternatively, grill the marinated meat, flipping occasionally until charred and cooked through.