Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe

There's something magical about the aroma of garlic and Thai chilies hitting a hot wok, followed by tender ground pork and those bright green holy basil leaves. The Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe is one of those dishes that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your table faster than ordering takeout. Known in Thailand as Pad Kra Pao Moo, this Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe is a staple at street food stalls across Bangkok, loved for its bold, spicy kick and incredible simplicity.

If you've been craving authentic Thai flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe is your answer. With just a handful of ingredients and about 20 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-worthy meal that pairs beautifully with jasmine rice and a crispy fried egg. Trust me, once you master this Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe, it'll become your go-to weeknight dinner.

What Makes This Thai Street Food Classic Irresistible

This dish holds a special place in Thai cuisine as comfort food that never disappoints. Walk through any Bangkok street market around lunchtime, and you'll find vendors expertly tossing ground pork with holy basil over roaring flames, creating that signature smoky flavor called "wok hei." The combination of savory oyster sauce, pungent fish sauce, and fiery Thai chilies creates a flavor profile that's both complex and addictive. What sets this Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe apart is its perfect balance; the sweetness from a touch of sugar, the umami depth from sauces, and the fresh, peppery bite of holy basil leaves.

The beauty of this Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe lies in its versatility and speed. Unlike many traditional dishes that require special techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, this stir fry comes together in one pan with pantry staples you can find at most Asian grocery stores. It pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, works as a rice bowl topping, or can even be served over noodles for a heartier meal. The crispy fried egg on top isn't just garnish; it's an essential component that adds richness and helps mellow the spice while the runny yolk creates a natural sauce.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment Recommendations
• Storage & Meal Prep Tips
• The Wok Hei Secret That Changes Everything
• FAQ
• Wrapping Up This Thai Kitchen Essential
• Related
• Pairing
• Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry

• Ground pork ; provides the protein base and absorbs all the delicious sauce flavors
• Garlic, minced ; creates the aromatic foundation that's essential to Thai cooking
• Thai bird's eye chilies, chopped ; adjust based on your heat tolerance (substitute with jalapeños for less heat)
• Vegetable oil ; use a high-smoke-point oil for proper stir-frying
• Fresh Thai holy basil leaves ; the star ingredient (sweet basil works but has a different flavor profile)
• Shallot, thinly sliced ; adds sweetness and depth (substitute with red onion if needed)

For the Sauce

• Oyster sauce ; brings umami and slight sweetness
• Fish sauce ; provides that authentic salty, savory depth
• Soy sauce ; adds color and additional saltiness
• Sugar ; balances the salty and spicy elements
• Water or chicken broth ; helps create a light sauce consistency

For Serving

• Cucumber slices ; provides cooling contrast to the spicy pork
• Jasmine rice ; the traditional accompaniment that soaks up all the sauce
• Fried eggs ; one per serving, cooked crispy around the edges
• Lime wedges ; optional but adds a bright, fresh finish

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients and Sauce

1. Gather all ingredients and have them ready near your stove; stir-frying happens fast.
2. Mix together oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl and set aside.
3. Mince your garlic finely and chop the chilies (remove seeds if you want less heat).
4. Rinse and dry the Thai holy basil leaves, removing any tough stems.
5. Have your ground pork at room temperature for even cooking.

Stir-Fry the Aromatics and Pork

1. Heat your wok or large skillet over high heat until it's smoking hot.
2. Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan evenly.
3. Toss in the minced garlic and chilies, stirring constantly for about 15 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground pork immediately, breaking it up with your spatula.
5. Let the pork sit undisturbed for 30 seconds to develop some browning, then stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
6. Add the sliced shallots and continue cooking for another minute.

Add Sauce and Basil

1. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cooked pork and stir well to combine.
2. Let everything cook together for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
3. Turn off the heat and immediately add the fresh Thai basil leaves.
4. Toss quickly just until the basil wilts; this takes only 10-15 seconds.
5. The residual heat will finish cooking the basil while keeping its bright color and peppery flavor.

Serve Hot Over Rice

1. Break the egg yolk and mix it into the rice and pork for the ultimate experience.
2. While the pork is cooking, fry your eggs in a separate pan with crispy edges and runny yolks.
3. Spoon the hot Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe over a bed of steamed jasmine rice.
4. Top each serving with a fried egg and serve with lime wedges and cucumber slices on the side.

