Pan-Seared Pork with Thai Basil and Chili Garlic Sauce
Succulent pan-seared pork slices tossed in a fiery garlic and chili sauce enhanced with aromatic Thai basil leaves. This thai-inspired pork ready in about 22 minutes blends thinly sliced pork tenderloin, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced pork tenderloin
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 3, thinly sliced red bird’s eye chilies
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- 2, sliced diagonally green onions
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 3 thinly sliced red bird’s eye chilies, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork tenderloin to the skillet, spreading out in a single layer. Let sear without stirring for 2 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until pork is cooked through.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar, tossing to coat the pork evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and fold in 1/2 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 2 sliced green onions, stirring until basil wilts and releases its aroma.
- Step 5: Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or as a flavorful main dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Pork with Thai Basil and Chili Garlic Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Pork with Thai Basil and Chili Garlic Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Pork with Thai Basil and Chili Garlic Sauce?
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 Pan-Seared Pork with Thai Basil and Chili Garlic Sauce 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 Pan-Seared Pork with Thai Basil and Chili Garlic Sauce?
Thai pork 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.
