This vibrant stir-fry of cauliflower and pork belly is a flavour explosion, perfectly balancing the sweetness of the pork with the subtle earthiness of the cauliflower. The fragrant curry paste infuses every bite with a rich, aromatic depth, creating a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Forget bland vegetables; this recipe elevates cauliflower to a star ingredient, transforming it into a satisfying and surprisingly elegant meal. Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pork belly adds a luxurious touch, while simple seasonings allow the natural flavours to shine.
Ready to create this delicious and surprisingly easy dish? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to making this unforgettable cauliflower and pork belly stir-fry, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You'll be amazed at how quickly this flavour-packed meal comes together!
Tools Needed
- wok or large pan
Ingredients
- Pork belly: 300 grams
- Cauliflower: 300 grams
- Red curry paste
- Vegetable oil
- Fish sauce: 1-2 tablespoons
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Nua powder: optional
- White sugar: ½ tablespoon (or to taste)
- Water
- Young chili peppers: to taste
- Shredded kaffir lime leaves
- Basil leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Aromatics
- Cut pork belly into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan. Add red curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant and oily (about 100 grams of oil).
Step 2. Cook the Pork Belly and Build Flavor
- Add pork belly and stir-fry until cooked and soft, and the curry paste separates beautifully. Add a little fish sauce to help stir-frying.
- Add water.
- Season with fish sauce, oyster sauce, Nua powder (optional), and white sugar (adjust to taste).
Step 3. Stir-fry the Cauliflower
- Add cauliflower (cut into pieces and washed). Stir-fry until cooked.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add young chili peppers (green or red), shredded kaffir lime leaves, and basil leaves.
- Serve hot over rice.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Stir-frying the pork belly with the curry paste ensures it's bouncy, soft, and infused with flavor. The curry paste penetrates the pork, making it tender and aromatic.
- Washing the cauliflower before cooking is important.
- Adding basil leaves enhances the overall aroma and makes the dish more appetizing.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork belly?
Yes! Chicken thighs, beef, or even tofu would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed for different meats.
2. What if I don't have all the ingredients in the curry paste?
Don't worry! You can substitute with similar spices. For example, you can use a combination of turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili flakes to approximate the flavour.
This Stir-fried Cauliflower with Curry Paste & Pork Belly recipe is a testament to the magic of simple ingredients elevated by bold flavors. The result is a dish that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to make, perfect for any skill level. Enjoy this delicious and versatile stir-fry as a weeknight meal or a delightful addition to your next dinner party.