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Nam khao tod, a unique Thai crispy rice salad recipe, combines fried rice balls, red curry paste, and classic Thai seasonings. It’s served as a tasty appetizer by Thailand and Laos street food vendors, but it totally doubles as a light main if you ask me.
Don’t forget to try some of my other Thai pork salads: yum woon sen pork and authentic Thai pork larb recipe.
Table of Contents
What is nam khao tod
Nam khao tod, or yam naem, is a Lao and Thai salad with crispy rice balls broken down and tossed with Thai seasonings, fermented pork, and pig skin. This staple blends a crunchy texture with bold flavors, making it a street food favorite in Southeast Asia.
Thai crispy rice salad
This Lao crispy rice salad is definitely not your average greens and dressing mix. It’s like nothing you’ve had before.
We’re tossing together crispy fried rice balls (yes, they’re as good as they sound), a sprinkle of Thai spices, and a bit of fermented pork.
That crunch from the rice balls is everything, it’ll make you want to eat this salad any day.
I’ve tried this salad several times over the last few weeks and the flavors have been a hit every time. Salty, sour, spicy, and slightly sweet with the perfect texture.
Here’s how we’ll make it: we fry the rice balls to a perfect golden crunch and then crumble them. Then, we’ll mix them with lots of fresh herbs and spices, fish sauce, peanuts, and pork skin.
Not a fan of pork skin? No worries, you can totally skip it. If you’re in, it adds that delightful chewiness that makes nam khao tod stand out.
Why try this Thai salad recipe
- You can totally serve the rice balls on their own: They’re an irresistible snack, perfect for when you want a bite that’s crispy, crunchy, and just plain delicious.
- It’s easy to customize the flavors: Prefer it extra spicy or mild? Just adjust the amount of red chili paste and chilies to your taste.
- Great for any meal: It’s a fantastic option for lunch, dinner, or anything in between.
- It’s unique: Lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes? Not here. This Thai salad brings a whole new concept.
Ingredients
For the exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post.
Thai crispy rice balls ingredients
- Rice – Steamed rice is shaped into a ball, and then deep-fried to crispy perfection.
- Minced pork – Infuses the rice balls with a meaty, savory flavor.
- Red curry paste – Red curry paste gives a fiery kick to the rice balls. Use my homemade Thai red curry paste recipe or buy store-bought (Mae Ploy or Maesri) at Asian grocery stores.
- Kaffir lime leaves – Adds a fragrant, citrusy aroma. You can get these fresh or dried at Asian supermarkets.
- Fish sauce – Fish sauce, a key ingredient of Thai cuisine, adds a layer of umami to the rice balls.
- White sugar – A bit of sweet is essential for balancing out the spice and salt.
- Egg – Used as a binding agent, adding richness to the mixture.
- Water – For adjusting the consistency and making sure the mixture is right for forming the perfect balls.
- Tempura flour – For coating the rice balls, ensuring they fry up to a crispy texture.
Nam khao tod ingredients
- Naem moo – A fermented pork sausage for nam khao som moo. You can use Lao som moo recipe to make them yourself, or try finding them at Asian grocery stores.
- Pork skin – Pork skin adds a chewy contrast to the salad.
- Coriander & green onions – My choice of fresh herbs, feel free to customize with your favorites like mint.
- Shallots – Shallots add a light, natural sweetness.
- Ginger – Ginger is a common ingredient in Thai cooking, served with dishes like miang kham recipe, chili dips, and Thai ginger chicken recipe.
- Chili flakes – Add chili flakes to taste to customize the heat.
- Fish sauce
- Lime – Adds a tangy note to the Thai salad dressing. Make sure to use fresh lime juice, not the bottled stuff.
- MSG – A flavor enhancer, making each flavor more delicious.
- Fried peanuts – Adds a nutty texture and taste.
- Fried dried chilies – Frying dried chilies gives them an extra smoky aroma.
Cooking instructions
Prepare Thai crispy rice balls
1. Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine steamed rice, minced pork, white sugar, fish sauce, red curry paste, and kaffir lime leaves.
2. Knead rice mixture: Gently knead using your hand, making sure all ingredients are well mixed.
3. Form rice balls: Once the rice mixture is kneaded, form it into round balls by hand.
Fry the rice balls
1. Whisk egg and water: Start by cracking an egg into a bowl, add water, and whisk it until it’s well beaten.
2. Coat rice ball: Roll a formed rice ball in the tempura flour to coat it evenly.
3. Dip in egg: Next, dip the flour-coated rice ball into the beaten egg until it’s completely covered.
4. Second flour coating: Roll the egg-dipped rice ball in the tempura flour again for a second coat.
5. Fry the rice balls: Deep-fry the double-coated rice balls in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain: After frying, place the crispy rice balls on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
Toss the salad
1. Prepare the base: In a mixing bowl, break down the fried rice balls into chunks.
2. Add ingredients: Combine the fried rice with fermented pork sausage, pork skin, chili flakes, fish sauce, lime, and MSG.
