Hey there foodies! Are you looking to bring the flavors of Thailand into your kitchen? Look no further than this mouth-watering Thai Basil Pork recipe. A popular Thai dish, also known as Pad Kra Pao, this dish is often found at street food stalls, Thai restaurants, and even in households across the country.
Thai cuisine is known for its bold and unique flavors, and this recipe is no exception. The key ingredient in this dish is Thai basil, a type of basil with a distinct peppery flavor that sets it apart from regular basil. Combined with minced pork and spicy Thai chilis, this dish packs a punch of flavor that will transport you straight to the streets of Chiang Mai.
But don’t worry, this recipe is beginner-friendly, and it’s the perfect opportunity to try Thai cooking for the first time. All you need is a large skillet or frying pan, some ground meat (pork, beef, or chicken), and a few staple ingredients that you can find at your local supermarket.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this Thai Basil Pork recipe:
- Minced pork (or other ground meat of your choice)
- Thai basil
- Thai chilis
- Garlic
- Green beans or long beans
- Fish sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Light soy sauce
- Dark soy sauce
- Brown sugar or palm sugar
- Sweet soy sauce (optional)
- Jasmine rice or sticky rice
- Fried egg (optional)
Now, let’s get started with this Thai basil stir-fry recipe.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, it’s important to prepare all of your ingredients. Chop the garlic and Thai chilis into small pieces, and trim the ends of the green beans or long beans. In a small bowl, mix together the fish sauce, oyster sauce, light soy sauce, and brown sugar.
Cooking the Meat
Heat up a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil and swirl to coat the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the garlic and Thai chilis and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the minced pork (or other ground meat) and stir-fry until cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go.
Adding the Vegetables
Add the green beans or long beans to the pan and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until they start to soften.
Sauce Time
Pour the sauce mixture over the meat and vegetables, and stir to combine. Continue to stir-fry for another minute or two until the sauce has thickened and coated everything in the pan.
Thai Basil
Now it’s time to add the star ingredient – Thai basil. Tear the leaves off the stems and add them to the pan, stirring until the basil is wilted and fragrant.
Final Touches
If you’re feeling fancy, you can top the dish with a fried egg for some extra protein and flavor. Serve the Thai Basil Pork hot over a bed of jasmine rice or sticky rice.
Recipe Variations
If you’re not a fan of pork, you can substitute it with ground chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also swap out the green beans for other vegetables like bell peppers or onions.
Thai Cooking Tips
If you’re new to Thai cooking, there are a few key ingredients to have on hand. In addition to the sauces used in this recipe, you’ll want to stock up on Thai holy basil (if you can find it), coconut milk lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. These ingredients are commonly used in Thai recipes and will help you achieve the authentic flavors of Thai cuisine.
When cooking Thai food, it’s important to use the right type of heat. Most Thai recipes call for medium-high to high heat, so make sure your pan is hot before adding the ingredients. Stir-fry quickly and constantly to avoid overcooking the meat and vegetables.
Lastly, if you’re looking to take your Thai cooking to the next level, consider taking a cooking class or watching online tutorials. Thai cooking can be intimidating at first, but with some practice and guidance, you’ll be able to create delicious and authentic Thai dishes at home.
As always, make sure to taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this Thai basil pork recipe your own. Enjoy the bold and delicious flavors of Thai cuisine in the comfort of your own home.
If you enjoyed this Thai basil pork recipe, be sure to check out other popular Thai dishes like pad krapow (Thai basil chicken recipe) and green curry. I have several other Asian cuisine recipes on my site as well, including Guyanese Curry Chicken, Guyanese Black Cake and Guyanese Sponge Cake. So be sure to check those out as well.
Now, let’s get cooking and savor the taste of Thailand with this delectable Thai basil pork recipe!
Thai Basil Pork
Looking for a quick and flavorful dinner? Look no further than this delicious Thai Basil Pork recipe! Ground pork is cooked with garlic, bell pepper, and onion, then tossed with a savory sauce made of fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar, and finished off with fresh Thai basil leaves for an aromatic touch. Serve it over steamed rice for a satisfying meal that's sure to please!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 Thai chilies, sliced (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup Thai basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Steamed rice, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and Thai chilies (if using) and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a spatula.
- Add the bell pepper and onion to the pan and continue to cook until the vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the sauce over the pork and vegetables and stir to coat.
- Add the Thai basil leaves to the pan and stir until wilted.
- Serve the Thai basil pork hot over steamed rice.
Notes
- If you don't have ground pork, you can also use ground chicken or beef instead.
- Adjust the amount of Thai chilies according to your desired level of spiciness. You can also omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Be sure to use Thai basil leaves for this recipe, as they have a distinct flavor that sets this dish apart. Regular basil can be used as a substitute if Thai basil is not available, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- To save time, you can chop the garlic, bell pepper, and onion in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 485Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 1353mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 32g