This traditional moo manao recipe makes a tender garlic lime pork tenderloin salad with a spicy, zesty chili-lime dressing. It’s easy to make, served on a bed of crisp cabbage, and perfect as a refreshing summer lunch or light dinner.

Moo manao, a Thai pork salad with lime, garlic, and chili served on a bed of cabbage.

What is moo manao?

Moo manao means pork lime in Thai. It’s a Thai salad made with tenderloin, dressed with lime juice, garlic, chili, sugar, and fish sauce for a slightly sweet, spicy, and tangy flavor.

About this recipe

This recipe starts by tenderizing pork with salt and then tossing it in a punchy chili-lime dressing.

The fresh lime juice is a key ingredient in this dressing, as the lime flavor is really present. You can keep the spice mild or add extra chilies if you like.

Close-up of tender pork slices in moo manao salad garnished with lime, fresh chilies, garlic, and coriander on a cabbage base.

You can serve it on its own over a crisp bed of cabbage or lettuce wraps, or with sticky rice for a filling meal. In Thailand, it’s popular with a cold beer, making it perfect for summer or gatherings with friends.

It’s a healthy, low-carb salad that’s really easy to make, and if you cook Thai food regularly, you most likely have everything you need sitting in your kitchen pantry. Give it a try because you won’t easily find this at a Thai restaurant or takeout spot!

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Ingredient notes & substitutes

You can grab everything you need for this recipe at your nearest Asian grocery store or market. For exact measurements, head to the recipe card below!

Top-view of recipe ingredients with tender pork slices, chilies, shredded cabbage, coriander, and seasonings with lime, fish sauce, sugar, and salt.

Pork – Pork tenderloin is lean yet tender and absorbs lime and chili flavors well; steak or loin also works if sliced against the grain. Chicken can be used as a leaner option.
Salt – Lightly seasons and tenderizes the pork before cooking.
Fresh lime juice – Provides the salad’s signature tang and freshness.
Fish sauce – Adds umami and salty depth; I use the Megachef brand.
White sugar – Balances the heat from the chilies and the sourness from the lime in the dressing.
Chilies – I use Thai Jinda chilies, which are pretty spicy; swap for milder varieties or use less if preferred.
Garlic – Adds a strong, aromatic base to the lime dressing.
Coriander – Fresh coriander (cilantro) adds a bright, herbal finish.
White cabbage – Adds crunch and freshness; lettuce or mixed greens can be used instead.

How to make Thai pork tenderloin salad

Step 1: Season the pork. Begin by seasoning the pork slices with salt to help tenderize the meat. Let them rest in the fridge for 30 minutes.

Raw pork slices in a glass bowl seasoned with salt to tenderize.

Step 2: Prepare the vegetables. Shred the cabbage thinly and chop the chilies and garlic.

Shredded cabbage with fresh coriander, garlic slices, and chopped red chilies.

Step 3: Cook the pork. Heat a pan over medium heat and add the salted pork slices with water. Cook until fully cooked through, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Make the salad. Transfer the cooked pork to a mixing bowl, discarding any excess water. Add the chopped chilies, garlic, coriander, lime juice, white sugar, and fish sauce. Toss well to coat.

Cooked pork slices mixed with fresh chilies, garlic, and coriander.

Step 5: Assemble and serve. Spread the shredded cabbage on a serving plate, then top with the freshly tossed pork. Serve immediately while your Thai lime pork salad is fresh!

Close-up of Thai pork salad (moo manao) with lime slices, garlic, chilies, and herbs over shredded cabbage.

Optional garnishes

Fresh vegetables: Add a side of fresh vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, etc.
Thai chili flakes: For those who love a bit of extra heat.
Lime wedges: For extra tangy flavor.
Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped mint, coriander, or cilantro over the pork.

More Thai pork salad recipes you’ll love

That’s all you need to know to make this Thai moo manao recipe. Let me know in the comments if you tried it, and follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!