Yam Tao Hoo Thai Spicy Tofu Salad With Minced Pork Recipes

Steps:

• In a large pot, steam prepared yams 10 to 15 minutes or until tender, then remove from steamer.
• When cool enough to handle, peel yams (if desired; I don't), then place in a large salad bowl.
• While yams cool, combine vinegar, pickle relish, mustard, salt & pepper in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, & shake well.
• Add vegetable oil & shake again, before pouring over yams & tossing them to coat.
• Add green onions & red pepper & either serve at room temperature or chilled.

Steps:

• Pat pork dry with paper towel. In a bowl, combine shallot, cilantro, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, garlic, soy sauce, peanut or grapeseed oil, lime zest and juice, ginger, fish sauce, salt and chile. Pour a quarter of the mixture into a blender, add remaining sugar and purée until a smooth, loose paste forms. (Save the unblended mixture to use as dressing.)
• Place tenderloin in a large bowl and spread the paste all over pork. Marinate at room temperature for 2 hours, or cover and refrigerate up to 24 hours; turn the tenderloin occasionally.
• Light the grill or heat the broiler and arrange a rack at least 4 inches from the heat. Grill or broil pork, turning occasionally, until well browned and meat reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees, 4 to 10 minutes per side depending upon the heat of your broiler or grill. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't overcook. Let meat rest while you prepare the salad. (Or, cook the pork 1 or 2 hours ahead and serve it at room temperature.)
• In a large bowl, combine the salad ingredients, reserving the herbs, cashews and coconut. Whisk the dressing and use just enough to dress the salad, tossing to combine. Let sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld, then right before serving, add herbs and toss again.
• To serve, slice the pork. Arrange salad on a platter and top with sliced pork. Scatter cashews and coconut on top, drizzle with a little more of the remaining dressing, to taste.

Steps:

• Fry shallots in hot vegetable oil until browned and crispy. Set aside. Fry tofu in hot vegetable oil until browned. Set aside. Blanch pork in boiling water until cooked through, 2-3 minutes. Set aside. Toast peanuts in oven or dry saute pan. Grind in food processor or spice grinder until finely ground. Set aside. Combine lime juice, fish sauce, and sugar. Adjust amounts to taste. Combine tofu, pork, cucumber, tomato. celery, chili powder, and peanuts. Toss with lime juice dressing. Arrange on plates, drizzle with coconut milk, and top with shallots.