Thai
👍 Beginner Friendly
45 mineasy
ThaiBrunch
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsGalloping Horses, known as Ma Ho in Thailand, is a traditional royal court dish that showcases the intricate balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors characteristic of refined culinary traditions. This elegant appetizer features thinly sliced tropical citrus topped with a fragrant mixture of finely chopped shallots, garlic, ginger, and roasted peanuts cooked down with palm sugar and fish sauce until caramelized. The sweet and savory topping creates a delightful contrast against the refreshing acidity of the fruit base. Often garnished with fresh cilantro and finely sliced chili, Ma Ho represents the sophistication of cuisine served to nobility, where presentation and harmony of flavors were paramount. This dish is perfect for special gatherings and demonstrates the artistry of balancing opposing taste elements.
Instructions
step by step0/10 done
Prepare the citrus base by peeling and slicing oranges into 1/4-inch rounds, removing any seeds. Arrange on a serving platter and set aside.
Finely mince shallots, garlic, and ginger until they form a uniform texture. Roughly chop roasted peanuts into small pieces.
Heat vegetable oil in a wok or saute pan over medium heat. Add minced shallots and cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Add minced garlic and ginger to the pan, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until aromatic but not burned.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add honey and fish sauce to the pan. Stir well to combine with the aromatics.
Add chopped peanuts to the mixture and continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes thick and caramelized.
Remove from heat and let the topping cool for 5 minutes until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the topping onto each citrus slice, spreading it evenly across the surface.
Garnish each piece with fresh cilantro leaves and optional thin chili slices for color and heat.
Serve immediately at room temperature or chill for 15 minutes before serving for a refreshing contrast.
Galloping Horses
4.3 (35)
Ma Ho is a classic sweet and savory appetizer featuring caramelized shallots, roasted peanuts, and aromatic ginger atop juicy citrus slices, creating a perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
medium
40 min
8 servings
Ingredients
0 of 9 checked
base
- 4 pieces orange, peeled and sliced into rounds
topping
- 6 pieces onions, finely minced shallots preferred
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger, fresh, finely minced
- 3 tablespoons honey, none
- 2 tablespoons fish-sauce, none
- 2 tablespoons vegetable-oil, none
garnish
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, fresh leaves
seasoning
- 1 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground (optional)
Chef Tips
expert advice•For the best flavor, use a mix of mandarin oranges and regular oranges to add complexity.
•The topping can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored separately, then assembled just before serving.
•If palm sugar is unavailable, honey works excellently as a substitute while maintaining authenticity.
•Adjust the fish sauce to taste depending on your preference for saltiness.
•For a vegetarian version, substitute soy sauce or tamari for fish sauce.
•The topping should be sticky and caramelized but not dry; if it becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of water while cooking.
•This dish can be served as an elegant appetizer or as part of a larger spread for special occasions.
