Spicy Ground Pork in Basil Leaves
- Juice of 1–2 limes
- ½ pound ground pork
- 3 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- ¼ tablespoon (or to taste) ground dried chili pepper
- 5 sprigs cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted rice powder (available in Asian specialty stores)
- Lettuce and/or large basil leaves
Instructions:
This Thai dish is eaten using basil and lettuce leaves as utensils.
- Squeeze the juice of half of a lime over the ground pork and let marinate for a few minutes.
- Heat a large skillet on high. Add a couple of tablespoons of water and then immediately add the pork; stir-fry until the pork is cooked through. (Don't worry if the pork sticks at first — it will eventually loosen.)
- Pour off any fat that has accumulated in the pan and then put the pork in a large mixing bowl. Add the remaining lime juice (to taste), fish sauce, shallot, ground chili pepper, cilantro, and toasted rice; stir to combine thoroughly.
- To serve, place the mixture in a serving bowl and let guests use the lettuce and basil leaves to scoop out the mixture.