Thai Spicy Lime Pork Salad (Moo Manao)

Name: Thai Spicy Lime Pork Salad (Moo Manao)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min

Published February 03, 2026
Updated February 03, 2026
Author Bell V’Kit

Tender pork meets crisp greens, with intense lime acidity balanced by fish sauce and the punch of raw garlic and chilies. It is one of those Thai dishes where freshness and balance matter more than technique. When done right, every bite is clean, spicy, and instantly refreshing.

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Total : 20 min

Spice Level : Medium

Skill Level : Easy

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What Is Thai Spicy Lime Pork Salad?

Thai Spicy Lime Pork Salad or moo manao (หมูมะนาว) is a classic Thai spicy salad made with thinly sliced pork tossed in a sharp, lime-based dressing of fish sauce, fresh chilies, and raw garlic. It’s bold, refreshing, and intensely aromatic, with flavors that lean bright and spicy rather than sweet.

The pork is briefly blanched until just cooked, then paired with crisp vegetables such as kale or cabbage to balance the heat. Mint leaves and sliced garlic are often added at the end, bringing freshness and a gentle bite.

The flavors of moo manao are clean and direct. Fresh lime juice leads, fish sauce adds savory depth, and chilies deliver heat without heaviness. With very little cooking involved, ingredient quality and balance are essential.

In Thai cooking, moo manao is commonly enjoyed as a light main, a shared dish, or a spicy accompaniment to rice.

Hi! I’m Bell. I love food, travel, and cooking with fresh ingredients. On this site, I share Thai recipes that are fun to make and enjoy with loved ones. Some recipes lean toward tradition, while others carry my own twist.
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Why You’ll Love Thai Spicy Lime Pork Salad

Bright and refreshing: Lime juice keeps the dish light, sharp, and clean rather than heavy.
Bold flavor, minimal cooking: Chilies, garlic, and fish sauce deliver classic Thai heat and depth with very little time over the stove.
Great texture: Tender pork paired with crisp vegetables and fresh herbs makes every bite lively.
Quick to make: The pork cooks fast, and the salad comes together in minutes.
Easy to enjoy: Serve it as a light main, share it family-style, or pair it with rice.

Ingredients & Equipment Checklist

Here’s a handy shopping checklist of ingredients and equipment for quick planning.

Garnish

[] |2 large Chinese garlic cloves| (thinly sliced)
[] ½ cup mint leaves
[] lime slices

Tips Before You Start Marking Thai Spicy Lime Pork Salad

Crisp the greens: Soak the kale in ice water until fully crisp, then drain well. This keeps the leaves fresh and snappy rather than chewy.
Blanch the pork gently: Cook just until the pork turns opaque, then remove immediately. Overcooking will toughen it and weigh the dish down.
Pound aromatics by hand: Crushing chilies and garlic releases aroma and heat more evenly than blending and gives the dressing better texture.
Taste the dressing before tossing: Lime should lead, followed by saltiness from fish sauce and a clean chili heat.
Toss just before serving: Moo manao is meant to be eaten cold, crisp, and vibrant, not wilted or watery.

Thai Spicy Lime Pork Salad (Moo Manao)

Tender pork meets crisp greens, with intense lime acidity balanced by fish sauce and the punch of raw garlic and chilies. It is one of those Thai dishes where freshness and balance matter more than technique. When done right, every bite is clean, spicy, and instantly refreshing.

Servings : 2

Spice Level : Medium

Skill Level : Easy

Prep : 15 min

Cook : 5 min

Total : 20 min

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Ingredients

Garnish

[] |2 large Chinese garlic cloves| (thinly sliced)
[] ½ cup mint leaves
[] lime slices

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the kale

[] Peel the fibrous skin from the kale stems.
[] Slice diagonally into bite-size pieces.
[] Soak in ice water until crisp, then drain well and set aside.

2. Cook the pork

[] Bring a pot of water to a gentle boil.
[] Add the pork and blanch just until cooked through.
[] Remove and drain thoroughly.

3. Make the dressing

[] Pound the chilies and Thai garlic into a fine paste.
[] Mix with lime juice, fish sauce, and palm sugar until dissolved.
[] Taste and adjust.Sharp, salty, and spicy should lead.

4. Assemble and serve

[] In a bowl, combine the kale, cooked pork, and dressing. Toss gently until well coated.
[] Transfer to a serving plate and top with sliced garlic, mint leaves, and lime slices.
[] Serve immediately while fresh and crisp.

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FAQs for Thai Spicy Lime Pork Salad (Moo Manao)

Can I use another cut of pork?

Yes. Pork loin or pork shoulder will work, but tenderloin is ideal. It stays soft and cooks quickly without becoming tough.

Why soak the kale in ice water?

The ice bath shocks the leaves, making them crisp and vibrant while softening bitterness. It gives the salad its signature crunch and contrast.

Is this dish supposed to be very spicy?

Not overly. Moo manao is usually medium heat, sharp, bright, and lively rather than aggressively hot. The chilies are there to balance the sour lime and savory fish sauce. You can reduce the amount if needed, but don’t remove them entirely or the dish will lose its edge.

What should I serve with moo manao?

It’s great on its own, with steamed jasmine rice, or as part of a shared Thai meal alongside grilled meats and fresh vegetables.