Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant street markets of Thailand! This Ground Pork Stir Fry with Holy Basil is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines the aromatic punch of fresh holy basil with savory ground pork in a dish so authentic, you'll feel like you're dining in the heart of Bangkok. In just 25 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cups fresh holy basil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by mincing garlic, slicing red bell pepper, and washing holy basil leaves. Have all ingredients ready near the cooking station.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is visibly hot.
- Add minced garlic to the hot oil and stir-fry quickly for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add ground pork to the wok, breaking it up with a wooden spatula or spoon. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring continuously until the pork is browned and no longer pink.
- Add sliced red bell peppers and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the peppers to soften slightly.
- Pour in soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Stir to combine and distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat.
- Remove the wok from heat and immediately add fresh holy basil leaves. Toss quickly to wilt the basil and release its aromatic oils.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional soy sauce or fish sauce.
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, garnishing with extra holy basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Holy Basil is Key: Traditional Thai holy basil (called "kaprao") has a unique peppery flavor different from sweet basil. If you can't find it, Thai basil is a good substitute.
- High Heat is Essential: Ensure your wok or skillet is very hot before adding ingredients to achieve that classic "wok hei" flavor and prevent steaming instead of stir-frying.
- Prep Everything in Advance: Stir-frying happens quickly, so have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain high heat and ensure proper browning of the ground pork.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh garlic and just-picked holy basil for the most authentic and vibrant flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