3. Final toss: Finish by tossing the rice mixture with fresh herbs like coriander and green onions, add ginger, shallots, fried peanuts, and fried chilies. Thoroughly combine and serve immediately.
Kitchen tools
- Frying pan or wok with spatula + spider strainer for frying and removing the rice balls from the hot oil.
- Mortar and pestle if you’re making the red curry paste from scratch.
- Cutting board & chef’s knife for slicing the ingredients.
- Measuring spoons & cups for weighing out seasonings.
- Rice cooker or pot to steam the rice.
- Mixing bowls for tossing the salad.
Recipe tips and tricks
- Combine the salad right before serving: For the best texture, toss right before serving.
- Balance the flavors: Create a nice balance of sour, sweet, salty, and spicy. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings.
- Use day-old rice: Not essential, but for the crispiest texture it’s best to use rice that’s been refrigerated overnight. It’s not as moist and it’s firmer.
- Fry in batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying the rice balls. Fry in batches if needed.
How to serve
Serve as an appetizer, for lunch, or a light dinner.
Crispy rice salad topping
- Pair it with fresh lettuce leaves for crispy lettuce wraps.
- Add extra chili flakes for those who like a bit of heat.
- Add a side of lime wedges.
How to store
Let your leftover salad cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 3 days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the translation of nam khao?
“Nam khao” translates to “crispy rice salad” in English.
Is nam khao tod gluten-free?
No, nam khao tod is made with tempura flour, and most tempura flours are not gluten-free. However, you can use a gluten-free version of tempura flour, as well as check the labeling of all your other store-bought ingredients, to enjoy a gluten-free salad.
Is nam khao spicy?
The spice level varies greatly on the amount of red curry paste, chili flakes, and dried chilies used. Adjust to suit your spice level.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prepare the crispy rice balls ahead of time, but for the best texture, assemble the salad close to serving time.
More Thai salad recipes you’ll love
- Yum woon sen pork (Thai glass noodle salad)
- Nam tok moo recipe (Thai grilled pork salad)
- Pla goong salad (spicy Thai shrimp salad)
- Moo manao (garlic lime pork tenderloin)
- Yum talay (spicy Thai seafood salad)
- Shrimp larb recipe
- Thai pork larb
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Nam Khao Tod (Thai Crispy Rice Salad Recipe)
Author:Praew Cooking Method:Deep-Frying Cuisine:Thai Cuisine Courses:Salad Recipe Keys: Spicy
Prep Time10 minCook Time30 minTotal Time40 mins
Servings:2 Calories:771
Description
Nam khao tod - Thai crispy rice balls tossed with fresh herbs and spices, perfect for an appetizer or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Thai crispy rice balls
Nam khao
Instructions
Prepare Thai crispy rice balls
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine steamed rice, minced pork, white sugar, fish sauce, red curry paste, and kaffir lime leaves.
-
Gently knead using your hand, making sure all ingredients are well mixed.
-
Once the rice mixture is kneaded, form it into round balls by hand.
Fry the rice balls
-
Start by cracking an egg into a bowl, add water, and whisk it until it’s well beaten.
-
Roll a formed rice ball in the tempura flour to coat it evenly.
-
Next, dip the flour-coated rice ball into the beaten egg until it’s completely covered.
-
Roll the egg-dipped rice ball in the tempura flour again for a second coat.
-
Deep-fry the double-coated rice balls in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
-
After frying, place the crispy rice balls on a wire rack to drain any excess oil.
Toss the salad
-
In a mixing bowl, break down the fried rice balls into chunks.
-
Combine the fried rice with fermented pork sausage, pork skin, chili flakes, fish sauce, lime, and MSG.
-
Finish by tossing the rice mixture with fresh herbs like coriander and green onions, add ginger, shallots, fried peanuts, and fried chilies. Thoroughly combine and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 771kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23.94g37%
- Saturated Fat 6.5g33%
- Total Carbohydrate 90.3g31%
- Dietary Fiber 5.8g24%
- Sugars 14.2g
- Protein 48.08g97%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Use the nutrition card in this recipe as a guideline.
- Red curry paste: Use my homemade Thai red curry paste recipe or buy store-bought (Mae Ploy or Maesri) at Asian grocery stores.
Keywords: nam khao tod, crispy rice salad, thai crispy rice salad
