What To Do With Thai Basil Leaves

What to do with thai basil leaves is a question every herb lover asks when they find themselves with a vibrant bunch and a fridge full of possibilities.

The truth is, there’s no single right answer because thai basil leaves are incredibly versatile in the kitchen.

You can use thai basil leaves in everything from stir-fries and curries to fresh salads and refreshing drinks.

The key is understanding that thai basil leaves have a distinct anise-like flavor that sets them apart from the sweeter Italian basil.

In this post, we’ll explore all the delicious ways you can use thai basil leaves, along with storage tips and creative ideas you might not have considered.

Let’s dive into the wonderful world of what to do with thai basil leaves.

Why Use Thai Basil Leaves in Your Cooking

Thai basil leaves are a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, and for good reason.

Their flavor is bold, spicy, and slightly sweet, with a hint of licorice that makes them unforgettable.

Unlike Italian basil, thai basil leaves hold up beautifully to high heat, which is why they’re perfect for cooking.

If you’ve been wondering what to do with thai basil leaves, the answer often starts with adding them to hot dishes.

Let’s look at the best ways to put these fragrant leaves to work.

1. Stir-Fries Are a Classic Choice

One of the best things to do with thai basil leaves is toss them into a sizzling stir-fry.

The heat releases their aromatic oils without wilting them into mush.

You can add a generous handful of thai basil leaves at the very end of cooking for maximum flavor.

Think chicken, beef, or tofu stir-fried with garlic, chili, and oyster sauce.

The thai basil leaves will infuse the entire dish with their unique, peppery kick.

This is where thai basil leaves truly shine and show off their culinary magic.

2. Curries Love Thai Basil Leaves

Another fantastic answer to what to do with thai basil leaves is to stir them into curries.

Thai green curry, red curry, and even panang curry all benefit from a generous garnish.

Simply tear the thai basil leaves and sprinkle them over the curry just before serving.

The residual heat will soften them just slightly, releasing their flavor into the rich, coconut-based sauce.

Thai basil leaves add a fresh, herbal counterpoint to the spicy and creamy curry.

It’s a simple addition that elevates the entire bowl to restaurant-quality level.

3. Fresh Salads and Wraps

Don’t just cook thai basil leaves; use them raw for a burst of freshness.

They make a fantastic addition to Vietnamese-style salads, rice paper rolls, and lettuce wraps.

The bold flavor of thai basil leaves cuts through the richness of grilled meats and savory dipping sauces.

You can also chop them up and mix them into a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing side dish.

Using thai basil leaves raw preserves their crisp texture and intense aroma.

This is one of the most refreshing things to do with thai basil leaves on a hot day.

Creative Ways to Use Up a Big Bunch

Sometimes you have a huge bunch of thai basil leaves and you’re not sure how to use them all.

Instead of letting them wilt in the fridge, there are several clever strategies to consider.

Beyond the obvious curries and stir-fries, you can transform thai basil leaves into sauces, drinks, and even desserts.

Let’s explore some outside-the-box ideas for your abundant harvest.

1. Blend Thai Basil Leaves Into Pesto

Yes, you can make pesto with thai basil leaves, and the results are surprisingly delicious.

Swap out the traditional Italian basil for thai basil leaves in your favorite pesto recipe.

Combine the leaves with garlic, nuts, parmesan, and olive oil in a food processor.

The result is a vibrant, slightly spicy pesto that’s amazing tossed with noodles or spread on sandwiches.

This is a brilliant answer to what to do with thai basil leaves when you have too many.

It also freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy that flavor all year long.

2. Infuse Thai Basil Leaves Into Drinks

Thai basil leaves are not just for savory food; they make incredible infused beverages.

You can muddle them into a refreshing summer cocktail or a simple mocktail.

The anise flavor pairs wonderfully with lime, lemongrass, and tropical fruits.

You can steep thai basil leaves in hot water with honey to make a soothing herbal tea.

Or, for a cooling treat, blend them into a green smoothie for an unexpected twist.

Experimenting with thai basil leaves in your drinks is a fun and creative adventure.

3. Make a Flavorful Thai Basil Oil

One of my favorite things to do with thai basil leaves is to infuse them in oil.

Blanch the leaves briefly, then blend them with a neutral oil like grapeseed or canola.

Strain the mixture to get a bright green, intensely flavored oil.

Drizzle this thai basil oil over grilled fish, soups, or even popcorn.

It’s an elegant way to use thai basil leaves and impress your dinner guests.

Plus, it stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How to Store Thai Basil Leaves Properly

Knowing what to do with thai basil leaves includes knowing how to keep them fresh.

Proper storage can extend their life and keep them vibrant for cooking.

The wrong storage method can turn your beautiful bunch into a slimy mess quickly.

Let’s cover the best ways to preserve your thai basil leaves.

1. The Bouquet Method for Short-Term Storage

Treat your thai basil leaves like fresh-cut flowers for the short term.

Trim the stems and place the bunch in a glass of water, like a bouquet.

Cover the leaves loosely with a plastic bag and keep it on the counter.

This method keeps thai basil leaves fresh for up to a week.

Avoid refrigerating them this way, as cold can cause the leaves to blacken.

Change the water every couple of days to keep it fresh and clean.

2. Freezing Thai Basil Leaves for Later

If you have a surplus, freezing is a fantastic way to preserve thai basil leaves.

You can chop the leaves and mix them with a little olive oil in an ice cube tray.

Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer bag.

You can also lay whole leaves flat on a baking sheet, freeze, then store them.

Frozen thai basil leaves are perfect for cooked dishes, though they won’t be crisp for salads.

This ensures you always have some on hand whenever you need them.

So, What Do You Do With Thai Basil Leaves?

So, what do you do with thai basil leaves?

You can use thai basil leaves in countless ways, from classic Thai stir-fries to creative pestos and refreshing drinks.

Whether you cook them into a curry, blend them into a sauce, or muddle them in a cocktail, these versatile leaves add a unique punch.

You can also store thai basil leaves by freezing or keeping them in water to make them last longer.

The answer to what to do with thai basil leaves is simply to experiment and have fun.

Don’t be afraid to pair them with unexpected ingredients like fruit or seafood.

The bold, anise-like flavor of thai basil leaves will elevate almost any dish you add them to.

So next time you’re stuck with a bunch, remember these tips and get creative.

Thai basil leaves are a gift to any home cook, and now you have plenty of ideas to use them.