Craving a flavorful and aromatic noodle dish that’s both quick to make and bursting with fresh Thai flavors? Look no further than this recipe for Stir-fried Wide Noodles with Minced Pork and Holy Basil! This vibrant dish combines the satisfying chewiness of wide rice noodles with the savory richness of minced pork, all elevated by the unique, slightly peppery aroma of holy basil. The simple yet powerful sauce balances sweet, salty, and spicy notes perfectly, creating a symphony of taste in every bite. It’s the perfect weeknight meal for busy cooks who still want a restaurant-quality experience.
This recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for novice cooks. We’ll guide you through each step, from preparing the ingredients to achieving the ideal balance of flavors and textures. Ready to embark on a culinary journey to Thailand? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Minced pork
- Red chili peppers: 10
- Garlic cloves: 4
- Holy basil leaves
- Wide noodles: 1 cup
- Light soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Soy sauce
- Granulated sugar
- Oil
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Cook Pork
- Pound the chili and garlic in a mortar and pestle.
- Heat a little oil in a pan. Add the pounded chili and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the minced pork and continue stir-frying.
- Add water used to rinse the mortar and pestle, and stir-fry until the pork is cooked.
Step 2. Stir-fry Noodles and Season
- Add the wide noodles and seasoning (light soy sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, and granulated sugar). Stir-fry until well combined.
Step 3. Add Holy Basil and Finish
- Add the holy basil leaves and stir-fry until wilted and fragrant.
- Turn off the heat and serve.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- If the minced pork is pale, soak it in water before using.
- Adjust the amount of chili to your preferred spice level.
- If noodles are stuck together, separate them with your hands.
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-700
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 70-90g
- Protein: 25-35g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the holy basil?
Yes! Thai basil or even regular basil can be used, though the flavor will be slightly different. Holy basil has a unique peppery note that's hard to replicate.
2. What if I don't have wide rice noodles?
You can use other noodles, such as flat rice noodles or even spaghetti, but wide rice noodles provide the best texture for this dish. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
This Stir-fried Wide Noodles with Minced Pork and Holy Basil recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The fragrant holy basil and flavorful sauce will transport your taste buds to Thailand with every bite. Enjoy this simple yet impressive dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with your favorite additions!