What does Mookata mean?
The word Mookata comes from the juxtaposition of the Thai words "mu" meaning "pork", and "kata" or "kratha", which can be translated as "frying pan". Mookata literally means " pan-fried pork ". Like the word "barbecue", it refers to a cooking method popular in South-East Asia, and particularly in Thailand, which, unlike the Korean gas barbecue, uses charcoal.
The Mookata, an original barbecue
When we talk about barbecue, we imagine, as in the tradition of American-style BBQ, the Argentine Asado or Portuguese Portuguese Churrascoa grill skilfully placed over the fire, in a small or large brazier, to brown meat, fish and vegetables. But in the Thai barbecue tradition, there's nothing like that.
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As for the Mookata, the "appliance", or "barbecue", is a kind of large aluminum pan placed above a terracotta pot containing the embers. The upper part is made up of two separate pieces, roughly resembling a huge juicer. The central dome-shaped part is used to cook meat and fish, while the rest of the dish is used to prepare a broth. Thai barbecue is a cross between the Korean barbecue and the Chinese Hot Pot, which is a simmering soup in which food is cooked by dipping it in, as in a fondue.
Mookata cooking method
As in the tradition of Yakiniku, Japanese-style barbecue, Mookata is cooked at the table. Once the pan has been placed in the centre of the table, over hot embers, you fill the gutter with water and the ingredients of your choice to make the broth. Before cooking the meat in the upper part, place a piece of bacon at the top of the dome. As it melts, it will grease the wall, preventing the cooking food from sticking and adding flavour to the broth. Each guest is then invited to place his or her own pieces of meat, fish or vegetable for grilling. The more the pieces are grilled, the more the cooking juices flow into the broth, flavouring it, hmm!
What do you eat at a Thai barbecue?
Pork, cut into thin strips, and especially bacon, is the mainstay of Mookata. Other ingredients include chicken, lamb, shrimp, squid, vegetables, mushrooms and more. The broth is usually mixed with vegetables and, of course, the inevitable noodles, to which you can add seafood, meatballs or fish... All these dishes are served with sauces, "nam chim", more or less spicy, such as Su-Ki sauce. Discover our recipe for Kokko smoked bacon.
Mookata, a popular Thai tradition
In the Land of Smiles, Mookata is a veritable institution. While many restaurants offer it, tradition dictates that families and friends gather in huge halls or open-air venues to enjoy it. A buffet, usually all-you-can-eat, is offered. Everyone chooses what to grill from among the countless varieties of meat, fish and vegetables, before gathering around large tables.
