How to Cook Thai Pork Belly with Basil
Thai cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, and one dish that exemplifies this is Thai Pork Belly with Basil. This delectable recipe combines the rich, savory taste of pork belly with the aromatic freshness of basil, creating an unforgettable meal. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to cook this Thai classic in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
To prepare Thai Pork Belly with Basil, you will need the following ingredients:
- 500g of pork belly, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 Thai bird chilies, chopped (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 cup fresh Thai basil leaves
- Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a delicious dish of Thai Pork Belly with Basil:
1. Prepare the Pork Belly
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat. Add the pork belly pieces, and cook until they are golden and crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Sauté Aromatics
Once the pork belly is cooked, push it to the side of the pan. Add the minced garlic and chopped Thai bird chilies directly into the oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
3. Combine Ingredients
Next, mix the garlic and chilies with the pork belly. Then add the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Stir well to ensure that the pork is evenly coated in the sauce.
4. Add the Basil
Once the sauces are well combined, add the fresh Thai basil leaves. Stir them in until they start wilting, which should take about 1-2 minutes. The residual heat will bring out their flavor.
5. Serve
Remove the pan from heat, and serve your Thai Pork Belly with Basil over a bed of steamed jasmine rice. Garnish it with a few extra basil leaves for a fresh touch.
Tips
For the best results:
- Consider using day-old pork belly for even better flavor and texture.
- Adjust the amount of Thai bird chilies based on your spice tolerance.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for a nutritious boost.
This Thai Pork Belly with Basil recipe is a perfect balance of crispy, savory, and spicy notes, making it a mouthwatering addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy cooking and savoring these authentic flavors of Thailand!