Crispy Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Ground pork stir-fried over high heat with garlic, fresh Thai basil, and spicy chilies for an aromatic and bold flavor-packed dish. This Thai-inspired curry recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs ground pork, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, thinly sliced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 4 chopped bird’s eye chilies; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb ground pork and stir-fry vigorously for 5-6 minutes, breaking up clumps until pork is cooked through and crispy bits develop on the edges.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1/4 tsp white pepper, tossing to evenly distribute seasoning.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves, letting the residual heat wilt the leaves.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground pork from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Thai Basil Pork Stir-Fry with Chili and Garlic?

Thai curry like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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