Pad Kratiem (Stir Fry Pork Recipe)
If you're a fan of garlic and crave some Thai flavors, look no further than the delicious Moo Pad Kratiem (Thai garlic pork stir-fry). It's a simple, comforting dish easily made for a weeknight dinner. This comforting dish is a simple yet delicious meal that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Prep time
- 20 min
- Cook time
- 10 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- HARD
Ingredients
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp cilantro stems, sliced into 1-inch pieces.
- 1/2 tsp ground white pepper, add more as preferred for your taste buds.
- 10 garlic cloves, 3 for the paste, and the rest for frying in oil
- 1/4 cup oil
- 1 lb pork. Slice into long, thin pieces around 1/3 inches pieces by 3 inches long. I used loin chop center cut. Any lean cut of pork is fine
- 1+1/2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce, Squid brand
- 1 tbsp mushroom soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tsp sugar, white or brown
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- 1
. In a small stone mortar and pestle, pound together garlic, cilantro stems (or roots), and white peppercorns until smooth. This is your classic Thai “three musketeers” paste.
- 2
. In a mixing bowl, combine the paste with oyster sauce, fish sauce, mushroom soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and ground pepper. Stir well. Add the pork, baking soda, and water. Mix until the pork is evenly coated. Cover and let marinate for 20–30 minutes while you prepare the garlic oil. Kitchen Tip: The longer you marinate the pork, the deeper the flavors—marinate for up to 24 hours for the best taste.
- 3
. Finely chop the remaining garlic cloves into small pieces (not minced or crushed—you want small chunks). Heat neutral oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and fry, stirring often, until lightly golden brown (about 3–4 minutes). Kitchen Tips. Do not overcook, as the garlic will turn bitter. Using a slotted spoon, remove the garlic to a small bowl and strain to separate the garlic from the oil. Reserve both.
- 4
. Increase the heat to high in the same wok/skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of the reserved garlic oil and let it heat until shimmering.Stir the marinated pork again to loosen it, then add the pork to the hot pan along with all of the marinade. Spread the pork out in an even layer and let it sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, then stir and continue cooking until the pork is browned, cooked through, and the sauce has reduced and slightly thickened, about 7 minutes.Kitchen Tips. If the sauce thickens too quickly or the meat starts to stick, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to loosen it.
- 5
. Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the crispy fried garlic over the stir-fried pork and toss to combine.
- 6
Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with extra fried garlic, a dash of white pepper, and cucumber or tomato slices.