Hor Mok
Hor Mok — a classic thai dish made simple at home.
Hor Mok is a classic protein-forward Thai recipe built around a handful of pantry staples. It serves 3 and comes together in roughly 35 minutes from prep to plate. It sits in the comfortable middle ground: nothing intimidating, but it rewards a little patience during the roughly 35 minutes of active cooking. The method is straightforward, with each step doing one clear job so the finished dish tastes balanced rather than busy.
The headline ingredients here are peanut, kaffir lime and tamarind. Spend a little time choosing well: fresher, more carefully-sourced versions of these will lift the whole plate, while every other element is mostly there to support them.
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278
kcal
9g
Protein
41g
Carbs
31g
Fat
Ingredients
- peanut1 cup
- kaffir lime3 tbsp
- tamarind2 tbsp
- cilantro2 cloves
- oyster sauce4
- garlic300 g
- rice noodle2 cloves
- saltstaple
- pepperstaple
Method
- 1Step 1 ~7 min
Prep all ingredients for hor mok and measure them out.
- 2Step 2 ~7 min
Heat oil in a pan and sauté aromatics until fragrant.
- 3Step 3 ~7 min
Add main ingredients and cook until just done.
- 4Step 4 ~7 min
Season with salt, pepper and finish with fresh herbs.
- 5Step 5 ~7 min
Plate and serve hot.
Per-step times are approximate and based on the total cook time of 35 minutes.
Pro tips & common mistakes
- Taste a small spoonful just before serving and adjust salt, acid (lemon or vinegar) and heat — that final balance check is what separates a good home cook from a great one.
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Frequently asked questions
- How long does Hor Mok take to cook?
- From prep to plate, Hor Mok takes about 35 minutes and yields 3 servings. About a third of that is hands-on; the rest is the cooking itself.
- Is Hor Mok vegetarian?
- No — this version contains non-vegetarian ingredients (peanut, kaffir lime, tamarind). For a vegetarian take, replace the main protein with paneer, halloumi, mushrooms or extra-firm tofu and keep the same spices.
- What are the key ingredients in Hor Mok?
- The headline ingredients are peanut, kaffir lime, tamarind. The rest of the list is supporting cast — spices, aromatics and pantry staples — that round out the flavour rather than carry it.
- Can I scale this recipe up or down?
- Yes. The ingredient quantities scale linearly: halve for 2 servings or double for 6. Cooking times stay roughly the same, except for anything that depends on pan surface area — if you double a stir-fry, cook it in two batches rather than crowding the pan.
- How should I store the leftovers?
- Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently — low heat on the stove with a splash of water, or short bursts in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel so it does not dry out.
- Can I freeze Hor Mok?
- Yes. Cool fully, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently; you may need a splash of water or stock to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
- What should I serve with Hor Mok?
- Hor Mok pairs naturally with classic thai sides — a simple grain, a fresh salad, or a light pickle to cut through richness. Aim for something that contrasts the main dish in texture or temperature rather than echoing it.
- What if I do not have one of the main ingredients?
- Most ingredients in this recipe have sensible swaps. Match like-for-like by texture and cooking time and you will land somewhere close to the original.