Heart-Healthy Thai Basil Pork

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of **Heart-Healthy Thai Basil Pork**, a lighter twist on the classic Thai dish that's big on taste and easy on your heart. This quick and flavorful recipe features lean ground pork, aromatic garlic, and fiery red chili, perfectly balanced with a savory blend of low-sodium soy sauce, optional fish sauce, and a touch of unsweetened coconut sugar. Fresh zucchini and bell peppers add colorful crunch, while fragrant Thai basil leaves take this dish to the next level. Finished with a spritz of zesty lime juice, this one-pan meal is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve over nutty brown rice for a wholesome, fiber-packed base, or skip the grains for a low-carb option. Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and bold spices, this dish is the ultimate combination of delicious and nutritious!

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add 2 teaspoons of olive oil.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and red chili to the skillet, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

In a small bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce, fish sauce (if using), and coconut sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Step 5

Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well to coat the pork evenly.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Toss in the fresh Thai basil leaves and stir for about 1 minute, allowing them to wilt slightly.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with fresh lime juice for a burst of flavor.

Step 9

Serve immediately over cooked brown rice or enjoy on its own for a lower-carb option.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1380.7 grams (1380.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1442

Total Fat 59.70g	77%
Saturated Fat 15.80g	79%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 211mg	70%
Sodium 1699mg	74%
Total Carbohydrate 138.10g	50%
Dietary Fiber 23.70g	85%
Total Sugars 15.90g
Protein 97.00g	194%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 633mg	49%
Iron 30mg	169%
Potassium 3183mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 36.4%

Protein: 26.3%

Carbs: 37.4%