Craving a quick, flavorful, and authentic Thai dish? Look no further than stir-fried minced pork with basil (Pad Krapao Moo)! This vibrant recipe delivers a delicious punch of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors in under 30 minutes. Imagine tender minced pork, fragrant basil leaves, and a perfectly balanced sauce all coming together in a symphony of tastes. It's the perfect weeknight meal, easy enough for beginners yet satisfying enough for seasoned cooks. The combination of garlic, chili, and fish sauce creates a rich and complex taste that's both addictive and incredibly satisfying.
This incredibly versatile dish can be adjusted to your spice preference, and you can even add other vegetables like bell peppers or onions for extra texture and nutrition. Ready to experience the magic of Pad Krapao Moo? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step instructions below to create this delicious Thai masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Small pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- Ground pork (minced pork): Enough for 2 people
- Onion: 1
- Garlic: Several cloves, crushed
- Chili peppers
- Roasted chili paste
- Palm sugar: A little
- Oyster sauce: A little (optional)
- Basil leaves
- Rice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Aromatics
- Pick basil leaves. (If using homegrown basil, as in the video, simply take the stems).
- Cut the onion into pieces. (Size doesn't matter).
Step 2. Cook the Pork
- Place the pan over medium heat. Add garlic and chili peppers, stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the minced pork and stir-fry until cooked.
- Add roasted chili paste and stir-fry until well mixed with the pork.
- Add the onions and continue to stir-fry.
- Season with palm sugar and oyster sauce (optional). Stir-fry until well blended.
Step 3. Add Basil and Finish
- Add basil leaves and stir-fry on high heat until wilted.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy with rice!
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- Adjust the amount of onions based on your preference for sweetness. More onions = sweeter dish.
- The recipe uses Chua Huad Seng brand chili paste. Feel free to substitute with your preferred brand.
- If you have a lot of basil, feel free to add more!
Nutrition
- Calories: 500-600
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 50-60g
- Protein: 25-30g
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the minced pork with another type of meat?
Yes! Ground chicken or turkey work well as substitutes. Keep in mind the cooking time might need slight adjustment.
2. What if I don't have fresh basil?
Dried basil can be used, but use about 1/3 the amount. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
This Stir-Fried Minced Pork with Basil recipe is a testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of Thai cuisine. With minimal ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy an authentic-tasting meal in no time. So, gather your ingredients and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!