Authentic Thai Lemongrass Pork Stir-Fry Recipe: A Flavorful & Easy Meal

Indulge in the vibrant tastes of Thailand with this mouthwatering Thai lemongrass pork stir-fry recipe. This dish features tender slices of marinated pork loin or tenderloin, infused with the aromatic flavors of fresh lemongrass, ginger, garlic, spicy Thai chilies, and refreshing cilantro. It’s incredibly flavorful, surprisingly easy to make, and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Thai cuisine has always captivated my taste buds with its unique blend of sweet, sour, spicy, and savory elements. My passion for Thai food led me to participate in a local Thai cooking class a few years ago. This passion was further ignited last summer when I had the opportunity to attend a comprehensive cooking class at a renowned cooking school in Bangkok during my first trip to Thailand. It was undoubtedly one of the highlights of my travels!

This Thai pork recipe embodies the essence of the fresh, zesty flavors that define Thai cuisine. The combination of lemongrass, ginger, garlic, fiery chilies, and fragrant herbs, paired with succulent pork, a delectable sauce, and crunchy peanuts, creates an unforgettable culinary experience. Serve this delightful stir-fry over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or your favorite noodles for a quick, satisfying, and authentic-tasting meal any night of the week.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Thai Pork Recipe

• A Symphony of Fresh Thai Flavors: This recipe is a celebration of authentic Thai ingredients, featuring the distinct aromas of lemongrass, the warmth of ginger, the pungency of garlic, the heat of Thai chilies, and the freshness of Thai basil and cilantro. Every bite is an explosion of flavor that will transport you to the streets of Bangkok.
• An Authentic-ish Thai Creation: While I’m not a native Thai chef, my deep-seated obsession with Thai food has driven me to learn and recreate the flavors I love. This recipe is my interpretation of a classic Thai stir-fry, adapted for the home cook using readily available ingredients.
• Quick, Easy, and Weeknight-Friendly: Say goodbye to complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times. This Thai pork stir-fry is designed for busy weeknights, with a short marinating period and a lightning-fast stir-fry process. In just minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality Thai meal on your table.
• Accessible Ingredients for Every Cook: You don’t need to be a seasoned chef or have access to specialty stores to make this recipe. Most of the ingredients can be found at your local grocery store. However, for the most authentic experience, don’t hesitate to explore your local Asian market for fresh lemongrass, Thai chilies, and premium fish sauce.

The Key Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Thai Lemongrass Pork

• Pork Loin or Tenderloin: Opt for pork loin or tenderloin, thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness. This ensures the pork cooks quickly and evenly in the stir-fry.
• Fresh Lemongrass: Fresh lemongrass is the star of this dish, lending its unique citrusy and herbaceous aroma. Look for firm, pale green stalks at your local grocery store or Asian market. If fresh lemongrass is unavailable, lemongrass paste can be used as a substitute, but fresh is highly recommended for the best flavor.
• Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy, and slightly sweet note to the dish. Peel and mince the ginger finely to release its potent flavor.
• Fresh Garlic: Garlic is an essential ingredient in almost every savory dish, and this Thai stir-fry is no exception. Mince the garlic finely to allow its pungent aroma and flavor to infuse the pork and other ingredients.
• Thai Chilies: Thai chilies pack a serious punch of heat. Adjust the amount of chilies based on your spice preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a small amount or omit them altogether. Jalapeños can be used as a milder substitute.
• Green Onions: Green onions add a mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness to the dish. Chop them finely and add them towards the end of the cooking process to preserve their vibrant color and flavor.
• Fish Sauce: Fish sauce is a staple ingredient in Thai cuisine, adding a salty, savory, and umami-rich flavor to the stir-fry. Look for high-quality fish sauce at your local Asian market for the most authentic taste.
• Roasted Peanuts: Roasted peanuts provide a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients in the stir-fry. Use roasted, salted peanuts for the best flavor.
• Fresh Cilantro: Cilantro adds a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy note to the dish. Chop it finely and use it as a garnish to enhance the overall flavor and presentation.
• Thai Basil: Thai basil has a distinct anise-like flavor that sets it apart from other types of basil. It adds a unique and authentic Thai aroma to the stir-fry. If you can’t find Thai basil, it’s okay to omit it, but it’s highly recommended for the best flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar balances the savory and spicy flavors in the stir-fry, adding a touch of sweetness and caramel-like notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Cooking Oil: Use a neutral-flavored cooking oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, for stir-frying the pork and other ingredients.

