For those outside of Thailand, we may all only associate Moo Deng with the adorably viral baby pygmy hippo. But did you also happen to know that her name takes after a popular Thai dish? Here’s everything you need to know about what is moo deng, the dish, and where to find it in Bangkok.
Also the name of the legend and icon of the animal kingdom, Moo Deng has no direct translation. It roughly translates to “bouncy pork,” and the most equivalent phrase would be “marinated ground pork.” Here’s where you can find it.
[Hero and featured image credit: Streets of Food/Unsplash; Khao Kheaw Open Zoo/Facebook]
What is Moo Deng? A local guide to this viral sensation
What does Moo Deng mean?
As the name describes, Moo Deng is a type of ground pork that feels “bouncier” in texture, due to the vegetable oil and other condiments used in making it. It is an amazing alternative to your usual ground pork, as it already packs its own flavours that go well with soups, jok, and even wrapped inside a dumpling.
How to make your own Moo Deng
Making your own Moo Deng is very easy, and feels very rewarding for any level of home cook due to its sheer versatility.
You can start by putting 500g of ground pork into a bowl, then pouring one tablespoon of dark soy sauce, one tablespoon of Maggi sauce, one tablespoon of oyster sauce, one teaspoon of granulated sugar, one tablespoon of potato starch, one egg, and some black pepper to taste. Blend or knead the formula together, and that’s it.
You can put it in a bag and stick it in the freezer for future use, too. The recipe takes around three minutes to make, will be perfect for any soups, curries, and many more dishes you’re cooking.
Which dishes have Moo Deng in them? Where to find Moo Deng
Moo Deng’s sweet and salty profile make it an easy way to add a source of protein to any dish.
Where can you find Moo Deng in Thai food? It is commonly found in congee or jok, a warm, gooey rice comfort dish normally topped with a raw egg, ginger, and this bouncy marinated pork. If you’re looking for a place to start, we have a guide to find the best jok in town.
Moo Deng is also a hit amongst noodle lovers. The spices in Thai-style noodle soups, especially their tom yum soup variations, pair very well with Moo Deng. We also have a guide to the best boat noodles in the city, where we’re confident you’ll want to try the Moo Deng.
What is Moo Wan? Other Moos to try
Other variations of pork dishes also exist, which have now been adorably used to name family members of pygmy hippos at the Khao Kheaw Open Zoo. These include Moo Wan (pork sweetened with palm sugar), Moo Tun (stewed pork), and Pha Loh (pork belly stew).
If you’re looking for Moo Deng, the viral pygmy hippo at Khao Kheaw Open Zoo, not the pork dish she was named after, check out Moo Deng’s life story here.
