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What to do with extra thai basil comes down to a few simple, delicious, and practical options that will keep this fragrant herb from going to waste.
When you have extra thai basil, you quickly realize that this herb is far too flavorful to let wilt in the fridge.
The best answers for what to do with extra thai basil involve cooking, freezing, preserving, and even styling it into new dishes.
In this post, we’ll explore the top ways to handle extra thai basil so you can enjoy its unique anise-like flavor for weeks.
Let’s dive into the many creative solutions for extra thai basil you probably haven’t tried yet.
Why Extra Thai Basil Is a Gift, Not a Burden
When you’re wondering what to do with extra thai basil, the first thing to know is that this herb is more resilient than you think.
Extra thai basil can be stored, cooked, and transformed in ways that regular sweet basil can’t handle.
The key to dealing with extra thai basil is acting quickly while the leaves are still vibrant and aromatic.
Here’s why extra thai basil deserves special attention.
1. It’s More Heat-Stable Than Sweet Basil
Extra thai basil holds up beautifully under high heat, making it perfect for stir-fries and curries.
This means you can throw a handful of extra thai basil right into a hot wok without it wilting into mush.
So if you have extra thai basil, you can cook it down aggressively to concentrate its flavor.
That’s a huge advantage over other herbs when you’re just trying to use up extra thai basil.
2. It Has a Longer Shelf Life Than You Expect
Properly stored, extra thai basil can stay fresh for up to two weeks in the fridge.
But the real magic happens when you don’t store it raw and instead pivot to preserving methods.
Knowing what to do with extra thai basil means recognizing that this herb freezes and dries better than most.
So you have time to plan, but you shouldn’t delay too long.
Best Ways to Use Extra Thai Basil in Cooking
The most direct answer to what to do with extra thai basil is to simply cook with it more aggressively.
This herb isn’t just a garnish, it’s a starring ingredient in many Southeast Asian dishes.
Here are the best culinary moves for your extra thai basil.
1. Make a Big Batch of Thai Basil Chicken
Extra thai basil is the star of the famous Thai basil chicken (Pad Krapow).
This dish uses a massive handful of leaves, so it’s a perfect way to burn through a whole bunch.
Stir-fry minced chicken with garlic, chilies, and oyster sauce, then fold in your extra thai basil at the very end.
The heat will wilt the leaves just enough to release their spicy, licorice-like punch.
This single recipe alone can solve your what to do with extra thai basil dilemma for a full week.
2. Infuse It Into Oil or Vinegar
If you have extra thai basil and don’t want to cook with it right now, infuse it into a neutral oil.
Gently warm olive oil and let your extra thai basil steep for an hour, then strain it.
The result is a fragrant drizzle for salads, noodles, or grilled meats.
Similarly, you can add extra thai basil to rice vinegar to make a quick dipping sauce.
Both methods offer a smart answer for what to do with extra thai basil that lasts for months.
3. Blend It Into a Green Curry Paste
Extra thai basil blends beautifully into homemade curry pastes.
Combine your extra thai basil with lemongrass, galangal, garlic, and chilies in a food processor.
This paste freezes flat in ice cube trays, giving you ready-to-use flavor bombs.
So when you have extra thai basil, turn it into a paste and you’ll never waste a leaf again.
How to Preserve Extra Thai Basil for Later
Preserving extra thai basil is the smartest long-term solution because it locks in that fresh taste.
While you can dry it, freezing is actually the superior route for keeping its essential oils intact.
Here are the top preservation methods for your extra thai basil.
1. Freeze the Leaves Whole
The easiest way to handle extra thai basil is to freeze the whole leaves on a baking sheet.
Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag and squeeze out the air.
Frozen extra thai basil will crumble slightly when thawed, but it keeps its flavor surprisingly well.
This is the perfect go-to when you have extra thai basil but no immediate plans to use it.
2. Make Thai Basil Pesto
You might think pesto is only for sweet basil, but extra thai basil makes a phenomenal pesto.
Blend your extra thai basil with toasted peanuts, garlic, lime juice, and a bit of fish sauce.
Use coconut oil instead of olive oil for a more authentic Thai twist.
This pesto freezes beautifully in small jars, giving you a quick pasta sauce or marinade.
When people ask what to do with extra thai basil, this pesto is my favorite answer.
3. Dry It in a Dehydrator or Oven
Drying extra thai basil is an option if you don’t mind a slightly more muted flavor.
Lay your extra thai basil on a dehydrator tray at 95°F for 4-6 hours until the leaves are brittle.
In the oven, use the lowest setting with the door cracked open.
Crush the dried extra thai basil and store in an airtight jar away from light.
While dried, it won’t be as potent, but it’s still a fine answer for what to do with extra thai basil.
Creative Non-Food Uses for Extra Thai Basil
What to do with extra thai basil doesn’t always have to lead to your dinner plate.
This herb also has wonderful aromatic and cosmetic applications that you can enjoy.
Here are some unexpected but highly effective ways to use up that surplus.
1. Steep It Into a Tea or Bath Soak
Extra thai basil makes a calming, slightly spicy tea when steeped in hot water for five minutes.
You can also toss a few handfuls of extra thai basil into a warm bath for an aromatic soak.
The essential oils in the leaves are soothing to the skin and respiratory system.
This turns your question of what to do with extra thai basil into a wellness ritual.
2. Create a Natural Homemade Cleaning Spray
Because extra thai basil has mild antibacterial properties, it’s great in a DIY surface cleaner.
Simmer a big handful of extra thai basil in white vinegar for 20 minutes, then strain.
Mix this infused vinegar with water in a spray bottle for a fresh, herbal cleaner.
Your home will smell amazing, and you’ll have tackled the extra thai basil problem.
So, What to Do With Extra Thai Basil?
Extra thai basil is best used by acting fast and choosing one of three paths: cook it, preserve it, or repurpose it.
You can cook extra thai basil into Thai basil chicken, curry paste, or infused oil for immediate meals.
You can preserve extra thai basil by freezing leaves whole, making a Thai basil pesto, or drying it.
And you can even repurpose extra thai basil into teas, bath soaks, or cleaning sprays.
The answer to what to do with extra thai basil is never just one option, it’s a whole toolbox of techniques.
No matter which route you pick, you’ll never have to toss out this treasured herb again.
So grab that bunch of extra thai basil and start experimenting today.
Your stir-fries, freezers, and home will all thank you for using every last leaf.