Heart-Healthy Thai Basil Pork
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this flavorful and nutritious Heart-Healthy Thai Basil Pork recipe! Made with lean ground pork, vibrant vegetables like zucchini and red bell peppers, and a fragrant mix of garlic, fresh Thai basil, and a hint of spicy red chili, this dish is packed with bold Thai-inspired flavors. A lighter take on the classic, this recipe uses low-sodium soy sauce and coconut sugar to create a savory-sweet touch while keeping things health-conscious. Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect served over fluffy brown rice or enjoyed on its own for a low-carb meal. Brightened with a squeeze of lime, this wholesome, protein-packed dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Lean ground pork (90-95% lean)
- 2 teaspoons Olive oil
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 piece Red chili (such as Thai bird’s eye), finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Fish sauce (optional, for flavor; use low-sodium, if available)
- 1 teaspoon Unsweetened coconut sugar (or brown sugar alternative)
- 1 piece Large zucchini, diced
- 1 piece Red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup Fresh Thai basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
- 2 cups Cooked brown rice (for serving, optional)
Instructions
Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
Add the minced garlic and red chili to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
Add the lean ground pork to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, for 5-6 minutes until it is no longer pink.
In a small bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and coconut sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well to coat the pork evenly.
Add the diced zucchini and julienned red bell pepper to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the pork for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.
Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir for about 1 minute, allowing them to wilt slightly.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh lime juice for a burst of flavor.
Serve immediately over cooked brown rice or enjoy on its own for a lower-carb option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1442 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.7 g | 77% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.8 g | 79% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 211 mg | 70% | |
| Sodium | 1699 mg | 74% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 138.1 g | 50% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.7 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 15.9 g | ||
| Protein | 97.0 g | 194% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 633 mg | 49% | |
| Iron | 30.4 mg | 169% | |
| Potassium | 3183 mg | 68% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
