What To Do With Thai Basil Pesto

There are so many delicious things to do with Thai basil pesto that you’ll wonder why you ever stuck to the classic Italian version.
 
Thai basil pesto is a vibrant, aromatic sauce that swaps sweet Italian basil for the spicy, anise-like leaves of Thai basil, and it brings a whole new world of flavor to your kitchen.
 
If you’ve got a jar of Thai basil pesto sitting in your fridge or a bunch of Thai basil ready to be blended, you’re in for a treat.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with Thai basil pesto, from quick weeknight dinners to creative appetizers and even unexpected sweet treats.
 
Let’s dive into the endless possibilities of this incredible sauce.
 

Why Thai Basil Pesto Deserves a Spot in Your Kitchen

Thai basil pesto is not just a substitute for the traditional kind, it’s a flavor powerhouse that can transform simple dishes into something special.
 
The key reason why Thai basil pesto works so well is its unique flavor profile.
 
Thai basil has a peppery, slightly spicy kick with strong notes of licorice or anise, which makes it stand out against the sweeter, milder Genovese basil.
 
When you blend it with garlic, nuts, parmesan (or a dairy-free alternative), and oil, you get a sauce that’s both fresh and punchy.
 
Knowing what to do with Thai basil pesto starts with understanding that it pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired ingredients like ginger, lime, sesame, and chili.
 
But don’t let that limit you, because this pesto is incredibly versatile and can be used in countless Western dishes too.
 

Delicious and Simple Ways to Use Thai Basil Pesto

So, what to do with Thai basil pesto in your daily cooking?
 
Here are some of the best ways to use up your stash and impress your family and friends.
 

1. Toss It with Noodles for an Instant Flavor Boost

The most obvious and satisfying answer to what to do with Thai basil pesto is to toss it with noodles.
 
Cook any noodles you have on hand, like spaghetti, linguine, or even rice noodles, then drain them and reserve a little pasta water.
 
Mix a few generous spoonfuls of Thai basil pesto into the hot noodles, adding a splash of pasta water to create a silky sauce that clings to every strand.
 
For a Thai-inspired twist, add some sautéed shrimp, sliced chicken, or crispy tofu, then top with crushed peanuts and a squeeze of fresh lime.
 
This simple dish comes together in the time it takes to boil water and is a perfect weeknight dinner.
 

2. Spread It on Sandwiches, Wraps, and Toasts

If you’re looking for what to do with Thai basil pesto beyond pasta, use it as a spread.
 
Swap out your usual mayo or mustard and spread a thin layer of Thai basil pesto on your turkey, chicken, or veggie sandwich.
 
It adds an herby, garlicky depth that will take your lunch to the next level.
 
You can also smear it on a crusty baguette for a simple appetizer, then top with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil.
 
Or, spread it on a warm piece of sourdough toast and top with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast or brunch idea.
 

3. Use It as a Marinade or Finishing Sauce for Meat and Seafood

Thai basil pesto makes an excellent marinade for chicken, pork, beef, or even firm white fish.
 
The garlic and oil in the pesto help tenderize the meat, while the Thai basil infuses it with amazing flavor.
 
Simply coat your protein of choice in a few tablespoons of Thai basil pesto and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
 
Then, grill, bake, or pan-sear it as you normally would.
 
You can also use the pesto as a finishing sauce by stirring a spoonful into a hot pan of just-cooked shrimp or scallops, letting it melt and coat the seafood right before serving.
 
This is a fantastic answer to what to do with Thai basil pesto that’s both easy and impressive.
 

4. Swirl It into Soups and Curries

Give your favorite soups and Thai curries a fresh, herbal boost by stirring in a spoonful of Thai basil pesto at the end of cooking.
 
It works particularly well in coconut-based curries, tom yum soup, or even a simple vegetable soup.
 
The bright, peppery notes of the pesto will brighten up the rich, savory flavors of the soup.
 
For a quick meal, take a can of coconut milk, add some red curry paste, vegetables, and protein, and simmer until cooked.
 
Then, just before serving, remove it from the heat and swirl in a generous dollop of Thai basil pesto for a final layer of flavor that’s simply divine.
 

5. Make a Vibrant Pesto Pizza or Flatbread

Forget the boring red sauce, and use Thai basil pesto as the base for your next pizza or flatbread.
 
Spread a thin layer over your pizza dough, then top with your favorite ingredients.
 
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, caramelized onions, mushrooms, and even a drizzle of sweet chili sauce after it comes out of the oven.
 
You can also make naan bread pizzas by spreading the pesto on a piece of naan and topping it with simple ingredients for a 10-minute lunch or snack.
 
This is a creative and delicious way to use up leftover Thai basil pesto.
 

6. Incorporate It into Salad Dressings and Dips

You can easily transform Thai basil pesto into a fantastic salad dressing.
 
Whisk a tablespoon of the pesto with two tablespoons of olive oil, a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice, and a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
 
This makes a gorgeous, emerald-green dressing that’s perfect for drizzling over a fresh green salad, a grain bowl, or even grilled vegetables.
 
You can also mix it with a little sour cream, yogurt, or cream cheese to make a quick and flavorful dip for raw veggies, pita chips, or spring rolls.
 
So, when you’re wondering what to do with Thai basil pesto, remember that it’s not just a pasta sauce, it’s a versatile condiment.
 

Creative and Unexpected Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Thai Basil Pesto

If the ideas above aren’t enough, let’s get a little more creative with what to do with Thai basil pesto.
 

1. Upgrade Your Mashed Potatoes or Roasted Veggies

Stir a spoonful of Thai basil pesto into your mashed potatoes for a mouthwatering twist on a classic side dish.
 
The garlic and herbs will make your potatoes incredibly savory and aromatic.
 
You can also toss roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or green beans with a little olive oil and a spoonful of Thai basil pesto before you roast them.
 
The heat will mellow the raw garlic and infuse the vegetables with a deliciously complex flavor.
 

2. Mix It with Mayonnaise or Butter for a Savory Spread

For an absolute flavor explosion, combine equal parts Thai basil pesto and mayonnaise to make a “pesto mayo”.
 
This is incredible on a BLT, a turkey burger, or as a dip for french fries.
 
Alternatively, you can mash some of the pesto into softened butter to create a compound butter.
 
Roll it up in plastic wrap, chill it, and then slice off rounds to melt over grilled steak, corn on the cob, or garlic bread.
 
This is a simple trick that makes it feel like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
 

3. Add a Dollop to Congee, Rice Bowls, or Stir-fries

A dollop of Thai basil pesto can completely change the game for a simple bowl of jasmine rice, fried rice, or congee.
 
Just stir it in while the rice is still hot and let the flavors meld.
 
You can also serve it on the side as a condiment for any Asian-inspired stir-fry, letting everyone add as much or as little as they like.
 
The bright, herbal notes cut through the richness of soy and oyster sauces and provide a fresh contrast to the heavy flavors.
 

So, What to Do with Thai Basil Pesto?

There are a ton of delicious things to do with Thai basil pesto, and we’ve only scratched the surface here.
 
So, what to do with Thai basil pesto? Well, you can toss it with noodles, spread it on sandwiches, marinate meat with it, swirl it into soups, and even use it as a base for pizza.
 
Its unique, spicy, and anise-like flavor makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient that can enhance both Asian-inspired dishes and your favorite classic Western comfort foods.
 
From simple weeknight dinners to creative appetizers and sauces, knowing what to do with Thai basil pesto will banish flavor boredom from your kitchen for good.
 
The next time you have a jar or a fresh bunch, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it.
 
You really can’t go wrong when you have this delicious, aromatic pesto on hand.