This vibrant stir-fry brings together tender pork and fresh basil for a quick, flavorful meal inspired by Thai street food. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and easy to prepare.
Prep Time10 min
Cook Time15 min
Total Time25 min
Difficulty
Easy
Expert Cooking Tips
Use fresh Thai basil for the best flavor and aroma.
Cook the pork on high heat to get a nice sear and keep it tender.
Add chili peppers gradually to adjust the spice level to your taste.
Ingredients
0/12
Why You'll Want This Again
Packed with bold flavors that balance savory pork with the fresh, aromatic taste of basil. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. The combination of spicy, sweet, and salty notes creates a satisfying meal that feels both comforting and exciting.
Step 1
Gently heat some oil in a wok or a large pan over high heat. Toss in the garlic and chili peppers, cooking them just until the garlic starts to turn golden—this should take about 30 seconds. Then, add the pork and stir it around until it’s nicely browned, which usually takes about 3 minutes. Pour in the dark soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and fish sauce, and keep stirring everything until the sauce reduces by about half, around 3 minutes.
Step 2
Stir in the chili paste, onion, and bell pepper. Cook everything together until the pork is fully cooked through and the veggies have softened a bit, about 5 to 6 minutes. Finally, throw in the basil leaves and season with some pepper. Give it one last good stir so all the flavors come together, and you’re ready to serve.
350
people cooked this recipe
ByDaniel Wilson
Daniel focuses on practical recipes with clear steps and familiar ingredients.
How To Present This Dish
Serve this stir-fry hot over steamed jasmine rice or alongside sticky rice for an authentic touch. It pairs well with a light cucumber salad or a simple vegetable soup to balance the rich flavors.
How To Freeze This Dish
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan to keep the pork tender and the basil fresh. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the basil may suffer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork?
Yes, chicken or beef can be used as substitutes, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I use if I don’t have Thai basil leaves?
Sweet basil or holy basil can work as alternatives, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How spicy is this dish?
It’s moderately spicy due to the hot chile peppers and chili paste, but you can reduce the chiles to make it milder.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days and reheat gently.
What can I serve with this stir-fry?
Steamed jasmine rice or noodles pair well to balance the flavors.
Is there a vegetarian version I can make?
Yes, replace pork with tofu or mushrooms and use vegetarian fish sauce alternatives.
How do I know when the pork is fully cooked?
Pork should be browned and no longer pink inside, usually after about 8-10 minutes total cooking time.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce?
Regular soy sauce can be used, but it will change the color and sweetness slightly; consider adding a little sugar to balance.
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