Garlic Pork, known in Thailand as Moo Pad Kratiem, is a simple yet incredibly flavorful Thai stir-fry made with tender pork, plenty of aromatic garlic, and a savory sauce. Popular in Thai street food stalls, local restaurants, and family kitchens, this dish is loved for its quick preparation and bold garlic flavor.

Served with steamed jasmine rice and often accompanied by a crispy fried egg, Garlic Pork is a comforting meal that highlights how a few simple ingredients can create an unforgettable dish.

What Makes Garlic Pork Special?

The secret to authentic Thai Garlic Pork lies in the generous use of fresh garlic. Some garlic is stir-fried with the pork to infuse the dish with flavor, while additional garlic is fried until crispy and sprinkled on top for extra aroma and crunch.

The pork absorbs the savory seasonings beautifully, resulting in a dish that is rich, satisfying, and packed with classic Thai flavors.

Ingredients

For the Garlic Pork

  • 500g pork loin or pork shoulder, thinly sliced
  • 12–15 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, thinly sliced for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1½ tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon fish sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water or pork stock

For Garnish

  • Crispy fried garlic
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Cucumber slices

For Serving

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Thai-style fried egg (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork

Slice the pork thinly into bite-sized pieces.

Pat dry with paper towels to help it brown properly during cooking.

Step 2: Fry the Garlic

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat.

Add the sliced garlic and fry until golden and crispy.

Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve for garnish.

Step 3: Cook the Garlic Base

Add the remaining oil to the wok.

Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Pork

Increase the heat to medium-high.

Add the sliced pork and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until nearly cooked through.

Step 5: Season the Dish

Add:

  • Oyster sauce
  • Light soy sauce
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Fish sauce
  • Sugar
  • White pepper
  • Water or pork stock

Mix thoroughly to coat the pork evenly.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Continue stir-frying for another 2–3 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and the sauce lightly coats the meat.

Step 7: Garnish

Turn off the heat.

Sprinkle the crispy garlic over the pork and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice, cucumber slices, and a crispy fried egg for a traditional Thai-style meal.

Chef’s Tips

Choose the Right Cut

Pork loin provides a lean texture, while pork shoulder offers more richness and tenderness.

Use Plenty of Garlic

Authentic Garlic Pork relies on a generous amount of garlic for its signature flavor.

Cook Quickly

Stir-frying over medium-high heat keeps the pork tender and juicy.

Save Some Crispy Garlic

Adding crispy garlic at the end enhances both texture and aroma.

Flavor Profile

Garlic Pork delivers:

  • Rich garlic aroma
  • Tender and juicy pork
  • Savory umami flavor
  • Mild sweetness
  • Light peppery warmth
  • Crispy garlic crunch

The combination is simple yet incredibly satisfying.

Nutritional Benefits

Pork provides:

  • High-quality protein
  • Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Vitamin B6

Garlic contributes antioxidants and natural compounds that add both flavor and nutritional value.

Variations

Spicy Garlic Pork

Add sliced Thai bird's eye chilies during stir-frying for extra heat.

Garlic Pork with Mushrooms

Include oyster mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms for additional umami flavor.

Garlic Pork and Vegetables

Add broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or green beans to create a complete meal.

Crispy Garlic Pork

Lightly coat the pork in cornstarch before stir-frying for a crispier texture.

What to Serve with Garlic Pork

This dish pairs perfectly with:

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Garlic fried rice
  • Thai fried egg
  • Stir-fried vegetables
  • Thai cucumber salad
  • Clear vegetable soup

Final Thoughts

Garlic Pork (Moo Pad Kratiem) is one of Thailand’s most beloved comfort foods. Combining tender pork, fragrant garlic, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.

Quick, easy, and packed with authentic Thai taste, Garlic Pork is a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners or whenever you're craving a delicious homemade Thai meal. Serve it over hot jasmine rice and enjoy the irresistible aroma of crispy garlic in every bite.