Craving a vibrant and flavorful dish that's both healthy and surprisingly easy to make? Look no further than this dry stir-fry featuring the fragrant magic of holy basil. Forget greasy takeout – this recipe delivers a burst of fresh basil flavor combined with savory minced pork, all achieved without a single drop of oil. The result is a light yet satisfying meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to your culinary repertoire. This recipe cleverly utilizes the natural moisture from the ingredients to create a wonderfully aromatic and tender stir-fry.
This dry stir-fry method is surprisingly simple and requires minimal cleanup. Forget the added calories and mess of excessive oil; this technique preserves the integrity of the ingredients, letting their natural flavors shine. Ready to experience the deliciousness for yourself? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and learn how to create this incredible dry basil stir-fry.
Tools Needed
- wok or frying pan
Ingredients
- Minced pork: 400 grams
- Dried chilies: 7
- Garlic (small Thai garlic): 2 cloves
- Holy basil leaves
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Light soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: a little
- Dark soy sauce: half a spoonful
- Sweetener (sugar): half a spoonful
- Seasoning powder: 1 teaspoon
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Minced Pork
- Boil minced pork in water until cooked.
- Once boiling, add the minced pork. Chop and boil until cooked.
- Stir-fry the minced pork in the water until dry. This helps prevent sticking.
Step 2. Sauté Aromatics and Season
- Add pounded chilies and garlic. Mix well and stir-fry with the minced pork.
- Add oyster sauce, light soy sauce, fish sauce, dark soy sauce, and sweetener. Adjust seasoning to taste. Add seasoning powder.
Step 3. Wilt the Holy Basil
- Add holy basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted and fragrant. Add more sweetener or sugar if desired.
Step 4. Combine and Finish
- Stir-fry until the basil is cooked and the flavors are combined.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Using water instead of oil significantly reduces sticking and makes the dish healthier.
- Adjust the amount of chilies to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Don't over-salt the dish, as it's difficult to correct later.
- The darker color of the basil adds to the dish's visual appeal.
- Adding green chili peppers provides a nice color contrast and additional flavor.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of basil?
While holy basil provides the best flavor profile for this dish, you can experiment with Thai basil or even regular sweet basil. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
2. What if my pork isn't fully cooked?
Ensure your pork is cooked through before adding the basil. If it's still pink, continue to stir-fry until cooked completely. Using leaner pork will help it cook faster and more evenly.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Consider adding garlic, ginger, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Add them along with the pork and adjust cooking time as needed.
This dry stir-fried holy basil with minced pork offers a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional oily stir-fries. The simplicity of the recipe makes it perfect for busy weeknights, while the vibrant flavors will impress even the most discerning palates. Enjoy this delicious and guilt-free meal!