15-minute Thai Basil Pork Stir-fry (Pad Kra Pao Pork)
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
7 mins
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Cook Time
8 mins
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Total Time
15 mins
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Servings
2
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Calories
434 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Thai
15-minute Thai Basil Pork Stir-fry (Pad Kra Pao Pork)
Description
This Thai Basil Pork Stir-fry uses ground pork as the protein, stir-fried with crunchy green beans, finely chopped red chilies, and garlic for a blend of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. The distinctive sauce is created by mixing fish sauce, light soy sauce, sweet kecap manis, oyster sauce, and some water, which together bring salty, sweet, and umami tones.
The pork is cooked thoroughly after briefly stir-frying the vegetables and aromatics, then the sauce is added to coat the meat and vegetables. Fresh basil leaves are stirred in last, wilting gently to release their fragrance, enhancing the dish's herbal depth. It is served alongside jasmine or coconut rice and optionally topped with a fried egg, adding richness and texture to the meal.
The recipe yields two servings but can be scaled up easily. Variations in protein choices such as chicken or beef are acceptable, as are substitutions in chili quantity to adjust spice levels. Using fresh green beans adds crunch, though frozen beans are an option. Holy basil is ideal for authenticity but regular basil works well if unavailable.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce light
- 1 tablespoon kecap manis sweet thick Indonesian soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 4 tablespoons water
- 5.5 ounces Green bean chopped into small lengths (1 to 2 inches, fresh
- 3 red chili pepper de-seeded and chopped finely (Use up to 6 chilis depending on desired spice level!, small
- 4 garlic crushed or chopped finely, cloves
- 7 ounces pork or chicken, turkey, beef!, minced
- ½ bunch basil Holy basil is great, but if you can't find it use regular basil (or Thai Basil if you like, fresh
to serve
- rice I like jasmine rice, or coconut) Use a microwavable pouch to save time, plain
- 2 egg Optional but recommended!, fried
Instructions
- Mix together the fish sauce, soy sauce, kecap manis, oyster sauce and water in a bowl or jug and set aside.
- Heat up a large drizzle of oil in a wok or stir-fry pan. Then stir-fry the green beans for a few minutes on a medium high heat. Add the chopped chilis and garlic and stir-fry for a couple more minutes. At this point, also start frying the eggs (if using).
- Add the pork and break up with a wooden spoon. Stir-fry until cooked (an additional few minutes).
- Pour in the sauce, stir well, then let bubble for a minute or two more.
- Stir in the basil until wilted, then serve with the rice (and a fried egg, if desired).
Notes
- This recipe serves two but can be doubled for four to five servings.
- If holy basil is unavailable, regular or Thai basil can be used as substitutes with slightly different flavors.
- Adjust chili quantity to suit your spice preference; extra chopped chili can be served on the side for more heat.
- If kecap manis is not available, mix light soy sauce with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup at a 1:2 ratio as a substitute.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 434 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 434kcal | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 24g | 8% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 11g | 55% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 235mg | 78% |
| Sodium | 1748mg | 73% |
| Potassium | 807mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 13g | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 1532IU | 31% |
| Vitamin C | 109mg | 121% |
| Calcium | 101mg | 10% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.