Stir-Fried Pork with Peanuts, Lime and Basil Recipe

Pork or chicken stir-fried with nuts and herbs, with a splash of citrus flavor or fish sauce, is everyday home cooking in Vietnam. The combination of lime, basil and mint in this recipe makes it particularly refreshing and tasty. Serve with steamed or sticky rice, or with rice wrappers, salad and a dipping sauce.

Ingredients : Serves 4

45 ml

450 g

4

4 cloves

4 cm

2

100 g

2

30 ml

30 ml

25 g

25 g

25 g

Vegetable or groundnut (peanut) oil

Pork tenderloin, cut into fine strips

Spring onions (scallions), chopped

Garlic, finely chopped

Fresh root ginger, finely chopped

Green or red Thai chilies, seeded and finely chopped

Unsalted peanuts

2 limes, grated rind and juice

Nuoc mam

Grated fresh coconut

Chopped fresh mint leaves

Chopped fresh basil leaves

Chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves

• Heat a work or heavy pan and pour in 30ml of oil.

• Add the pork and sear over a high heat, until browned.

• Tip the meat and juices on to a place and set aside.

• Wipe the wok or pan clean and return to the heat. Pour in the remaining oil and add the spring onions, garlic, ginger and chilies.

• When the aromas begin to rise form the pan, add the peanuts and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.

• Tip the meat and its juices back into the wok, then stir in the lime rind and juice, followed by the nuoc mam.

• Add the fresh coconut herbs, and serve immediately.