Khua Kling (Southern Thai Dry-Fried Spiced Minced Pork Curry)
Quick answer
- Total time
- 27 min
- Level
- Medium
- Servings
- 2 servings
- Ingredients
- 7
About this dish
There is no sauce in this curry: minced pork is fried with spice paste until it breaks into dry, separate crumbles.
Read more
The aroma and heat of this shortcut version differ from the original because it uses commercial Thai red curry paste in place of the southern Thai paste, which has its own mix including turmeric and pepper. The pork should end up with no liquid left at the bottom but not crisp like a snack. Finely shredded makrut lime leaves add a citrus lift against the spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Remove the stems from 4 kaffir lime leaves and julienne as thinly as possible.
Thinly slice 1 red chili into rounds.
- 2
Stir 2 tablespoons red curry paste in 1 tablespoon cooking oil over low heat for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
Do not let the paste blacken.
- 3
Add 300g ground pork, raise to medium-high heat, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes while breaking up any lumps with a spatula.
- 4
Add 1.5 tablespoons fish sauce and 0.5 teaspoon sugar.
Stir over medium-high heat for another 3 to 5 minutes, until no liquid pools and the pork is finely crumbled. Do not dry it into hard, crisp pieces; lower the heat if it catches.
- 5
Add the julienned lime leaves and red chili and stir-fry for 1 more minute.
The fragrant citrus of the lime leaves balances the intense spice aroma.
- 6
Transfer to a bowl as soon as no liquid pools on the bottom and the meat is crumbly.
Serve hot before the kaffir lime leaves and chili dry out.
References checked
These references were consulted when this page was prepared or corrected. A source check does not mean the recipe was independently kitchen-tested.
- Classic Thai Stir Fry Dishes: phat khuaa gling muu, page 86
Dr. E. Aspler (Hanuman) / Thaifoodmaster · Checked: 2026-09-12
Use-up ingredient planner
Turn these ingredients into two more meals
The overlap excludes basic seasonings. Open the next recipe and your selected dishes will stay with you.
Gaeng Jued Tofu Soup (Thai Clear Tofu Soup)
ground pork, fish sauce
Kai Jeow (Crispy Thai Omelette)
ground pork, fish sauce
Banh Cuon (Hanoi Steamed Rice Rolls with Pork and Mushroom)
ground pork, fish sauce