What can I use instead of Holy basil?

Regular basil works great as a substitute.

What does Kra Pao mean in Thai?

Kra Pao translates to stir-fry.

Can I use soy sauce in pad Kra Pao?

You can. Each chef is different; some use soy sauce, while others don't. It's up to your personal preference.

What is crispy pork skin in Thailand?

In Thailand, crispy pork skin called Kaeb Moo, or pork rind, is a crunchy delight often used in various dishes for added texture.

Thai Basil Pork Belly (Kra Pao Moo Krob)

Name: Thai Basil Pork Belly (Kra Pao Moo Krob)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: thai
Ingredients: 1-8 Thai bird's eye chilies. More or less as preferred.; 2-3 Thai long pepper. Use Serrano or red jalapenos peppers. Seeds removed for less heat. Small, sweet bell peppers work, too, if you can't handle any spicy flavors.; 1 1/2 tablespoons sliced Garlic cloves. This recipe uses lots of garlic for extra flavors.; 1/3 cup shallot, julienned; 1 cup holy basil, packed tightly. You'll want to use only the leafy parts. Wash it well first, pat dry with a paper towel, and pick the leaves and have them ready rather than picking them while stir-frying.; 2 tablespoons Oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar, palm, white, or brown will work; 1/2- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper. black pepper will work as a tool; 3 tablespoons water or stock; 2 cups crispy pork belly slices. Make your Thai crispy pork or buy pre-cooked pork belly available at many Asian grocery stores.; 2 tablespoons oil. For best results, Use neutral and high smoke point oil like avocado, canola and vegetable oil; 1 egg. Use one egg per serving. Fry the egg in enough oil to get crispy edges, but the egg yolk is still running. Add the pork belly stir fry to the top.

Description

This Thai basil pork belly (Kra Pao Moo Krob) is a delicious Thai dish with crispy pork belly, fragrant Thai holy basil, and a perfect blend of sweet and spicy sauce. The best part? It's super quick to make, ready in less than 15 minutes!

Ingredients

Scale

1-8 Thai bird's eye chilies. More or less as preferred.
2-3 Thai long pepper. Use Serrano or red jalapenos peppers. Seeds removed for less heat. Small, sweet bell peppers work, too, if you can't handle any spicy flavors.
1 1/2 tablespoons sliced Garlic cloves. This recipe uses lots of garlic for extra flavors.
1/3 cup shallot, julienned
1 cup holy basil, packed tightly. You'll want to use only the leafy parts. Wash it well first, pat dry with a paper towel, and pick the leaves and have them ready rather than picking them while stir-frying.
2 tablespoons Oyster sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar, palm, white, or brown will work
1/2- 1 teaspoon ground white pepper. black pepper will work as a tool
3 tablespoons water or stock
2 cups crispy pork belly slices. Make your Thai crispy pork or buy pre-cooked pork belly available at many Asian grocery stores.
2 tablespoons oil. For best results, Use neutral and high smoke point oil like avocado, canola and vegetable oil
1 egg. Use one egg per serving. Fry the egg in enough oil to get crispy edges, but the egg yolk is still running. Add the pork belly stir fry to the top.

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Instructions

Like many stir-fried dishes in Thai cuisine, this Thai spicy basil & pork come together very quickly. It is best to have all the ingredients ready and the sauce mixed in a bowl.

In a small bowl, make the sauce ingredients by combining oyster sauce, fish sauce, water, sugar, and white pepper.
Add oil, garlic, and chilis on high heat, and fry until fragrant for about 20-30 seconds. Then add the red long chilis and shallot and cook for about 1 minute.
Add the sweet and spicy sauce for that perfect balance
Place pork belly in the wok and toss with a spatula.
Add the holy basil and turn the heat off. Place your Kra pao on a serving plate with steamed jasmine rice and enjoy it hot!
This step is optional. Fry the egg until the edges are crispy. Use one egg per serving and as much oil as preferred for this step.

Notes

Achieve crispy perfection by making sure the pork belly is deep-fried until golden brown. Use this crispy pork belly recipe.
Adjust the heat level by playing with the amount of Thai chilis.
Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces for the recipe.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 5
Category: pork recipes
Method: stir fry
Cuisine: thai