Thai Basil Pork Belly: 5 Minute Meal

Name: Thai Basil Pork Belly: 5 Minute Meal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Thai
Ingredients: 300 grams Pork Belly (or chicken/tofu); 1 cup Thai Holy Basil (or regular basil); 2 tablespoons Oyster Sauce (or plant-based oyster sauce); 1 tablespoon Fish Sauce (or soy sauce); 3 cloves Garlic, minced; 2 Red Long Chilies, sliced (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon Sugar (or honey/alternative); 1 teaspoon White Pepper (or black pepper); 1 tablespoon Oil; 2 cups Steamed Jasmine Rice, for serving

by Fatima Garcia

•

27 de August de 2025

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Thai Basil Pork Belly has quickly become my absolute favorite weeknight meal, and I know you’ll feel the same once you try it! There’s something magical about the way the crispy pork belly soaks up that sweet and spicy sauce – it’s an explosion of flavor that takes me straight back to the bustling street food stalls of Bangkok. My first bite of an truly spicy Thai basil pork belly dish was unforgettable; the holy basil’s peppery aroma, the tender yet crispy pork, and that fiery kick from fresh chilies. This recipe is my go-to for an easy Thai basil pork belly fix when I’m short on time but craving something incredibly satisfying. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Thai Basil Pork Belly

Incredible flavor explosion: Perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
Lightning-fast prep: Ready in just 5 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
A healthier spin: Packed with protein and lean ingredients, it’s a nourishing choice.
Budget-friendly: Uses common ingredients that won’t break the bank.
Family-approved: Even picky eaters will love the tender, flavorful pork.
Achieve that perfect texture: Get that irresistible Crispy Thai basil pork belly crunch.
Impress your friends: Serve up restaurant-quality Crispy Thai basil pork belly at home.

Thai Basil Pork Belly Ingredients

Gathering these Thai basil pork belly ingredients is the first step to an amazing meal. You’ll need about 300 grams of pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces. For that signature aroma, grab 1 cup of Thai holy basil leaves; if you can’t find holy basil, regular sweet basil will work in a pinch, though it offers a slightly different flavor profile. The sauce is simple but packs a punch: combine 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce (or a vegetarian alternative), 1 tablespoon of fish sauce (soy sauce is a good substitute if needed), 3 cloves of garlic, minced for that pungent base, and 2 red long chilies, thinly sliced to bring the heat – adjust this based on your spice preference. A touch of sweetness comes from 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of white pepper adds a subtle warmth.

How to Make Thai Basil Pork Belly

Making an authentic Thai basil pork belly dish at home is surprisingly straightforward and incredibly rewarding. You’re just minutes away from a delicious meal!

Step 1: First, prepare your sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of fish sauce, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of white pepper. Set this flavor base aside.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the 3 minced cloves of garlic and the 2 sliced red long chilies. Sauté for about 20-30 seconds until you can really smell that wonderful garlicky aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 3: Now, add the pork belly bits to the hot wok. Stir-fry them for about 5-7 minutes, letting them crisp up and render some of their delicious fat. You’re looking for that lovely golden-brown color – this is key for that crispy Thai basil pork belly texture.
Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce over the pork belly in the wok. Stir everything together, letting the sauce bubble and thicken slightly, coating every piece of pork. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. The sizzling sound and the rich aroma are incredible!
Step 5: Turn off the heat. Add the 1 cup of Thai holy basil leaves to the wok. Toss gently just until the basil begins to wilt. The residual heat is enough to release its amazing fragrance, making this an authentic Thai basil pork belly experience.
Step 6: Serve your glorious Thai basil pork belly immediately over fluffy steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with a few extra chili slices if you like it spicier. Enjoy the explosion of flavors!

