Lao-Style Nam Khao Crispy Rice Salad with Pork

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant Lao salad featuring crispy fried rice cubes tossed with savory ground pork, fresh herbs, and a tangy lime dressing. This lao-inspired curry ready in about 35 minutes pairs cooked jasmine rice, chilled, vegetable oil, ground pork for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Lao cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/4 cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spread 2 cups chilled cooked jasmine rice evenly and fry undisturbed for 5-7 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Flip in sections to crisp the other side for another 5 minutes, then remove and cut into 1-inch cubes.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 8 oz ground pork and cook over medium heat, breaking up lumps, for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink and slightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 thinly sliced scallions and 2 thinly sliced shallots to the pork, sautéing for 2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the crispy rice cubes, cooked pork mixture, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp chili flakes. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Step 5: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup crushed roasted peanuts, and 2 tbsp fried garlic for crunch and freshness.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately as a salad or with 1 cup cooked sticky rice on the side for a traditional Lao meal.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Lao-Style Nam Khao Crispy Rice Salad with Pork take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lao-Style Nam Khao Crispy Rice Salad with Pork?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cooked jasmine rice, chilled from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lao-Style Nam Khao Crispy Rice Salad with Pork?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lao-Style Nam Khao Crispy Rice Salad with Pork for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lao-Style Nam Khao Crispy Rice Salad with Pork?

Lao curry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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