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Plate of Thai Basil Pork (Pad Kra Pao Moo) garnished with basil leaves, served with a fried egg.

Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry (Pad Kra Pao Moo)

Thai Basil Pork, or Pad Kra Pao Moo, is a beloved street food dish bursting with flavor and character. This savory stir-fry combines tender ground pork, fragrant garlic, spicy chilies, and the unique aroma of Thai basil. It's a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing friends at your next gathering. The combination of spicy, sweet, and savory notes makes it irresistible, leaving you craving more with every bite. Get ready to bring the vibrant flavors of Thailand to your kitchen!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Pork
Cuisine: Thai
Keyword: Thai Basil Pork
Servings: 4 Serving
Calories: 350kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2-3 Thai bird's eye chilies finely chopped
  • 1 small onion sliced
  • 1 cup Thai basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Steamed jasmine rice for serving

Instructions

  •  Preparing the Ingredients: First, gather all your ingredients. Mince the garlic, chop the chilies, and slice the onion. It's crucial to have everything ready before you start cooking, as this dish comes together quickly. The garlic and chilies provide the base flavors, while the onion adds a subtle sweetness. Pay special attention to the Thai basil leaves, ensuring they are fresh and fragrant, as they are the star ingredient that will elevate the dish.
  • Cooking the Pork: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped chilies, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add the ground pork. Break the pork into smaller pieces with a spatula, cooking until it's no longer pink. This process should take about 5-7 minutes. The garlic and chilies infuse the pork with intense flavors, creating a savory base.
  • Adding the Sauces Next, stir in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. These sauces perfectly balance sweet, salty, and umami flavors. Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the pork is evenly coated with the sauce. Add a tablespoon of water to help the sauce meld with the pork. The sauces should create a slightly thickened, glossy coating on the pork.
  • Incorporating the Onion: Add the sliced onion to the skillet, stirring for another 2-3 minutes until it becomes tender. The onion adds a slight crunch and sweetness, complementing the spicy and savory elements of the dish. Ensure the onion is well incorporated but retains a bit of its texture for a balanced bite.
  • Adding Thai Basil: Finally, add the Thai basil leaves, stirring just until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. As the basil hits the hot skillet, listen for the sizzle and inhale the aromatic burst. The heat from the skillet will release the basil's essential oils, creating an irresistible fragrance. This final step combines all the flavors, making the dish unique.
  • Serving: the Thai Basil Pork hot over steamed jasmine rice. Serving the dish hot over steamed jasmine rice is crucial as the rice absorbs the flavorful sauce, making each bite a delicious blend of textures and flavors. You can also top it with a fried egg for an authentic touch. The rich, runny yolk adds a luxurious element to the dish, enhancing its overall appeal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 850mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g
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