Fragrant Herb Roasted Pork offers a delightful twist on traditional roasted pork, infusing succulent meat with the vibrant aromas of classic Thai herbs. This recipe elevates a simple roast to a culinary masterpiece, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Imagine tender, juicy pork, its skin crackling with delicious crispness, infused with the fragrant notes of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. The rich, savory flavors are balanced perfectly, creating a dish that's both satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare. Forget dry, bland roasts; this recipe guarantees a mouthwatering result that will impress even the most discerning palates.
The beautiful blend of herbs not only adds incredible depth of flavor but also lends a stunning visual appeal to the finished dish. This recipe is surprisingly versatile, adapting easily to your preferred level of spice and herb intensity. Ready to create your own culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and transform a simple pork roast into an unforgettable Thai-inspired feast.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Knife
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Fatty pork (pork shoulder)
- Basil leaves
- Lemongrass
- Thai chili (crushed)
- Kaffir lime leaves
- Shallots
- Galangal
- Jinda chili
- Green chili peppers
- Garlic
- Young peppercorns
- Oyster sauce
- Fish sauce
- Green cap seasoning sauce (or white sesame)
- Granulated sugar
- Black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients & Marinate Pork
- Cut the pork shoulder into small pieces. Remove and clean basil leaves.
- Chop lemongrass and chili into thin strips. Crush Thai chili. Chop kaffir lime leaves, shallots, galangal, Jinda chili, and green chilies.
- In a bowl, combine oyster sauce, fish sauce, green cap seasoning sauce (or white sesame), granulated sugar, and a little black pepper. Mix well.
- Add about half a tablespoon of the sauce to the pork and marinate for 5-10 minutes.
Step 2. Stir-Fry the Pork and Aromatics
- Heat a pan, add the marinated pork, and stir-fry until browned and slightly crispy.
- Add the crushed chili, other herbs (galangal, lemongrass, etc.), garlic, and shallots. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the young peppercorns, sliced red and green chilies. Stir-fry until cooked.
Step 3. Combine and Simmer in Sauce
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir-fry until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add the basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted.
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Using a non-stick pan or iron pan is recommended.
- Slightly burnt pork adds to the dish's unique flavor.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your preference.
- Fatty pork is recommended for juiciness.
- High heat stir-frying helps to retain the juiciness of the pork.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 500-600
- Fat: 40-50g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use other herbs besides those listed in the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other fragrant herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil. Adjust quantities to your taste.
2. How do I ensure the pork is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking to ensure juiciness.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the pork can be roasted a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before stir-frying. The stir-fry itself is best made fresh.
This Fragrant Herb Roasted Pork recipe delivers a delicious and aromatic Thai-inspired meal that's surprisingly easy to make. From the crackling skin to the perfectly tender meat infused with fragrant herbs, this dish is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy the delightful flavors and share this recipe with your loved ones!