The Chiang Rai Street-Corner Toasted Spice & Pork Crunch Bowl

Instructions

1. 1

   Place a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the 1 tbsp raw jasmine rice, 1 tsp whole coriander seeds, and 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Dry-toast them, shaking the pan frequently, until the rice turns a deep, nutty golden brown and the coriander smells intoxicating. This is the secret to authentic Southeast Asian crunch!

   5 min

   Tip: Don't walk away! Dry spices go from perfectly toasted to burnt in seconds. If the toddler starts screaming about their socks right now, pull the pan off the heat first.

2. 2

   Transfer the toasted spice mixture to a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder. Grind until it forms a coarse, gravely powder. Set this magical dust aside.

   2 min

   Tip: A little texture is good here—we want it crunchy, not completely powdered like flour.

3. 3

   Return that same skillet to medium-high heat. Add the 1 tbsp avocado oil, then toss in the 1 lb ground pork, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 medium thinly sliced shallot. Break the pork apart with a wooden spoon and let it sit undisturbed for a minute at a time to get those irresistible crispy edges.

   8 min

   Tip: Patience is a virtue when browning meat! Let it sear.

4. 4

   While the pork is browning, grab your trusty mason jar. Add the 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp brown sugar. Seal it tight and shake it like you're playing the maracas on a beach in Phuket until the sugar dissolves.

   3 min

   Tip: Vibrant acid is what wakes this whole dish up. The dressing will taste quite tart on its own, but it perfectly balances the rich pork.

5. 5

   Time to assemble! In a large bowl (or portioned out into your lunch containers), lay down a crunchy bed of 3 cups finely shredded red cabbage and 2 medium sliced cucumbers. Top with the warm, crispy pork. Throw in your 1 massive handful fresh mint and 1 massive handful fresh cilantro. Pour over the mason jar dressing, and finally, shower the whole bowl with your toasted spice powder. Toss aggressively and dive in!

   4 min

   Tip: If meal-prepping this for lunch, keep the dressing and toasted rice powder in separate little containers until right before you eat to preserve maximum crunch.