Pad Ped Moo
Cuisine: Thai Type: Entree AKA: Spicy Stir-Fried Pork

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Pork
1 pound (454)
Thai Chili Peppers
6 pieces (18)
Garlic
4 cloves (12)
Shallots
4 pieces (80)
Green Beans
1 cup (125)
Kaffir Lime Leaves
4 leaves (4)
Thai Basil Leaves
1 cup (24)
Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons (30)
Oyster Sauce
1 tablespoon (17)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (4)
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons (28)
Water
1 tablespoon (15)
Totals
29 oz
(811 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Pork
200
Thai Chili Peppers
20
Garlic
10
Shallots
15
Galangal
5
Lemongrass
5
Kaffir Lime Leaves
5
Fish Sauce
30
Oyster Sauce
40
Sugar
15
Vegetable Oil
50
Holy Basil Leaves
5
Water
0
Totals
400 kcal
Steps
1. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add vegetable oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan.
3. Add thinly sliced pork and stir-fry until it turns brown and is cooked through.
4. Push the pork to one side of the pan and add Thai red curry paste to the empty space.
5. Stir the curry paste for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
6. Mix the curry paste with the pork and add sliced bell peppers, sliced onion, and sliced Thai chili peppers.
7. Stir-fry the mixture for about 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly cooked but still crisp.
8. Add fish sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar to the pan. Stir well to combine everything.
9. Continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
10. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more fish sauce for saltiness or sugar for sweetness.
11. Finally, add fresh Thai basil leaves and stir briefly until they wilt.
12. Remove from heat and serve the spicy stir-fried pork hot with steamed rice. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutions/Alterations for Pad Ped Moo (Spicy Stir-Fried Pork):
1. Pork: Substitute with chicken, beef, or tofu. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the protein used.
2. Thai Red Curry Paste: Make your own by combining 1 tablespoon paprika, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Adjust the quantities to taste.
3. Kaffir Lime Leaves: Substitute with lime zest or lime juice. Use the zest of 1 lime or 1 tablespoon of lime juice for every 2-3 kaffir lime leaves.
4. Thai Eggplant: Replace with regular eggplant or zucchini. Cut into similar-sized pieces as the original recipe.
5. Thai Basil: Substitute with Italian basil or holy basil. Use the same amount as mentioned in the recipe.
6. Fish Sauce: Replace with soy sauce or tamari for a vegetarian option. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
7. Palm Sugar: Substitute with brown sugar or granulated sugar. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
8. Galangal: Replace with ginger if unavailable. Use the same quantity as mentioned in the recipe.
9. Bird's Eye Chili: Substitute with any spicy chili pepper like serrano or jalapeno. Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of spiciness.
10. Coconut Milk: If unavailable, substitute with heavy cream or milk. Keep in mind that the flavor will differ slightly.
Note: Adjust the cooking time and technique according to the substitute ingredients used, as they may require different cooking times or methods.
Pairings
- Jasmine rice
- Thai-style cucumber salad
- Tom Yum soup
- Green papaya salad (Som Tam)
- Steamed vegetables
- Thai iced tea
- Coconut rice
- Fresh spring rolls
- Sticky rice
- Thai basil fried rice
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and thinly sliced red chili for a pop of color.
- Serve the dish in a hollowed-out pineapple or coconut shell for an exotic presentation.
- Use a ring mold to shape the stir-fried pork and surround it with a decorative arrangement of steamed vegetables.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add some crunchy texture by including julienned bell peppers or water chestnuts in the stir-fry.
- Enhance the umami flavor by incorporating a splash of fish sauce or a sprinkle of dried shrimp powder.
- Balance the spiciness with a touch of sweetness by adding a few drops of honey or palm sugar.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Upgrade the pork by using high-quality cuts like tenderloin or Kurobuta pork.
- Incorporate exotic mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms for a rich and earthy flavor.
- Add a touch of luxury with a handful of fresh Thai basil leaves or a drizzle of truffle oil for an indulgent aroma.
Remember to adjust the quantities and cooking times accordingly to ensure the dish remains balanced and flavorful. Enjoy your next-level Pad Ped Moo!
Diet Restrictions
- Use lean cuts of pork or substitute with lean protein options such as chicken breast or tofu for individuals looking to reduce fat intake.
- Increase the proportion of vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms) to add more fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Reduce or omit the use of oil for those following a low-fat diet; opt for a non-stick cooking spray or water as a cooking medium.
- Decrease the amount of added sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as a healthier alternative.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by reducing or omitting chili peppers or using milder alternatives like paprika or cayenne pepper for individuals with sensitive stomachs or acid reflux.
- For individuals with gluten intolerance, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Consider reducing the sodium content by using low-sodium soy sauce or reducing the overall amount of sauce used.
- If catering to vegetarians or vegans, replace the meat with plant-based protein sources like tempeh or seitan, and use vegetarian oyster sauce instead of the traditional one.
- For individuals with allergies or preferences, eliminate ingredients such as peanuts or fish sauce, and replace them with suitable alternatives like almonds or coconut aminos.
Healthy Choices
- Use lean cuts of pork or substitute with chicken or tofu for a lower fat option.
- Reduce the amount of oil used for stir-frying by using non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of healthier oils like olive or coconut oil.
- Increase the amount of vegetables in the dish such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added fiber and nutrients.
- Use reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari to lower the overall sodium content.
- Limit or omit the use of added sugars or sweeteners like palm sugar or honey.
- Add fresh herbs and spices like ginger, garlic, and Thai basil for flavor without adding extra calories or sodium.
- Serve with brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a higher fiber and nutrient content.
- Adjust the level of spiciness to your preference by reducing or increasing the amount of chili peppers or using milder varieties.
- Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving for a burst of tangy flavor.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cut pork: Save time by purchasing pre-cut pork from the grocery store instead of cutting it yourself.
2. Opt for frozen vegetables: Use frozen vegetables instead of fresh ones to save time on chopping and preparation.
3. Substitute with pantry staples: Instead of purchasing specialty Thai ingredients, use common pantry staples like soy sauce, chili flakes, and garlic to achieve a similar flavor.
4. Skip the marinating step: While marinating the pork adds flavor, you can save time by skipping this step and still achieve a tasty dish.
5. Use a pre-made Thai curry paste: Instead of making the curry paste from scratch, use a pre-made Thai curry paste to save time and effort.
6. Increase spice levels: Enhance the flavor without spending extra by increasing the amount of chili flakes or adding fresh chili peppers.
7. Serve with rice or noodles: Pad Ped Moo is traditionally served with rice, but you can also serve it with noodles to change things up without compromising on taste.
8. Double the recipe: Prepare a larger batch and freeze the leftovers for future meals, saving time and money in the long run.
9. Use a non-stick pan: Cooking in a non-stick pan will reduce the need for excessive oil, making the dish healthier and more cost-effective.
10. Garnish creatively: Use affordable garnishes like cilantro, green onions, or lime wedges to add a burst of flavor and freshness to the dish.