I make basil pork when I want something comforting yet light. It’s excellent with hot steamed rice and a fried egg—breaking the yolk and letting it mingle with the stir-fry is irresistible. This recipe is quick enough for busy weekdays and simple enough for a casual lunch, which is why I keep returning to it.
What is Basil Pork?
Basil pork is a fast stir-fry of ground pork flavored with fresh basil, garlic, and chiles. Inspired by Thai pad kra pao, this version is straightforward and uses pantry-friendly ingredients. The basil gives the dish a fragrant, slightly peppery finish that lifts the savory pork.
Ingredients for Basil Pork
Below are the ingredients and how each contributes to the dish:
- Ground pork (1 pound) – The main protein; a little fat improves flavor and juiciness.
- Dark soy sauce (3 tablespoons) – Adds color, saltiness, and depth.
- Fish sauce (2 ½ tablespoons) – Brings savory, umami complexity typical of Southeast Asian cooking.
- Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced) – Aromatic base for the stir-fry.
- Bird’s eye chili (1 tablespoon, minced) – Provides heat; adjust to taste or deseed for milder spice.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon) – Balances the salty and savory elements.
- Holy basil or Thai basil (1 cup) – The signature herb; holy basil is more peppery, Thai basil is a fine substitute.
- Bell peppers (½ cup red and green, sliced) – Add color, texture, and mild sweetness.
- Cooking oil (3 tablespoons) – For sautéing and stir-frying.
How to Cook Basil Pork
- Sauté the aromatics
Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and minced chiles and cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic turns golden and fragrant. - Brown the pork
Add the ground pork and stir-fry for 2–5 minutes, breaking up lumps, until it is evenly browned. - Add the sauces
Stir in the dark soy sauce and fish sauce so the meat absorbs the flavors. Add the sugar and mix to balance the seasoning. - Toss in vegetables and basil
Add the sliced bell peppers and basil leaves. Stir-fry for 3–6 minutes until the peppers soften slightly and the basil wilts. - Serve
Transfer the basil pork to a serving plate and serve hot with steamed rice. Top with a fried egg for a classic finish.
Tips in Cooking Basil Pork
- Use a very hot pan so the pork browns instead of steaming.
- To reduce heat, remove the chile seeds or use fewer chiles or a milder variety.
- Holy basil gives a peppery punch; Thai basil is a good, widely available substitute.
- Ground chicken or beef can be used if you don’t have pork.
- Don’t omit the fish sauce—its umami character makes a big difference.
Best Ways to Enjoy Basil Pork
The classic pairing is steamed jasmine rice and a sunny-side-up egg—the rich yolk blends with the sauce for extra silkiness. A small side of crisp pickles or a light cucumber salad brightens the plate, or wrap the stir-fry in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
How This Basil Pork Recipe Stands Out
This recipe is notable for delivering bold, restaurant-style flavor with minimal effort. The ingredient list is short, but the result is aromatic and satisfying. It’s adaptable too: add mushrooms, green beans, or eggplant to extend the dish, and serve it with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
What to Have with Basil Pork
Pair basil pork with simple vegetable sides to make a balanced meal.
Chopsuey Recipe
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Ginisang Togue (Sauteed Mung Bean Sprouts)
Ginisang Labanos (Sauteed Radish)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use Thai basil instead of holy basil?
Yes. Thai basil is a fine substitute and slightly sweeter, but still works well. - What kind of pork should I use?
Ground pork with a bit of fat gives the best texture and flavor; very lean pork can be dry. - Is this dish supposed to be spicy?
Traditionally it is spicy from bird’s eye chiles, but you can reduce or omit them to suit your heat preference. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in a pan or microwave. - What if I don’t have fish sauce?
You can use extra soy sauce as a substitute, though fish sauce adds a distinctive depth that’s hard to replicate.
Suggested Recipes
More recipes to try alongside basil pork:
- Pork Giniling – a ground pork stir-fry with tomatoes and vegetables.
- Beef Pares – a sweet-savory beef stew often served with garlic rice.
- Garlic Fried Rice – simple fried rice that pairs well with many mains.
- Tokwa’t Baboy – tofu and pork served with a tangy vinegar dip.
- Eggplant Omelet (Tortang Talong) – smoky, savory eggplant turned into a hearty omelet.
Whether you cook for yourself or for family, this basil pork recipe delivers bold flavor with little fuss. The blend of ground pork, garlic, chiles, and basil is simple but effective, and the short cook time makes it ideal for busy days. Try it and enjoy—happy cooking!
Basil Pork Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground pork
- 3 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon birds eye chili, minced
- 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- 1 cup Thai basil, leaves removed from stems
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, sliced
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil
Instructions
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Heat the cooking oil in a wok. When hot, add garlic and chile and stir until the garlic turns medium brown.
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Add the ground pork and stir-fry for 2–5 minutes until it turns light brown.
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Pour in the soy sauce and fish sauce and continue to stir-fry so the pork absorbs the flavors.
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Add the sugar, basil, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–6 minutes until peppers are slightly tender and basil wilts.
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Serve with rice and a fried egg. Enjoy.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 418kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 35g