Stir-Fried Pork with Thai Basil and Chili
A vibrant and spicy Vietnamese stir-fry showcasing tender pork slices tossed with fragrant Thai basil and fresh chili for a quick flavorful meal. This vietnamese-inspired pork ready in about 20 minutes pairs thinly sliced pork shoulder, vegetable oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced pork shoulder
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2, sliced thin fresh red chili
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 cup thai basil leaves
- 2, sliced green onions
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups cooked, for serving jasmine rice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 cloves minced garlic and 2 sliced fresh red chilies, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced pork shoulder and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the pork turns opaque and starts browning on the edges.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the pork.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and toss in 1 cup fresh thai basil leaves and 2 sliced green onions, stirring until the basil wilts and releases its aroma.
- Step 5: Serve the spicy stir-fried pork hot over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice for a satisfying meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Pork with Thai Basil and Chili 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 Stir-Fried Pork with Thai Basil and Chili?
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 thinly sliced pork shoulder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Pork with Thai Basil and Chili?
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 Thai Basil and Chili 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 Thai Basil and Chili?
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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Authentic flavors without the hassle. Pork stayed juicy, and the chili kick was just right. My family asked for seconds!
- ★★★★★
The Thai basil really shone through—perfectly spicy and aromatic. Made it for date night and my partner couldn't stop raving!
- ★★★★☆
Loved the dish, but it was slightly bland for my taste. Next time I'll double the chili and add a splash of fish sauce.