Can I make Thai pork jerky without sun drying?

Yes. If you cannot sun dry the pork, place the marinated pork on a rack and let it air dry in the refrigerator for about 1 to 2 hours.

Can I cook Moo Dad Deaw in an air fryer?

Yes. Air fry the pork at 375°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked and lightly crisp.

Is Moo Dad Deaw spicy?

No. The jerky itself is not spicy. The heat usually comes from the papaya salad or dipping sauces served with it.

Thai Pork Jerky (Moo Dad Deaw)

Name: Thai Pork Jerky (Moo Dad Deaw)
Prep time: PT-493644H31M13S
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Isaan Recipe
Ingredients: 2 pound pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoon (8 cloves garlic), rough chopped; 1/3 cup cilantro stems (cilantro roots are traditional but can not find in the US); 2 tablespoons fish sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 teaspoon sugar; ½ teaspoon white pepper; Oil for frying

Description

Thai Pork Jerky, called Moo Dad Deaw, is a classic Isaan street food made with marinated pork that is lightly sun-dried before frying. The result is tender, savory pork with crispy edges and deep garlic flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pound pork shoulder or pork loin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoon (8 cloves garlic), rough chopped
1/3 cup cilantro stems (cilantro roots are traditional but can not find in the US)
2 tablespoons fish sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
2 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon white pepper
Oil for frying

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Instructions

Make the marinating paste. In a stone mort and pestle, pound garlic, cilantro stems and sugar until you have a smooth paste.
Slice the pork. Slice the pork against the grain into thin strips.
Marinate the pork. In a bowl, mix the pork with the paste. Add fish sauce, oyster sauce, and white pepper. Let the pork marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for deeper flavor.
Sun dry the pork. Spread the pork on a rack or tray. Dry in the oven at 170°F for 2 to 3 hours until the pork looks dry on the outside but still slightly moist. For a traditional method, place the pork in direct sunlight for about 1 to 2 hours until lightly dried but still flexible.
Fry the pork. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the pork until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Notes

Skip frying the pork. Traditionally Moo Dad Deaw is fried after drying, but you can grill or air fry it instead. Grilling gives the pork a slightly smoky flavor, while air frying keeps it lighter.
Freezing Thai pork jerky.After marinating, you can freeze the pork for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before drying and cooking.
Don’t over fry the pork. Use medium heat rather than very hot oil. This helps the pork cook evenly and prevents it from becoming tough.
Leave some fat on the pork. A little fat adds flavor and keeps the jerky tender with the signature chewy texture.

Prep Time: Prep time: 10 minutes , Marinate time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Isaan food
Method: Baking, Frying
Cuisine: Isaan Recipe