Close-up of juicy grilled Moo Ping skewers with caramelized edges

Easy Moo Ping Recipe Framework for Beginners

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Some of my favorite recipes are the ones that look like they took hours—but secretly didn’t. Moo Ping is exactly that kind of dish.

If you’ve never heard of Moo Ping before, it’s a classic Thai street food: grilled pork skewers, full of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. Think of it as Thailand’s answer to backyard BBQ—but with flavors that transport you straight to a night market, even if you’re just cooking in your kitchen.

The first time I made Moo Ping, I was just looking for something a little different to make on the grill. The kids were getting bored of burgers and chicken nuggets, and I wanted a dish that felt a little special without being complicated. Turns out, Moo Ping is super beginner-friendly and a huge hit with the whole family.

Let me walk you through a foolproof framework for making Moo Ping at home—from marinade to grill, plus sides and sauces that go with it.

Grilled Moo Ping pork skewers stacked on a plate with sticky rice in the background

Moo Ping (Thai Grilled Pork Skewers)

Some of the best recipes are the ones that look impressive but come together with minimal fuss—and Moo Ping fits that bill perfectly.
This Thai street food classic features juicy, marinated pork skewers grilled to perfection, with an irresistible blend of sweet, salty, and garlicky flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Thai
Servings 4
Calories 330 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon (for marinade)
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Zip-top bag or cling wrap (for marinating)
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)
  • Grill, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet
  • Tongs (for flipping skewers)

Ingredients
  

For the Pork & Marinade

  • 500 g pork shoulder or pork neck, thinly sliced
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1-2 tbsp palm sugar or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp ground white pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp coconut milk (optional)

For Optional Dipping Sauce (Nam Jim Jaew)

  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1 tsp toasted rice powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • ½ tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped shallots
  • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

Instructions
 

  • Slice the Pork
    Slice the pork shoulder or neck into thin strips, about ¼ inch thick and 2–3 inches long. Cut against the grain for best tenderness.
  • Prepare the Marinade and Marinate the Pork
    In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, fish sauce, sugar, oil, white pepper, garlic, and coconut milk if using. Mix until sugar dissolves.
    Add pork slices to the marinade and mix well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours—overnight for the best flavor.
  • Skewer the Pork
    Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes (skip if using metal). Thread the pork onto skewers, weaving in an S-shape without overcrowding.
  • Grill the Skewers
    Preheat your grill or pan to medium-high. Lightly oil the surface.
    Cook skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, flipping occasionally, until caramelized and cooked through (internal temp should reach 145°F / 63°C).
  • Serve
    Serve hot with sticky rice and dipping sauces on the side

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

  • Tenderness tip: Coconut milk in the marinade adds richness and helps break down the meat.
  • Avoid dry pork: Don’t overcook—keep heat medium-high and pull off the grill as soon as it’s done.
  • Make it spicy: Add chili flakes or chopped Thai chilies to the marinade for extra heat.
  • Batch tip: Cook in batches and keep warm in a low oven (200°F) until serving.
Keyword Grilled Pork, Moo Ping, Skewers, Street Food, Thai Cuisine

What to Serve With

Category Serving Ideas
Staple Sides – Sticky rice (Khao Niew) – the must-have classic

– Steamed jasmine rice – fluffy and fragrant

– Thai fried rice – a flavorful twist
  – Garlic rice – savory and simple

– Fried egg on rice – a popular Thai street combo
Fresh & Light Sides – Thai cucumber salad – sweet, tangy, and refreshing

– Green papaya salad (Som Tum) – crunchy with a kick
  – Chopped herb salad – mint, cilantro, green onions with lime

– Lettuce leaves – great for making wraps
Grilled or Roasted Veggies – Grilled eggplant

– Charred bell peppers

– Roasted mushrooms

– Zucchini or asparagus spears
Easy Kid-Friendly Veggies – Steamed broccoli

– Boiled or pan-fried corn

– Cucumber slices with a pinch of salt

– Carrot sticks with peanut dip
Dipping Sauces & Condiments – Nam Jim Jaew – spicy Thai dipping sauce

– Sweet chili sauce – mild and kid-approved

– Peanut sauce – rich and creamy
  – Lime wedges – a fresh squeeze brings balance

– Pickled veggies – for tangy contrast
Wrap & Bowl Options – Rice paper wraps – build-your-own skewers & veggies

– Buddha bowl style with rice, veggies & sauce

Why Moo Ping Works for Families

What I love about Moo Ping is how unfussy it is. The kids can help thread the pork onto skewers, which makes them more excited to eat it later. I can prep it in the morning, let it marinate while I get on with my day, and just toss it on the grill at dinner.

It’s customizable, too—serve it with rice for picky eaters, add chili flakes for the spicy lovers, or wrap it in lettuce for a low-carb twist.

If you’re new to Thai cooking or just want something fun and flavorful to try this week—Moo Ping is the perfect beginner recipe. It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it’s guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing.

It’s also one of those recipes that feels like a little escape—whether you’re dreaming of a Thai vacation or just trying to shake up your usual dinner routine.

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