Thai basil and pork stir-fry

This Thai basil and pork stir-fry combines ground pork, fragrant basil, and spicy red chili for a quick weeknight meal. It's cooked in a savory sauce and topped with a runny fried egg for added richness.

22 Nov 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/3 cup oyster sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves
2 red hot chili peppers
20 oz ground pork
4 eggs
1 cup basil leaves
Thai basil and pork stir-fry

Thai basil and pork stir-fry is a popular dish characterized by its aromatic and flavorful profile. This quick and easy recipe blends the unique flavors of Thai cuisine with tender ground pork, aromatic basil leaves, and a hint of spiciness from red hot chili peppers. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to bring excitement to your taste buds.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauces and Marinade:
- In a small bowl, combine the oyster sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Mix well until the sugar is fully dissolved. Set aside.
2. Heat the Oil:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the minced garlic and sliced red hot chili peppers to the hot oil. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant and the garlic turns golden and crispy, but not burned.
4. Cook the Pork:
- Add the ground pork to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and stir-fry until the pork is fully cooked and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Incorporate the Sauce:
- Pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir well to ensure the pork is evenly coated. Allow the sauce to cook down and combine with the pork for about 2-3 minutes.
6. Add the Basil:
- Toss in the basil leaves and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes until the basil is wilted and fully integrated with the pork mixture.
7. Fry the Eggs:
- In a separate non-stick frying pan, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Fry the eggs until the whites are set and the edges are crispy, but the yolks are still runny, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Serve:
- Serve the Thai basil and pork stir-fry immediately, topped with a fried egg on each portion. Enjoy with steamed rice for a complete meal.

Thai basil and pork stir-fry is a delightful and straightforward dish that combines vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. With its aromatic basil and tender pork, it's a surefire way to enjoy a taste of Thailand from your own kitchen. Serve it with a side of steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Thai basil and pork stir-fry FAQ:

How long should I cook the ground pork?

Cook the ground pork in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until it is fully cooked and no longer pink.

What kind of basil should I use?

It's best to use Thai basil for authentic flavor, but if unavailable, you can substitute with regular basil. Note that the taste will differ slightly.

Can I store leftovers from this dish?

Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you need a substitute for oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for similar sweetness and saltiness.

How do I know when the dish is done cooking?

The dish is ready when the ground pork is fully cooked (no pink visible) and the basil is wilted. The sauce should be well incorporated and heated through.

Tips:

- Preparation: Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking. This dish cooks quickly, so having everything at hand will make the process smoother.

- Cooking Eggs: You can cook the eggs sunny side up or scrambled according to your preference. For an authentic touch, fry the eggs in hot oil until the edges are crispy.

- Balancing Heat: If you're sensitive to spice, feel free to reduce the amount of red hot chili peppers or remove the seeds to lessen the heat.

- Substitutions: If Thai basil is not available, you can use Italian basil as a substitute, although the flavor will be slightly different. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 520kcal
Protein 44g
Carbohydrates 6g
Fiber 0.44g
Sugar 2.57g
Fat 50g

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