Spicy Basil Pork Stir Fry, known in Thailand as *Pad Krapow Moo Saap*, is an iconic dish that embodies the fundamentals of Thai cuisine—bold flavors, aromatic herbs, and a balance of sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy elements. It’s a dish that is both incredibly simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.
This recipe draws its inspiration from authentic Thai street food, where variations of basil stir-fry can be found sizzling in hot woks along busy streets. It’s a staple meal in the country, often served with steamed jasmine rice and topped with a crispy fried egg (*kai dao*). The combination of fragrant holy basil, rich and savory minced pork, and fiery chili garlic paste creates a mouthwatering experience that is both comforting and exciting.
One of the key ingredients in this dish is basil. While there are several types of basil used in Southeast Asian cooking, Thai basil (*horapa*) and holy basil (*krapow*) are the most common. Holy basil has a slightly more peppery and clove-like flavor compared to the anise-like sweetness of Thai basil. Traditional versions of this dish use holy basil, but since it’s not always readily available outside Thailand, Thai basil or even Italian basil can make a good substitute.
In Thai culture, basil is often associated with dishes that are meant to be energizing and invigorating. The herb is believed to have medicinal properties, aiding digestion and providing a natural boost to the immune system.
One of the best things about Spicy Basil Pork Stir Fry is how quickly and easily it comes together. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking, you can have a flavorful meal that tastes like something straight out of a Thai kitchen. The combination of minced pork, garlic, ginger, and crunchy water chestnuts provides layers of texture, while the sauce—a mix of soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and chili garlic paste—creates that signature sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavor profile.
This dish is extremely versatile and can be adapted in various ways. You can swap pork for chicken, beef, or even tofu for a plant-based version. If you prefer more heat, adding extra chili or using fresh Thai bird’s eye chilies can turn up the spice level.
For those looking for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal during busy weeknights, this Spicy Basil Pork Stir Fry is an excellent choice. Since it requires minimal preparation and can be cooked in under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for home cooks who want big flavors with minimal effort. Pair it with steamed rice and a fried egg for a complete, authentic Thai-style meal.
Whether you’re a fan of Thai cuisine or just looking for a new stir-fry recipe to try, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite. Its simplicity, bold flavors, and adaptability make it a winning recipe for any occasion.
Spicy Basil Pork Stir Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
1 pound ground pork (minced pork)
2 tablespoon ginger
4 cloves garlic- 5 ounces water chestnuts
1 splash vegetable oil
1 handful basil
3 sprigs green onions (scallions or green shallots) - chopped
Sauce Ingredients
½ cup chicken stock (chicken broth or chicken bouillon)- 1 teaspoon chili garlic paste
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
2 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
4 tablespoons lime juice
Instructions
- Mix all your sauce ingredients.
- Now, chop up the garlic, ginger, and water chestnuts.
- Heat the pan on medium-high, drizzle some oil in there, and toss in the garlic, ginger and chestnuts. Cook until the garlic and ginger become fragrant for about a minute.
- Throw the meat in the pan, make sure it is cooked well.
- After it’s cooked, stir in the sauce, making sure everything is coated thoroughly. Do that for a minute or so, turn off the heat, toss in the green onions and basil and enjoy!
