Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an explosive Thai street food experience that will make your taste buds dance with excitement! This Thai Basil Pork Pad Prik Pao is not just a meal; it's a flavor-packed journey that brings the vibrant streets of Bangkok right to your dining table. With its perfect balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic elements, this dish promises to be your new obsession – so sharp your cooking skills and prepare for a culinary adventure that will leave everyone craving more!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Thai
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pork (ground or sliced)
- Thai basil
- Chili paste
- Garlic
- Onion
- Soy sauce
- Vegetable oil
- Rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by finely chopping garlic and onion. Wash and roughly chop Thai basil leaves. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it becomes shimmering hot.
- Add minced garlic and onion to the hot oil, stirring quickly to prevent burning. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add ground or sliced pork to the wok. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until the pork is fully browned and no pink remains.
- Stir in the chili paste, mixing thoroughly to coat the meat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to develop deep flavor.
- Pour in soy sauce and continue cooking, allowing the sauce to caramelize slightly and create a rich glaze on the pork.
- Add Thai basil leaves and quickly toss, allowing them to wilt and release their aromatic oils. Remove from heat immediately.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce or chili paste according to preference.
- Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Meat: For the most authentic flavor, use freshly ground pork or thinly sliced pork with some fat content to ensure juiciness.
- Heat Management is Key: Use a wok or high-sided skillet and maintain medium-high heat to get that perfect quick-sear and caramelization.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Always use fresh Thai basil leaves – they provide an irreplaceable aromatic punch that dried herbs can't match.
- Chili Paste Selection: Invest in a good quality Thai chili paste (Nam Prik Pao) for authentic flavor. If unavailable, look for alternatives in Asian grocery stores.
- Don't Overcook the Basil: Add basil leaves at the very end and toss quickly to preserve their vibrant color and fresh flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot and fresh, right off the stove, to maintain its optimal texture and temperature.
- Rice Pairing: Jasmine rice is traditional, but you can also serve with steamed white rice or brown rice for a healthier option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
