Basil Pork Recipe (pad kra pao)

I like making basil pork when I want something comforting but not heavy. It goes best with warm rice and a fried egg on top, the runny yolk mixing into the stir-fry is just unbeatable. Whether I’m cooking in the middle of a busy weekday or putting together a simple lunch, this is one of those recipes I keep coming back to.

 

What is Basil Pork?

Basil pork is a stir-fried ground pork dish that features fresh basil leaves, garlic, and chili as the star flavors. While it’s inspired by Thai cuisine—especially the famous Pad Kra Pao—this version is simple and accessible, using ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. What sets it apart is the use of basil, which gives the pork a fragrant and slightly peppery finish.

Ingredients for Basil Pork

Here are the ingredients you need to make basil pork, along with a short description of what each one does for the dish:

• Ground pork (1 pound) – This is the main protein. Choose pork with a bit of fat for better flavor and juiciness.
• Dark soy sauce (3 tablespoons) – Adds saltiness, depth, and a rich color to the dish.
• Fish sauce (2 ½ tablespoons) – Provides a savory and slightly funky taste that gives the dish that classic Southeast Asian flavor.
• Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced) – Adds a sharp, aromatic flavor and forms the base of the stir-fry.
• Bird’s eye chili (1 tablespoon, minced) – Brings heat to the dish. Adjust based on your spice preference.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon) – Balances out the saltiness from the sauces.
• Holy basil or Thai basil (1 cup) – Gives the dish its signature flavor and aroma. If you can’t find holy basil, Thai basil is a great substitute.
• Bell peppers (½ cup red and green, sliced) – Adds color and a bit of sweetness.
• Cooking oil (3 tablespoons) – Used to sauté the aromatics and cook the pork.

How to Cook Basil Pork

1. Sauté the Aromatics
   Heat the cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and chili and sauté for about 30 seconds until the garlic turns golden brown and the aroma becomes strong. This builds the flavor base of the dish.
2. Brown the Pork
   Add the ground pork to the pan. Stir-fry it for 2 to 5 minutes, breaking up the meat as you go, until it turns light brown. Make sure the pork is cooked evenly and not clumped together.
3. Add the Sauces
   Pour in the dark soy sauce and fish sauce. Stir everything together, letting the pork absorb the flavors. Add the sugar and mix well to balance the saltiness.
4. Toss in the Vegetables
   Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and the basil leaves. Stir-fry for another 3 to 6 minutes until the bell peppers are slightly tender and the basil has wilted.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Transfer the basil pork to a serving plate. Serve it hot with freshly cooked white rice. For a complete meal, top it with a fried egg.

Best Ways to Enjoy Basil Pork

The classic way to enjoy this dish is to serve it with steamed jasmine rice and a sunny-side-up egg. The yolk adds richness and blends beautifully with the sauce. If you like pickles or a touch of sourness, a small side of atchara or cucumber salad also complements it well. You can even wrap the stir-fry in lettuce leaves for a lighter, low-carb option

How This Basil Pork Recipe Stands Out

What makes this recipe special is how simple it is to prepare without sacrificing bold flavor. The ingredient list is short, but the result is something that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant. I’ve cooked this many times both in my home kitchen in Chicago, here in my new home in Tampa, and when I visit family back in the Philippines. It always hits the spot!

Another thing I love about this recipe is how adaptable it is. You can add mushrooms, green beans, or even eggplant to make it stretch further. And since the flavors are so versatile, you can serve it with rice, noodles, or even use it as filling for lettuce wraps or sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use Thai basil instead of holy basil?
  Yes, Thai basil is a great substitute if holy basil is not available. It has a slightly sweeter flavor but still works well in the dish.
• What kind of pork should I use?
  Use ground pork with some fat in it. Lean pork can be too dry, while pork with a bit of fat keeps the dish juicy and flavorful.
• Is this dish supposed to be spicy?
  Traditionally, it is spicy because of the bird’s eye chili. But you can easily adjust the heat by using less chili or using a milder variety.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, basil pork stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
• What can I use if I don’t have fish sauce?
  You can substitute it with more soy sauce, but the flavor won’t be quite the same. Fish sauce adds a unique depth that’s hard to replicate.

Suggested Recipes

Here are more recipes from Panlasang Pinoy that you might enjoy alongside or after trying basil pork:

• Pork Giniling – Another easy stir-fry made with ground pork, tomatoes, and vegetables.
• Beef Pares – A sweet-savory beef stew that is often served with garlic rice.
• Garlic Fried Rice – A simple fried rice recipe that goes well with almost any ulam.
• Tokwa’t Baboy – A delicious tofu and pork dish served with a vinegar dipping sauce.
• Eggplant Omelet (Tortang Talong) – A smoky and savory eggplant dish perfect as a side or main course.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing it with family, this basil pork recipe delivers bold flavors without much fuss. The combination of ground pork, garlic, chili, and basil is simple but powerful, and the short cooking time makes it perfect for busy days. Give it a try and see why this has become one of my go-to stir-fry dishes. Let me know how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!