Expert Cooking Tips

• Master the high heat technique. The key to authentic Thai stir-fry is cooking over very high heat. This creates that smoky, slightly charred flavor that restaurants achieve with powerful wok burners. Don't crowd your pan; if your stove isn't powerful enough, cook in batches to maintain the temperature. A properly heated wok should be smoking before you add oil.
• Choose the right basil. Thai holy basil (bai krapao) has a peppery, almost clove-like flavor that's different from sweet Italian basil. If you can't find holy basil, Thai sweet basil is the next best option. Regular Italian basil will work in a pinch but won't give you that authentic taste. Add basil at the very end to preserve its flavor and vibrant color.
• Don't overcook your pork. Ground pork cooks quickly and can become dry if left too long. Break it into small pieces for faster cooking and better sauce absorption. The pork should just lose its pink color; remember it will continue cooking slightly after you remove it from heat.
• Balance your sauce ratios. Start with the measurements provided, then adjust to your taste. If it's too salty, add a bit more sugar and water. Too bland? Add more fish sauce. The sauce should coat the meat lightly without pooling at the bottom of your bowl.
• Prep everything before cooking. This is crucial for stir-frying success. Once you start cooking, things happen fast, and you won't have time to chop garlic or measure sauces. Have all ingredients measured, chopped, and within arm's reach.
• Get your rice timing right. Start cooking your jasmine rice before you begin the stir-fry. The pork cooks in under 10 minutes, so your rice should be ready when the dish is done. Cold leftover rice actually works great too and won't get mushy.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

Protein Swaps

• Try ground chicken for a lighter option. Pad Kra Pao Gai is just as popular in Thailand and slightly leaner than pork. You can also use ground beef, turkey, or even make a vegetarian version with crumbled firm tofu or mushrooms. Each protein absorbs the Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe sauce differently, so you might need to adjust cooking times slightly.

Heat Level Adjustments

• Control the spice to match your preference. Start with just one or two chilies if you're sensitive to heat, or go up to seven for authentic Thai street food fire. You can also use bell peppers for color without heat, or add chili garlic paste instead of fresh chilies for a different flavor dimension.

Sauce Modifications

• Make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of regular soy sauce and checking that your oyster sauce is gluten-free (or substitute with mushroom sauce). For a lower-sodium version, reduce the fish sauce by half and add more fresh lime juice at the end for brightness.

Carb Options

• Beyond traditional jasmine rice, this Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe works wonderfully over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, rice noodles for a different texture, or even quinoa for added protein. Some people love it as a lettuce wrap filling for a lighter meal.

Vegetable Additions

• Bulk up your meal with sliced bell peppers, green beans, or baby corn added during the stir-fry step. These vegetables add crunch and nutrition without overwhelming the signature basil flavor. Just add them after the pork is halfway cooked so everything finishes together.

Equipment Recommendations

• Carbon steel wok or large cast-iron skillet ; essential for achieving high heat and that authentic smoky flavor. A 14-inch wok is ideal for this Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe
• Long-handled metal spatula or wok turner ; helps you toss ingredients quickly without burning your hands
• Small prep bowls ; organize your ingredients for quick stir-frying success
• Rice cooker or heavy-bottomed pot ; for perfectly cooked jasmine rice every time
• Non-stick frying pan ; specifically for those crispy-edged fried eggs
• Sharp chef's knife ; makes mincing garlic and slicing shallots quick work

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. The basil will darken slightly but the flavor remains delicious. Keep the rice separate from the pork mixture to prevent it from getting soggy. Reheat in a hot skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.

Freezing Instructions

• This dish freezes reasonably well for up to 2 months, though the basil loses some of its vibrant color. Portion into individual servings before freezing for easy weeknight meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly. I recommend adding fresh basil when reheating if you have it available.

Meal Prep Strategy

• You can prep the sauce mixture and chop all aromatics up to 2 days ahead, storing them separately in the fridge. The pork stir-fry itself is best cooked fresh, but having everything prepped means dinner comes together in just 10 minutes on busy nights.

FAQ

Wrapping Up This Thai Kitchen Essential

This Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn't require complicated techniques or hours of cooking. With just a handful of ingredients and one hot pan, you've got a restaurant-quality meal that satisfies those Thai food cravings any night of the week. The combination of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors makes every bite exciting, while the simplicity of the cooking method means you'll actually make this Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe regularly.

Once you've mastered this classic Thai Basil Minced Pork Recipe, your weeknight dinner routine will never be the same. Serve it alongside other comfort food favorites like our hearty Spicy Black Eyed Pea Soup Recipe for a warming meal, or try our Buffalo Chicken Soup Recipe when you're craving something different but equally satisfying. Each dish brings its own bold flavors to the table, proving that quick cooking doesn't mean sacrificing taste.

Happy cooking & see you in the next recipe-By Lisa Johnson 🌸

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