This vibrant stir-fry, featuring the fragrant holy basil and the unique texture of banana blossom, offers a delicious glimpse into the heart of Thai cuisine. It's a surprisingly simple dish to recreate at home, delivering a complex interplay of savory, sweet, and slightly bitter flavors. The slightly sweet banana blossom provides a fascinating textural contrast to the tender pork, all brought together by the aromatic punch of holy basil. Forget complicated Thai takeout; this recipe allows you to experience authentic Thai tastes without the fuss.
This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal, showcasing the freshness of readily available ingredients. The balanced flavors and enticing aroma will transform your kitchen into a mini Thai restaurant. Ready to bring the taste of Thailand to your table? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create this incredible stir-fried pork dish together.
Tools Needed
- Pan
- Mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- Banana blossom
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
- Lemon: 1
- Fresh red chili
- Garlic: 5 cloves
- Holy basil
- Pork loin
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Sugar
- Dark soy sauce
- MSG
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Cut the head of the banana blossom. Soak it in a mixture of 1 teaspoon of salt and the juice of 1 lemon until the salt dissolves.
- Cut the banana blossom into bite-sized pieces. The size is up to your preference.
- Soak the cut banana blossom in salt water and lemon juice for 5-10 minutes.
- Pound fresh red chilies and 5 cloves of garlic until finely minced.
- Cut the pork loin into thin bite-sized pieces (or mince it).
Step 2. Stir-fry the Meat and Aromatics
- Heat oil in a pan, add the pounded chilies and garlic, and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the pork and stir-fry until cooked.
Step 3. Add Vegetables and Season
- Add the banana blossom and stir-fry.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, dark soy sauce (optional), and MSG (optional). Stir-fry until well combined.
- Add the holy basil and stir-fry until wilted and fragrant.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve immediately.
Read more: Thai Basil Pork: A Quick & Easy Recipe (with Fried Egg!)
Tips
- If banana blossom pieces are too large, cut them into smaller, more even pieces.
- Wash and clean the holy basil before using.
- You can substitute minced pork if preferred.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 400-500
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 25-35g
- Protein: 25-35g
FAQs
1. Where can I find banana blossoms?
Banana blossoms are often found in Asian grocery stores, sometimes in the produce section or with other Southeast Asian vegetables. You may also find them at farmers' markets that specialize in international produce.
2. Can I substitute the pork?
Yes! Chicken, beef, or even tofu would work well as substitutes. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as chicken and tofu will cook faster than pork.
This Stir-fried Pork with Holy Basil and Banana Blossom recipe delivers a burst of authentic Thai flavor in minutes. Enjoy the satisfying combination of textures and tastes – a perfect weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for guests. Now go forth and impress your friends and family with your newfound Thai culinary skills!