Stir-Fried Pork with Caramelized Fish Sauce Glaze and Thai Basil

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender strips of pork stir-fried with a sweet and savory caramelized fish sauce glaze, fresh garlic, and aromatic Thai basil leaves. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 25 minutes blends pork shoulder, thinly sliced, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the pork is mostly cooked through and starting to brown.
  3. Step 3: Stir together 3 tbsp fish sauce and 2 tbsp brown sugar in a small bowl; pour this mixture along with 1/4 cup water into the skillet, stirring well to coat the pork.
  4. Step 4: Continue cooking over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens and caramelizes, coating the pork with a glossy glaze.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp black pepper and stir in 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves and 1 thinly sliced small red chili (if using); cook for 1 minute until the basil wilts and the chili softens.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Pork with Caramelized Fish Sauce Glaze and Thai Basil take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Pork with Caramelized Fish Sauce Glaze and Thai Basil?

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 Stir-Fried Pork with Caramelized Fish Sauce Glaze and Thai Basil?

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 Stir-Fried Pork with Caramelized Fish Sauce Glaze and Thai Basil 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 Stir-Fried Pork with Caramelized Fish Sauce Glaze and Thai Basil?

Vietnamese 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.

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