Pro Tip: Explore Your Local Asian Market! For the freshest and most authentic ingredients, visit your local Asian market. You’ll find fresh lemongrass, Thai chilies, Thai basil, and a wider selection of fish sauce. Asian markets also often have better prices and higher-quality fresh produce.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Perfect Thai Lemongrass Pork

1. Marinate the Pork: In a bowl, combine the sliced pork with lemongrass, ginger, salt, pepper, and one tablespoon of cooking oil. Toss well to coat the pork evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. The longer the pork marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become.
2. Stir-Fry the Pork: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the remaining two tablespoons of cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated pork and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, or until the pork is browned on all sides and cooked through.
3. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, chopped green onions, and finely chopped Thai chilies (if using) to the skillet or wok. Stir-fry for another minute or two, until the garlic is fragrant and the green onions are slightly softened.
4. Finish with Sauce and Garnishes: Pour in the fish sauce and brown sugar, and stir-fry until the sauce is slightly thickened and coats the pork evenly. Sprinkle in the chopped roasted peanuts and stir to combine. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh cilantro and Thai basil leaves.
5. Serve Immediately: Serve the Thai lemongrass pork immediately over jasmine rice, rice noodles, or crisp lettuce cups. Enjoy the burst of authentic Thai flavors in every bite!

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations for Your Thai Lemongrass Pork

• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy this delicious Thai pork stir-fry with a variety of accompaniments. Serve it over fluffy steamed rice, fragrant coconut rice, or delicate rice noodles. For a lighter option, try serving it in crisp lettuce cups.
• Protein Power-Ups: Get creative with your protein choices! This recipe can be easily adapted to use chicken, beef, or shrimp instead of pork. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the protein is cooked through.
• Ground Meat Makeover: For a quicker and easier version, use ground pork, turkey, or beef. Skip the marinating step and add the lemongrass and ginger along with the other aromatics once the meat is browned.
• Grilled Skewer Sensation: Turn this recipe into a fun and flavorful appetizer by threading the marinated pork onto skewers and grilling or broiling them. In a small bowl, whisk together fish sauce and brown sugar and brush the mixture onto the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking. Garnish with green onions, herbs, and peanuts before serving.

Explore More Delicious Asian-Inspired Recipes

• Classic Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry: A quick and easy weeknight meal featuring tender beef and crisp broccoli in a savory sauce.
• Slow Cooker Korean-Inspired Pork Tacos: Tender, flavorful pulled pork cooked in a slow cooker, perfect for tacos or bowls.
• Asian-Glazed Sheet-Pan Salmon and Broccoli: A healthy and delicious one-pan meal featuring flaky salmon and tender broccoli glazed with an Asian-inspired sauce.

Get the Complete Thai Lemongrass Pork Recipe Below

Thai Lemongrass Pork Stir-Fry

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Cook Time: 8 minutes mins

Marinade Time: 30 minutes mins

Total Time: 48 minutes mins

Experience the authentic flavors of Thailand with this easy and delicious Thai Lemongrass Pork Stir-Fry. Marinated pork loin or tenderloin is stir-fried with fresh lemongrass, ginger, garlic, Thai chilies, and cilantro for a quick and flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

 

• ▢ 1½-2 lbs pork loin or tenderloin , thinly sliced
• ▢ 3 tablespoons oil , divided
• ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh minced lemongrass , or lemongrass paste
• ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger
• ▢ 1 teaspoon salt
• ▢ ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• ▢ 3 green onions , chopped
• ▢ 2 cloves garlic , minced
• ▢ 1-2 Thai chilies , finely chopped (optional, see Notes)
• ▢ 3 tablespoons fish sauce