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You use Thai basil to elevate everything from stir-fries to salads with its sweet, anise-like kick.
This fragrant herb is a staple in Southeast Asian cooking, and once you start using thai basil in your kitchen, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked without it.
Its flavor is completely different from the sweet Italian basil you might be used to, offering a spicy, licorice-like note that holds up beautifully to high heat.
In this post, we’ll explore the many ways you can use thai basil, from classic dishes to surprising new favorites, so you can make the most of this incredible herb.
Let’s dive into the wonderful world of thai basil and get you cooking.
Why Use Thai Basil in Your Cooking
The main reason you should use thai basil is its remarkable ability to keep its flavor and vibrant color even when cooked at high temperatures.
Unlike Italian basil, which can quickly turn bitter and mushy, thai basil stands up to heat, making it perfect for sizzling woks and simmering curries.
When you use thai basil, you’re adding a complex layer of anise and mint that’s both refreshing and bold.
1. The Flavor Profile of Thai Basil
To truly use thai basil well, you need to understand its unique taste, which is what sets it apart from other herbs.
Thai basil has a distinct sweetness with a strong licorice or anise flavor, similar to tarragon but more potent.
There are also subtle hints of clove and mint, giving it a spiciness that lingers pleasantly on your tongue.
This complex profile means you can use thai basil to add depth to dishes without needing many other spices.
2. Thai Basil vs. Italian Basil
Many cooks wonder if they can simply swap one for the other, but you’ll soon realize that they are not interchangeable.
If you use thai basil in a classic Italian pesto, the result will be surprisingly spicy and not at all traditional.
Conversely, if you use Italian basil in a Thai curry, the flavor will wilt away and lose its punch.
To get the most authentic results, you should use thai basil specifically for Asian-inspired recipes, and save Italian basil for Mediterranean dishes.
Classic Dishes Where You Use Thai Basil
Now that you know why it’s so special, let’s look at the iconic dishes that simply wouldn’t be the same without this star ingredient.
When you use thai basil in these recipes, you’re following in the footsteps of generations of home cooks who know exactly what they’re doing.
1. Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao)
This is arguably the most famous dish where you use thai basil generously, and for good reason.
Drunken noodles are a fiery, savory stir-fry that gets its signature aroma from a huge handful of fresh thai basil leaves.
The basil is thrown in at the very last minute, just until it wilts, so it releases its fragrance but keeps its texture.
The spiciness of the chili and the sweetness of the basil create a perfect balance that’s incredibly addictive.
2. Thai Green and Red Curries
In rich, coconut-based curries, you use thai basil as a finishing herb to brighten up the heavy creaminess.
A generous handful of leaves stirred in just before serving adds a fresh, peppery note that cuts through the fat.
The basil leaves also look beautiful floating on top of the curry, making the dish visually appealing.
Whether you’re making a mild green curry or a fiery red one, thai basil is non-negotiable for authentic flavor.
3. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
This is a weeknight hero in Thailand, and it’s a perfect example of how you use thai basil to create a fast, flavorful meal.
Minced chicken is stir-fried with garlic, chilies, and a savory sauce, and then topped with a mountain of fresh thai basil.
The heat from the wok causes the basil to release its oils, infusing every bite with that distinct anise flavor.
Served over jasmine rice with a fried egg, it’s comfort food at its absolute best.
Creative New Ways to Use Thai Basil
Beyond the classics, you can use thai basil to experiment and enhance dishes you probably never considered.
Its versatility means it can shine in cold preparations as well as hot, where it adds a delightful surprise.
1. Fresh Thai Basil in Salads
You can use thai basil raw to add a punch of flavor to salads, especially those with a Southeast Asian twist.
It’brilliant in a Vietnamese-style chicken salad, where it’s tossed with cabbage, carrots, and a lime fish-sauce dressing.
The whole leaves add a beautiful texture and a refreshing, spicy flavor that’s perfect for summer.
You can also chop it finely and add it to a simple mango salad for a sweet and savory combination.
2. Infused Drinks and Cocktails
Did you know you can use thai basil to make incredibly refreshing drinks?
Muddle a few leaves at the bottom of a glass with lime and sugar for a unique mojito twist.
You can also steep thai basil in simple syrup to create a fragrant sweetener for lemonades or iced teas.
The anise notes pair beautifully with citrus, making for a sophisticated and aromatic beverage.
3. Thai Basil in Sauces and Marinades
Blending thai basil with other ingredients creates a fantastic sauce for grilled meats or seafood.
You can use thai basil to make a vibrant green pesto with peanuts, lime, and fish sauce, which is amazing on noodles.
Or you can add it to a blender with coconut milk, ginger, and garlic for a quick and flavorful marinade.
This is a great way to infuse proteins with a deep, herbaceous flavor that you just can’t get from dried herbs.
Tips for Storing and Preparing Thai Basil
To make sure you get the most out of your bunch, it’s important to handle it correctly.
When you bring thai basil home, don’t wash it until you’re ready to use it, as excess moisture will make it spoil faster.
1. How to Store Thai Basil
The best way to store thai basil is to treat it like a bouquet of flowers.
Trim the stems and place them in a glass of water, covering the leaves loosely with a plastic bag.
This will keep the basil fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
Alternatively, you can wrap the basil in a damp paper towel and place it inside a zip-top bag in the crisper drawer.
2. Preparing It for Cooking
Most recipes will call for whole leaves, so try to avoid chopping thai basil with a knife.
Cutting the leaves can cause bruising and release some of the water content, diluting the flavor.
Instead, simply pinch the leaves off the stem and add them whole to your dish.
If a recipe does require them to be smaller, use your hands to tear them gently and preserve their aromatic oils.
So, Do You Know How to Use Thai Basil?
You can use thai basil in so many ways, from the traditional stir-fries to creative cocktails and fresh salads.
Its unique flavor makes it a standout ingredient that will elevate your home cooking to a whole new level.
So the next time you see thai basil at the market, grab a bunch and get creative in the kitchen.
Your taste buds will be incredibly grateful for the bold, aromatic flavors you’re about to introduce them to.
Happy cooking with this amazing herb that opens up a world of culinary possibilities.