I first came across this Chilli and Basil Pork Mince dish in Thanin Market in Chiang Mai, Thailand, when I was visiting with some friends. From there, this ground pork became a staple dish for the entire visit along with Moo Ping (BBQ honey and soy pork slivers on a bamboo stick) because it was both delicious and ridiculously cheap!

Amazingly Easy Chilli and Basil Pork Mince
This Chilli and Basil Pork Mince dish is full of flavor, and has a strong aromatic component giving its exotic taste of spices.
Ingredients
1 pound ground pork (minced pork)
1 large yellow onion
1 lump ginger - 1 inch cubed
3 cloves garlic
1 fistful basil - basil leaves
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 tablespoons soy sauce - dark or blended
1 tablespoon oyster sauce - naaman hoi oyster sauce
2 teaspoons fish sauce - naam pla fish sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
½ tablespoon sugar (white sugar)
Instructions
- Start by chopping up the onion, garlic cloves, ginger and chillies.
- Heat the oil in the wok and then add the garlic, ginger and chilli, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once fragrant, add the chopped onion and stir again.
- While the onion is in the pan, break up the pork mince. As the onion is beginning to soften and go translucent, add the mince and stir constantly until browned.
- Add the soy, oyster and nam pla and stir well. Cook for a minute or two until the sauces are heated through, and then add the basil (I prefer it roughly chopped) and stir once more, adding the sugar to taste.
- Turn the heat out and add the sesame oil and stir one final time just before serving (sesame oil burns at a relatively low temperature for oil) to add that extra familiar aromatic boost.
- Serve with boiled rice (jasmine is fine, but basmati with a bit of bite left in it is preferential), and for the authentic touch, place a fried egg on top (crispy around the edges but with a runny yolk). KAI DAO!!!
Nutrition
Calories: 409kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 22gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 1181mgPotassium: 539mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 344IUVitamin C: 53mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 2mg
How did this recipe turn out for you?We’re eager to hear your thoughts!