Pro Tips
**Chef's Tips & Troubleshooting:**
- Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding ingredients for the best sear.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding — lowering the temperature makes food greasy.
- For fried fish, score the skin lightly so the heat penetrates evenly and prevents curling.
- Blot the pork surface dry with paper towels before frying to ensure a crackling-crisp skin.
Cooking Tips
Score the fat cap in a crosshatch pattern before cooking — this helps render the fat evenly and creates a crisper texture. Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.
Ingredient Substitutions
No soy sauce? Use tamari (gluten-free), coconut aminos (paleo-friendly), or a mix of fish sauce and water for a different but delicious umami profile. For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth. Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu. Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.
Storage & Reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Basil Pork
Ground pork stir-fried with garlic, chili, and fresh basil in a savory blend of soy sauce and fish sauce. Served hot and fragrant, this dish is bold, aromatic, and best paired with steamed rice and a fried egg on top.
Instructions
- Heat the cooking oil in a wok. Once the oil gets hot, add the garlic and chili.Stir and cook until the garlic turns medium brown.
- Add the ground pork. Stir-fry for 2 to 5 minutes or until the pork turns light brown.
- Pour-in the soy sauce and fish sauce. Continue to stir-fry.
- Add the sugar, holy basil, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3 to 6 minutes.
- Arrange in a plate with rice and fried egg.
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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding ingredients for the best sear.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding — lowering the temperature makes food greasy.
- For fried fish, score the skin lightly so the heat penetrates evenly and prevents curling.
- Blot the pork surface dry with paper towels before frying to ensure a crackling-crisp skin.
Cooking Tips
Let pork rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking before slicing. This redistributes juices so every bite stays moist.
Substitutions
For a low-sodium version, use light soy sauce or dilute regular soy sauce with a splash of water or broth.
Pork alternatives: Chicken thighs work well in most pork recipes (they stay moist like pork does). For a leaner option, use turkey breast or firm tofu.
Short on time? A pressure cooker (Instant Pot) can reduce cooking time by roughly half for most braised and stewed Filipino dishes. Reduce liquid slightly since less evaporates.
Storage & Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened during storage. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
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