Thai Basil Pork Pasta with Cashews and Peanuts

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

A spicy and nutty Asian dish with stir-fried pork, Thai basil, cashews, and peanuts in a soy-ginger sauce. This Asian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 35 minutes, pairs udon noodles, pork, Thai 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add 8 oz udon noodles. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain thoroughly, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Tip: Rinsing ensures the noodles won’t clump together when tossed with the sauce.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb pork, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and nearly cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1/4 cup cashews and 1/4 cup peanuts. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and lightly toasted. Add 1/4 cup soy sauce and 1 tsp chili flakes, stirring to combine. Tip: Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the nuts from burning.
  4. Step 4: Return the pork to the skillet, then add 1/2 cup Thai basil, cut into 1-inch stems. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the basil wilts and releases its aroma. Tip: Add the basil after the nuts to preserve its freshness and prevent overcooking.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained udon noodles to the skillet. Toss for 2-3 minutes, until the noodles are coated in the sauce and heated through. If the sauce is too dry, add 1-2 tbsp of the pasta cooking water to create a glossy, cohesive mixture.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or chili flakes if desired. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Thai basil leaves if available. Tip: For a creamier texture, stir in 1 tbsp coconut milk just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Thai Basil Pork Pasta with Cashews and Peanuts take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Thai Basil Pork Pasta with Cashews and Peanuts?

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 udon noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Thai Basil Pork Pasta with Cashews and Peanuts?

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 Thai Basil Pork Pasta with Cashews and Peanuts 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 Thai Basil Pork Pasta with Cashews and Peanuts?

Asian pasta 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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