Asian Pork Salad - Bulletproof and Paleo

Asian Pork Salad

Sometimes you have a hankering for a particular thing, and lately I've had banh mi's on my mind which were the inspiration for this recipe. Since I rarely eat sandwiches, a salad seemed like a good idea. And while pork patties aren't what you'd expect to find on a traditional banh mi, this just worked. It's very simply, Asian-spiced ground pork formed into little patties (which conveniently cook up in a matter of minutes) over a salad of mild mixed greens. The vinaigrette-style dressing is light and fresh, reminiscent of a tart Thai chili sauce. 

You can use whatever greens you like. I prefer a mild mix of tender baby greens blended with sweet pea shoots topped with organic Asian micro greens.

Optional: Add some shredded carrots to your salad for extra crunch if you’re not limiting carbs. Coupled with the vinaigrette, it tastes as if you've quick-pickled the carrots.

Easy Variation: Asian Meatball Appetizer with Thai Vinaigrette Dipping Sauce

Easy Variation:
Make this recipe into Asian Meatballs with a Thai Vinaigrette Dipping Sauce to serve at your next Super Bowl Watching Party, or any time you need an easy elegant appetizer. Instead of making patties, roll into small balls before cooking (you should get twice as many meatballs as you would have gotten patties, so approximately 32 meatballs). Cook the meatballs in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat for approximately 6-7 minutes turning as you go to lightly brown on each side. Use the dressing as your dipping sauce.

Asian Pork Salad

Serves 2 large portions or 4 light portions

Ingredients:

For the Pork Patties

1 lb ground pastured pork

3 green onions, chopped small

3 Tablespoons micro cilantro or chopped fresh cilantro

1 Tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger

1 Tablespoon finely grated fresh lemongrass (see Cook's Note)

2 large cloves fresh garlic, pressed or finely grated

1/2 of a fresh Thai chili, finely minced (more or less depending on heat preference, can sub Serrano peppers if you can't find Thai chilis)

1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut aminos

3/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
1 Tablespoon cooking oil (I like Bulletproof XCT Oil or unflavored coconut oil) 

For the Dressing
Juice of 1 small lime
1 Tablespoon coconut aminos
1 Tablespoon Bulletproof Brain Octane or unflavored liquid coconut oil
1/4 - 1/2 of a fresh Thai chili, finely minced
1/4 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
pinch sea salt

For the Salad
1 large container of mild mixed greens
handful of Asian micro greens (optional)
2 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
pinch of sea salt
(optional: shredded organic carrots)

To make the patties:
In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients except the cooking oil together. Form into small, thin patties - approximately 14-16 patties - and set aside. Heat a large skillet to medium - medium high heat and add the cooking oil. Place the patties in a single layer, working in batches if needed, and cook for approximately 3-4 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

To make the dressing:
In a small bowl, place all of the ingredients and whisk together.

To make the salad:
In a large bowl, mix all of the ingredients together.

To eat:
Top salad with warm pork patties and drizzle with the dressing.

Cook's Note: To prep your fresh lemongrass, remove the tougher outer layers (1-2 layers). Then grate using a microplane (or box) grater to grate finely, as it's fibrous if not broken down.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this dish

Cheers!

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