Stir-Fried Pork with Lemongrass and Holy Basil

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

A fragrant stir-fry featuring tender pork strips, fresh lemongrass, and aromatic holy basil, served over steamed rice. This lao-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs pork shoulder, lemongrass, holy basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Lao cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim excess fat from pork shoulder and cut into 1/4-inch thick strips. Finely mince 2 lemongrass stalks (discard tough outer layers), then set aside. Mince 2 garlic cloves.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add pork strips and stir-fry for 5 minutes until lightly browned; remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Add remaining 1 minced lemongrass stalk and minced garlic to skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce and 1 tsp palm sugar until dissolved, about 30 seconds.
  4. Step 4: Return pork to skillet with 1 cup packed holy basil. Toss vigorously for 2 minutes until basil wilts and pork is fully coated. Serve immediately over 2 cups cooked white rice.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Pork with Lemongrass and Holy Basil take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Pork with Lemongrass and Holy Basil?

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 pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Pork with Lemongrass and Holy 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 Lemongrass and Holy 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 Lemongrass and Holy Basil?

Lao quick meals 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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