Craving a vibrant and flavorful Thai dish that's both quick to make and bursting with exciting tastes? Look no further than our Spicy Papaya Pork Stir-fry! This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and sour, thanks to the unique combination of ripe papaya's sweetness, tender pork, and a fiery blend of Thai chilies and aromatics. The satisfying crunch of the papaya contrasts beautifully with the soft pork, creating a textural delight in every bite. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a vibrant addition to your next gathering.
Imagine the tantalizing aroma of garlic, ginger, and chilies sizzling in a wok, the vibrant green papaya chunks mingling with succulent pork, all coated in a luscious, spicy sauce. Ready to experience the deliciousness for yourself? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create your own unforgettable Spicy Papaya Pork Stir-fry!
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Wok or large pan
Ingredients
- Curry paste ingredients
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Dried chilies: 5
- Lemongrass: 2 stalks, sliced
- Sesame seeds: ½ tablespoon, sliced
- Kaffir lime leaves: 3, sliced
- Green chili peppers: 5
- Shallots: 5 cloves, sliced
- Chinese garlic: 5 cloves
- Minced pork: 200 grams
- Fish sauce: ½ tablespoon
- Water: 1 ladle
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- White vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Seasoning powder: ½ teaspoon
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon
- Chopped papaya: 3 handfuls (about 200 grams)
- Basil leaves: 2 handfuls
- Spring onions: 2 stalks, chopped
- Hot rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Spicy Paste
- salt, dried chilies, lemongrass, sesame seeds, and kaffir lime leaves until finely mixed.
- Add green chili peppers, shallots, and garlic to the paste and pound again until finely mixed.
Step 2. Cook the Pork and Season
- Stir-fry the curry paste over low heat until fragrant.
- Add minced pork and stir-fry until cooked.
- Season with fish sauce, water, oyster sauce, white vinegar, seasoning powder, and sugar. Stir-fry until slightly mixed.
Step 3. Stir-fry the Papaya and Garnish
- Add chopped papaya and stir-fry until tender (about 1-2 minutes).
- Add basil leaves, kaffir lime leaves, and spring onions. Stir-fry until wilted.
Step 4. Serve
- Turn off the heat and serve hot with rice.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- This dish is even better when eaten with hot rice.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the pork with another protein?
Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. What if I don't have all the Thai ingredients?
Don't worry! You can substitute some ingredients. For example, you can use regular chilies instead of Thai chilies, or use fish sauce and soy sauce to mimic the umami flavor.
3. How do I make this dish less spicy?
Reduce the amount of chilies or remove the seeds before using them. You can also add a touch more sugar to balance the heat.
This Spicy Papaya Pork Stir-fry is a testament to the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine, offering a quick and satisfying meal that's both delicious and surprisingly easy to make. We hope you enjoyed this recipe and encourage you to experiment with different levels of spice to find your perfect balance. Now go forth and enjoy the fruits (and pork!) of your labor!