why make this recipe
Pork & Holy Basil Stir-Fry is a delicious and easy recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine to your home. It’s quick to make, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of ground pork and fragrant holy basil creates a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor. Plus, it pairs well with rice and can be topped with a fried egg for an extra treat!
how to make Pork & Holy Basil Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 shallots (thinly sliced)
- 7 cloves garlic (sliced)
- 3 Thai bird or holland chilies (de-seeded and thinly sliced)
- 1 pound ground pork (450g)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon thin/light soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
- 1/3 cup low sodium chicken broth or water
- Holy basil leaves (about 1 1/2 cups packed)
Directions:
- In a wok over medium high heat, add the oil, shallots, and garlic. Fry for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chilies and cook for another minute.
- Crank up the heat to high, and add the ground pork. Break it up into small bits and let it crisp up.
- Add sugar, fish sauce, thin/light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry for another minute.
- Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth or water. The liquid should cook off quickly due to the high heat.
- Finally, add the holy basil leaves and stir-fry until they are wilted.
- Serve this Pork Pad Kra Pao over rice. A fried egg on top is a delicious addition.
how to serve Pork & Holy Basil Stir-Fry
Serve Pork & Holy Basil Stir-Fry over a bed of steaming hot rice. You can add a fried egg on top for extra flavor and nutrition. Feel free to garnish with more fresh basil or sliced chilies if you like it spicy!
how to store Pork & Holy Basil Stir-Fry
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pan or microwave until heated through.
tips to make Pork & Holy Basil Stir-Fry
- Use fresh holy basil for the best flavor. If you can’t find it, Thai basil can be a good substitute.
- For more authentic taste, add a splash of lime juice or sprinkle some lime zest just before serving.
- Adjust the amount of chilies to suit your spice preference.
variation
You can make this recipe with chicken or beef instead of pork. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a vegetarian version, use tofu or a mix of vegetables and replace the fish sauce with soy sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular basil instead of holy basil?
Yes, you can use regular basil, but it won’t have the same unique flavor as holy basil.
2. What vegetables can I add to this stir-fry?
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture.
3. How spicy is this dish?
The level of spiciness depends on the type and amount of chilies you use. If you prefer less spice, remove the seeds from the chilies or use fewer chilies.
Pork & Holy Basil Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Method
- In a wok over medium high heat, add the oil, shallots, and garlic. Fry for 3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chilies and cook for another minute.
- Crank up the heat to high, and add the ground pork. Break it up into small bits and let it crisp up.
- Add sugar, fish sauce, thin/light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir-fry for another minute.
- Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth or water. The liquid should cook off quickly due to the high heat.
- Finally, add the holy basil leaves and stir-fry until they are wilted.
- Serve the Pork & Holy Basil Stir-Fry over rice, optionally topped with a fried egg and garnished with fresh basil or sliced chilies.