How Do You Use Thai Basil

You use Thai basil as a vibrant, aromatic addition to stir-fries, curries, salads, noodle soups, and even cocktails, but you should always add it at the very end of cooking so it keeps its spicy, anise-like flavor.
 
Thai basil is not the same as the sweet basil you find in Italian pesto, and once you understand how to use thai basil properly, you’ll never leave it out of your kitchen again.
 
In this post, we’ll explore how to use Thai basil in everyday meals, the best flavor pairings, and a few simple ways to use thai basil when you want to get creative.
 
Let’s dive right in and unlock the secrets of this incredible herb.
 

Why Use Thai Basil

Thai basil brings a bold, peppery, and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of licorice, which is why so many Southeast Asian recipes rely on it.
 
When you use thai basil in a hot dish, the heat releases its essential oils, making the whole kitchen smell amazing.
 
Unlike sweet basil, Thai basil has sturdier leaves and purple stems, so it doesn’t wilt instantly, which makes it ideal for cooking.
 

1. The Flavor Profile of Thai Basil

You can use thai basil to add a unique depth that no other herb can mimic.
 
The leaves carry a clove-like aroma with a hint of mint, and the stems are just as flavorful as the leaves.
 
If you’ve only ever used sweet basil, you’ll be surprised at how much more intense thai basil tastes.
 

2. Thai Basil vs. Sweet Basil

So you know how to use thai basil correctly, you should know the difference between it and sweet basil.
 
Sweet basil is soft, sweet, and slightly peppery, while use thai basil delivers a more savory, spicy kick.
 
In fact, Thai basil can handle higher heat for longer periods, so you can toss it into a sizzling pan without losing its charm.
 

How To Use Thai Basil In Cooking

The best way to use thai basil is to treat it as a finishing herb, not a simmering one.
 
You’ll want to add the leaves in the last minute or two of cooking, just so they warm through and release their fragrance.
 
Let’s look at the classic dishes that perfectly showcase how to use thai basil.
 

1. Use Thai Basil in Stir-Fries

One of the most famous ways to use thai basil is in the classic Thai stir-fry called Pad Krapow.
 
Stir-fry minced chicken or pork with garlic, chilies, and fish sauce, then toss in a big handful of Thai basil leaves right before serving.
 
The residual heat will wilt the leaves slightly, so use thai basil generously because it shrinks down a lot.
 
Serve it over jasmine rice with a crispy fried egg, and you’ll taste exactly why this herb is a staple.
 

2. Use Thai Basil in Curries and Soups

You can also use thai basil to brighten up rich coconut curries like green curry or red curry.
 
Just sprinkle the leaves on top of the finished curry, not during the simmering, so they don’t turn bitter.
 
For noodle soups like Vietnamese Pho or Thai Tom Yum, use thai basil as a fresh garnish.
 
The hot broth will release the aromatic oils as you eat, which makes every spoonful taste even better.
 

3. Use Thai Basil Fresh in Salads

When you use thai basil raw, it adds a crunchy texture and a punch of flavor to salads.
 
Tear the leaves and mix them with rice noodles, cucumbers, carrots, and a tangy lime dressing.
 
You can also use thai basil in a simple green mango salad, where the herb’s spiciness balances the sweetness of the fruit.
 
The leaves are larger than sweet basil, so just chop them roughly to release more of that lovely scent.
 

Creative Ways To Use Thai Basil

Now that you know the basics, you can also use thai basil for drinks, desserts, and other surprising dishes.
 

1. Use Thai Basil in Drinks and Cocktails

If you want a refreshing summer cocktail, use thai basil to muddle with lime and simple syrup for a mojito twist.
 
You can also steep the leaves in hot water with honey to make a soothing herbal tea.
 
Use thai basil in a lemonade or a gin and tonic, and you’ll have a drink with a subtle spicy kick.
 
The purple-stemmed leaves also look stunning as a garnish floating in a glass.
 

2. Use Thai Basil in Marinades and Sauces

Blend Thai basil with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil to create a quick marinade for chicken or tofu.
 
You can also puree thai basil with olive oil and lime juice to make a bright, spicy sauce for grilled meats.
 
Or, you can use thai basil to make a quick pesto by swapping the sweet basil for Thai basil and adding peanuts instead of pine nuts.
 
This Thai basil pesto is amazing tossed with pasta or spread on a sandwich.
 

3. Use Thai Basil for Storage and Preservation

If you have a huge bunch of Thai basil, you can use thai basil to make herbed butter or freeze it in ice cube trays.
 
Just chop the leaves, pack them into ice cube trays, cover with olive oil or water, and freeze.
 
You can also use thai basil to make a flavored vinegar, which is a simple way to keep its taste alive for months.
 
To store fresh Thai basil, place the stems in a glass of water, cover the leaves with a plastic bag, and keep it in the fridge.
 

So, How Do You Use Thai Basil? The Final Answer

You use Thai basil by adding it fresh, raw, or minimally cooked to dishes that benefit from its peppery, anise-like flavor.
 
The most reliable way to use thai basil is to fold it into a dish right at the end, whether that is a stir-fry, a curry, or a salad.
 
You should also feel free to use thai basil in unexpected places like drinks, desserts, and marinades.
 
The key takeaway is that Thai basil loves heat, but only for a brief moment.
 
Toss it in too early, and you’ll lose all that beautiful, spicy aroma.
 
So add a generous handful at the end, stir it once or twice, and enjoy the explosion of flavor.
 
Now you have all the tips, so go ahead and use thai basil in your next meal with confidence.
 
Your taste buds will definitely thank you.