Spicy Basil Pork (Pad Gkaprow Mu)

⏱ 30 mins 🍽 4-6 serving(s) 🏷 Pork

This classic Thai dish combines ground pork with a generous amount of garlic, shallots and fresh chillies, all stir-fried together. Aromatic basil is added at the end, along with soy and fish sauce for a savoury, umami flavour. The heat level can be tailored by adjusting the number of peppers used. It's a quick meal, ready in about 30 minutes, and is traditionally served with steamed rice to complement the spicy flavours.

Spicy Basil Pork (Pad Gkaprow Mu)

Ingredients

  • 2 -3 tablespoons oil, for stir-frying
  • 10 -12 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 -3 shallots, thinly sliced
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 4 -6 serrano peppers or 4 -6 jalapeno peppers, for less heat
  • 2 kaffir lime leaves, thinly sliced (can be hard to find) (optional)
  • 2 -3 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 -1 1/2 cup fresh Thai holy basil or 1 -1 1/2 cup regular sweet basil, works too
  • 1 dash white pepper

Method

  1. Prepare all the ingredients as listed, keeping the fresh basil leaves whole after removing and discarding any tough stems.
  2. Place a wok or a non-stick skillet over heat until it is hot. Add the oil and let it heat for a few seconds before adding the finely chopped garlic. After 30 seconds, incorporate the thinly sliced shallots and stir-fry for a further 60 seconds.
  3. Introduce the ground pork to the wok and cook it, stirring, until the meat changes colour and is fully cooked with no pink remaining.
  4. Add the chillies, the thinly sliced kaffir lime leaves if using, and the fresh basil. Pour in the soy sauce and fish sauce, then toss or stir everything to combine thoroughly.
  5. Continue to stir-fry the mixture until the basil leaves have wilted and the pork is completely cooked through. Finish by sprinkling with a dash of white pepper.
  6. Serve the finished pork stir-fry accompanied by rice.

Nutrition (per serving)

Sodium950400 mg

Recipe details

CategoryPork
Authortntdad