Craving a truly unique and flavorful Thai side dish? Look no further than this spicy stir-fry featuring crispy pork cartilage and fragrant basil. This recipe delivers a captivating textural experience, contrasting the satisfying crunch of the cartilage with the tender bite of vegetables and the vibrant heat of chili. Forget bland side dishes; this explosion of flavor will elevate any Thai meal, from curries to noodle dishes. The intense aroma of garlic, ginger, and fresh basil will tantalize your tastebuds, promising a culinary adventure unlike any other.
Prepare yourself for a delightful culinary journey as we guide you through each step of creating this incredible Spicy Pork Cartilage with Basil. From preparing the perfectly crisp cartilage to achieving the ideal balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, this recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, even for home cooks. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with this unforgettable Thai side dish.
Tools Needed
- Mortar and pestle
- Wok or large frying pan
Ingredients
- Thai garlic: 1 head
- Red chili peppers: 6
- Vegetable oil
- Red curry paste: 1 tablespoon
- Pork cartilage: 600 grams
- Galangal: 50 grams
- Water: 400 ml
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Fish sauce: 1/2 tablespoon
- Seasoning powder: 1/2 tablespoon
- White palm sugar: 1/2 tablespoon
- Young peppercorns
- Sliced chili peppers: 3
- Basil leaves
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Aromatics and Cook Pork Cartilage
- Pound 1 head of Thai garlic and 6 red chili peppers until fine.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan. Add the pounded garlic and chili mixture and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add 1 tablespoon of red curry paste and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add 600 grams of pork cartilage and stir-fry to combine.
- Add 50 grams of sliced galangal and stir-fry.
Step 2. Simmer and Season
- Add 400 ml of water.
- Season with 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1/2 tablespoon fish sauce, 1/2 tablespoon seasoning powder, and 1/2 tablespoon white palm sugar. Stir-fry until the pork is cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Add young peppercorns to taste.
Step 3. Add Fresh Herbs and Finish
- Add sliced chili peppers (about 3) and basil leaves to taste. Stir-fry to combine.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve hot.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers, sugar, and basil to your preferred spice and sweetness level.
- Don't add too much seasoning powder if your curry paste already contains salt.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Where can I find pork cartilage?
Pork cartilage is often found in Asian grocery stores, sometimes labeled as 'pork gristle' or 'crackling'. You may also find it at butcher shops; just ask!
2. Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely! Start with less chili and add more to taste. You can also control the heat by using milder chili varieties or removing some of the seeds before adding them to the stir-fry.
This Spicy Stir-Fried Pork Cartilage with Basil is a testament to the vibrant and exciting flavors of Thai cuisine. Its unique texture and bold taste will undoubtedly become a new favorite side dish, adding a surprising and delicious element to your next meal. So, gather your ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure – you won't be disappointed!