Pro Tips for the Best Thai Basil Pork Belly

Want to elevate your Pork belly stir fry Thai basil game? Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that make all the difference:

For truly authentic flavor, seek out Thai holy basil (Krapow). Its peppery bite is unmatched!
Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the pork belly. Give it space to crisp up properly.
Properly crisping the pork belly first is crucial for that amazing texture in your Thai basil pork belly.
Taste and adjust the sauce before adding the basil. You might want more sweetness or heat!

Thai Basil Pork Belly: 5 Minute Meal - Thai Basil Pork Belly - additional detail

What’s the secret to perfect Thai Basil Pork Belly?

The secret to the best Thai basil pork belly is achieving that perfect balance of crispy pork and fragrant, wilted basil. Rendering the pork belly fat properly beforehand creates that irresistible texture.

Can I make Thai Basil Pork Belly ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and slice the chilies ahead of time, but for the best texture, I recommend cooking the pork belly and stir-frying everything right before serving. This keeps the pork wonderfully crispy.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Thai Basil Pork Belly?

A common pitfall is using too much sauce, which can make the pork soggy. Also, don’t overcook the basil; it should just wilt. Lastly, ensure your pan is hot enough for a good sear.

Best Ways to Serve Thai Basil Pork Belly

This flavorful dish is incredibly versatile! For a truly authentic experience, serve your Thai basil pork belly piled high over fluffy steamed jasmine rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious pork belly with Thai basil sauce. I also love pairing it with a simple side of blanched gai lan (Chinese broccoli) or a crisp cucumber salad to offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pork. It’s a complete meal that’s both satisfying and exciting!

Nutrition Facts for Thai Basil Pork Belly

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in a serving of this delicious Thai pork belly dish with basil:

Calories: 400 kcal
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Protein: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 800 mg
Cholesterol: 60 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, especially when preparing this spicy pork belly stir fry Thai style.

How to Store and Reheat Thai Basil Pork Belly

Properly storing your delicious Thai basil pork belly ensures you can enjoy its amazing flavor later. Once the dish has cooled down completely, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep this flavorful dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This is a great way to always have an easy meal ready to go!

Reheating is simple. For refrigerated leftovers, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce and prevent drying. Microwaving works too, just be sure to heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Enjoy your reheated homemade Thai basil pork belly!

Frequently Asked Questions About Thai Basil Pork Belly

What is Thai basil pork belly?

Thai basil pork belly, often known as Pad Krapow Moo Krob, is a classic Thai stir-fry. It features crispy pork belly tossed with aromatic holy basil, garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce, typically served over rice. It’s a popular street food and home-cooked meal known for its bold flavors.

How to make Thai basil pork belly?

To make Thai basil pork belly, you’ll first prepare a simple sauce. Then, you’ll stir-fry garlic and chilies, add the pork belly to get it crispy, pour in the sauce, and finally toss in fresh holy basil right at the end. It’s a quick process that delivers incredible taste!

Can I use regular basil instead of Thai holy basil?

Yes, you absolutely can! While Thai holy basil has a distinct peppery flavor that makes an authentic Thai basil pork belly dish sing, regular sweet basil is a decent substitute if holy basil is hard to find. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I make the pork belly extra crispy?

The key to really crispy Thai basil pork belly is to ensure your pan is hot enough and to give the pork belly pieces space to cook without overcrowding. Letting the pork belly render its fat and brown properly before adding ingredients like garlic and chilies is crucial for achieving that perfect crunch. For more tips on cooking techniques, you can explore resources on proper pork preparation.

Variations of Thai Basil Pork Belly You Can Try

While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are so many ways to customize your Thai basil pork belly! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try making a ground pork belly Thai basil stir-fry instead of using cubed pork belly. The ground pork cooks faster and absorbs the sauce beautifully, offering a slightly different texture. For a vegetarian twist, swap the pork belly for firm tofu or large chunks of king oyster mushrooms, pan-fried until golden. You could also experiment with different chilies for varying heat levels or add a splash of lime juice at the end for extra brightness. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your homemade Thai basil pork belly!