Meang Nem

Start cooking opens one step at a time with read-aloud and hands-free voice control — “next”, “repeat”, “how much salt”, “timer 10 minutes”.

1. 1Rinse the rice, soak in water for about 10 minutes, then tip into a colander and drain well. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2Add the rice and giving it a stir constantly until evenly dark golden brown and very fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
3. 3Grind finely using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, then sift through a fine mesh strainer to remove any large pieces. Put to one side.
4. 4Thinly cut the shallots lengthwise. Finely cut up the galangal, pickled scallion heads, chili peppers, and bitter orange zest. Coarsely grind the roasted peanuts.
5. 5Heat a frying pan over low heat, add shredded coconut, and toast, stirring, for 2–3 minutes. Keep to one side.
6. 6In a large bowl, combine lime juice, bitter orange juice, palm sugar, pickled scallion brine, and fish sauce. Stir until fully dissolved and well mixed.
7. 7In a mixing bowl, combine dried shrimp, toasted coconut, chopped aromatics, and dressing. Mix until combined. Add roasted rice powder and stir again. Top with coarsely ground roasted peanuts.
8. 8Lay the salad on a large plate. Let each guest spoon a little onto their own small plate, wrap in leafy greens with vegetables, and enjoy in bite-size portions.
9. 9For a vegetarian version, omit the dried shrimp and fish sauce. Season to taste with soy sauce and a pinch of sea salt, keeping the sweet-sour balance.