Fried Pork Fat Tep Mo Recipe

I recently embarked on the culinary adventure of making Fried Pork Fat Tep Mo, transforming simple ingredients into a crispy delight that’s dangerously addictive. The combination of fish sauce, garlic, and a hint of chili creates a savory flavor bomb that’s perfect alongside a comforting bowl of rice porridge—it’s a dish that has me seriously hooked!

Tep Mo, fried pork fat, is a delightful dish packed with savory tastes. I love the way it sizzles when it first meets the pan, and the way the aroma wafts up from the Mien ingredients of garlic and fish sauce.

A little sugar and black pepper enhance the dish, and sliced chili gives an optional kick for those who seek a little heat. It’s a simple and almost irresistible balance of textures and flavors.

Fried Pork Fat Tep Mo Recipe Ingredients

• Pork fat: Adds richness and flavor; contains high levels of fat.
• Fish sauce: Provides a savory umami taste; adds saltiness.
• Sugar: Balances flavors with sweetness; adds a touch of caramelization.
• Garlic: Enhances dish with savory aroma; provides antioxidant properties.
• Chili pepper: Introduces heat; contains capsaicin, which boosts metabolism.

Fried Pork Fat Tep Mo Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 500 grams pork fat, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 chili pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for frying)

How to Make this Fried Pork Fat Tep Mo Recipe

1. Start by washing the pork fat under cold, running water until it is clean. Drain the fat well, then cut it into small pieces. (You want them slightly larger than the size of a cubed ice cube, because they will render down to about that size.)

2. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cubes of pork fat with fish sauce, sugar, ground black pepper, and minced garlic. If you’re using it, add the sliced chili pepper to make things spicy, and add some paprika for color. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

3. Let the pork fat sit in the marinade for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature. This will allow the marinade to penetrate the fat more effectively, thus intensifying the flavor and resulting in a more delicious product.

4. Preheat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. If you have lean pork, use 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil, or, if you prefer, use oil to commence the cooking process.

5. Incorporate the marinated pork fat into the pan, ensuring that they are in a single layer. Fry them and stir occasionally, if I do not want them to fry too hard and become too brown. I want the golden parts to be spread out in the pan and the not-so-browned parts to be towards the middle and not touching the pan.

6. If heat adjustment is necessary to prevent burning, set it to medium. The fat that you have rendered will assist the frying of the pieces and contribute to their crispness.

7. After the pieces of pork fat are crispy and uniformly browned, remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon, letting the extra oil drain from them back into the pan.

8. Fried pork fat should be placed on a plate with paper towels to absorb any remaining oil.

9. If necessary, add salt or pepper to taste. If you want, you can add some more chili slices on top as a garnish.

10. The Fried Pork Fat Tep Mo can be served as a deliciously crispy and savory snack or as an accompaniment to any number of dishes, but I am particularly fascinated by the idea of serving it with a richly flavored rice porridge, where the texture of the fried fat can really shine. Gotta get me some more pork fat!

Fried Pork Fat Tep Mo Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large knife
2. Cutting board
3. Kitchen scale
4. Mixing bowl
5. Measuring spoons
6. Large skillet or wok
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Slotted spoon
9. Plate
10. Paper towels

FAQ

• What type of pork fat should I use? It’s best to use fresh pork fat with some skin attached for extra crispiness. Ask your butcher for a high-quality cut.
• Can I use another type of oil instead of vegetable oil? Yes, you can use any high smoke point oil like canola or peanut oil for frying.
• Is the chili pepper necessary? The chili pepper is optional. It adds a bit of heat, but you can leave it out if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Can I make this dish without fish sauce? Fish sauce provides a distinct umami flavor, but you can substitute it with soy sauce or leave it out for a different taste.
• How can I make this dish less greasy? After frying, drain the pork fat on paper towels to remove excess oil. You can also try baking the pork fat for a healthier version.
• Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers or onions towards the end of cooking to enhance flavor and texture.
• How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat in a pan or oven to regain crispiness.

Fried Pork Fat Tep Mo Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Soy sauce can be used in place of fish sauce to impart a somewhat different flavor profile.
Honey or brown sugar can substitute for white sugar, providing a more robust sweetness.
White pepper can replace ground black pepper for a milder flavor.
If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute.
Red pepper flakes can substitute chili pepper with a similar heat factor.

Pro Tips

1. Marination Time For even deeper flavor penetration, consider marinating the pork fat overnight in the refrigerator. This will allow the spices and flavors to meld thoroughly with the fat.

2. Dry the Pork Fat After washing and cutting the pork fat, pat it dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the fat render more evenly and prevent splattering during cooking.

3. Low and Slow Rendering Start rendering the pork fat over low heat before increasing to medium. This allows more fat to render out gradually, making your pieces crispier without burning the outside too quickly.

4. Use a Splash Guard To keep your kitchen tidy and prevent oil splatters while frying, use a splash guard over your frying pan. This will help contain any splattering oil while ensuring even cooking.

5. Flavor Enhancement Add a splash of lemon or lime juice over the crispy pork fat right before serving. The acidity will balance the richness and enhance the overall flavor profile, giving a refreshing twist.