Stir-Fried Thai Basil Pork with Chili and Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A spicy and aromatic Thai street food classic featuring ground pork stir-fried with fresh basil, garlic, and fiery chilies. This thai-inspired thai ready in about 25 minutes pairs pound ground pork, tablespoons vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Thai cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 minced garlic cloves, 3 chopped Thai bird's eye chilies, and 1 thinly sliced shallot; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound ground pork to the wok, breaking it up with a spatula. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the pork is cooked through and starting to brown on the edges.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tablespoons fish sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the pork.
  4. Step 4: Remove the wok from heat and immediately toss in 1 cup packed fresh Thai holy basil leaves. Stir until the basil wilts and releases its aroma.
  5. Step 5: Serve the spicy basil pork hot over steamed jasmine rice.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Thai Basil Pork 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 pound ground pork from drying out.

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

Thai thai 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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