What To Do With Excess Thai Basil

When you have excess Thai basil, you can turn it into pesto, compound butter, infused oils, vinegars, salts, sauces, and even freeze it for future use.

It’s one of those wonderful problems to have, because this fragrant herb grows like crazy once it gets going.

You might only need a few leaves for your favorite stir-fry, but the plant just keeps producing more than you can possibly keep up with.

The good news is that what to do with excess Thai basil is actually a fun culinary adventure, and you have way more options than you might think.

In this post, we’ll explore why having excess Thai basil is a blessing, the best ways to preserve it, and some delicious recipes that will have you wishing for even more.

Let’s dive into all the creative ways to use up that beautiful bounty.

Why Having Excess Thai Basil Is a Good Thing

Having excess Thai basil is a fantastic opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, because this herb’s anise-like flavor is incredibly versatile.

It doesn’t have to be limited to just Asian dishes, though it shines there.

When you find yourself with excess Thai basil, you’re actually holding a secret ingredient that can elevate everything from simple salads to rich desserts.

Many gardeners panic when they see their Thai basil bolting, but they don’t realize it’s time to harvest big time.

The best way to handle excess Thai basil is to think about preservation first and then cooking fresh.

You can easily share your excess Thai basil with friends and neighbors, but you’re going to want to keep most of it for yourself.

Let’s look at the smartest methods to keep this herb working for you all year long.

1. Freezing Excess Thai Basil is the Fastest Fix

Freezing excess Thai basil is the fastest and easiest way to save it for later, because it locks in that vibrant flavor.

You can simply chop the leaves and place them in an ice cube tray with a little water or olive oil.

Once frozen, these basil cubes are perfect to toss into soups, curries, or stews.

Another method is to blanch the leaves quickly before freezing, which helps preserve their bright green color.

If you have a lot of excess Thai basil on your hands, just fill freezer bags with whole leaves after washing and drying them thoroughly.

This frozen herb won’t be great for salads, but it will be perfect for cooking.

You’ll be so happy you took the time to freeze excess Thai basil when you’re craving that flavor in the dead of winter.

2. Make a Classic Thai Basil Pesto

You can transform your excess Thai basil into a phenomenal pesto that’s completely different from the traditional Italian version.

As you decide what to do with excess Thai basil, making pesto is often the most recommended route because it’s quick and so rewarding.

The licorice notes of the Thai basil add a unique twist to the usual basil pesto recipe.

You’ll need garlic, toasted sesame seeds or peanuts, a good quality oil, and a splash of lime or rice vinegar.

This pesto is incredible on noodles, as a marinade for chicken, or even just spread on a crusty baguette.

To use up your excess Thai basil, you can also swap out the nuts for cashews for a creamier texture.

Store your Thai basil pesto in a jar with a thin layer of oil on top to keep it fresh in the fridge.

You’ve just turned your surplus into a gourmet condiment, which is a brilliant answer to what to do with excess Thai basil.

Delicious Ways to Cook with Excess Thai Basil

Cooking with excess Thai basil in your daily meals is the most enjoyable way to use it up.

You can stir it into your fried rice, throw it in a curry, or use it to top off a hearty noodle soup.

The key to cooking with Thai basil is to add it at the very end of the cooking process.

This is because heat can destroy the delicate volatile oils that give it that distinctive punch.

If you’re wondering what to do with excess Thai basil, try adding it generously to a stir-fry with bell peppers and tofu.

You’ll find the herb adds a final note of freshness that takes the whole dish to another level.

It’s also fantastic in egg dishes, like omelets or scrambles, for a morning kick.

Let’s explore a few more specific and delicious applications.

1. Infuse Oil or Vinegar with Excess Thai Basil

Infusing oil or vinegar is a fantastic way to use excess Thai basil to create gourmet gifts or pantry staples.

To make a basil-infused oil, gently warm a neutral oil like grapeseed or canola, then add your clean, dry basil leaves.

Let the mixture steep for a few hours, and you’ll have a fragrant oil perfect for drizzling or sautéing.

For vinegar, simply place fresh leaves in a bottle of white wine vinegar or rice vinegar and let it sit for a week.

This infused vinegar is a magical addition to salad dressings or quick pickles.

Both of these methods are excellent ideas for what to do with excess Thai basil when you have a ton of it.

You can store these infusions for months, so you don’t have to rush to use them up.

Just be sure to keep the basil fully submerged to prevent any mold from developing.

You’ll enjoy that Thai basil flavor long after the plant in your garden has stopped producing.

2. Whip Up a Thai Basil Compound Butter

Another answer to what to do with excess Thai basil is to make a flavored compound butter.

This masterful technique combines softened butter with finely chopped Thai basil leaves.

You can also add a little garlic, lime zest, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

Once everything is combined, roll the butter into a log using plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator.

You can slice off pieces to melt over grilled steak, steamed vegetables, or fresh corn on the cob.

This is one of the most luxurious ways to use excess Thai basil that you might not have considered.

The rich butter perfectly balances the herb’s bright, anise flavor.

It’s a simple yet impressive trick to have in your culinary toolkit.

And the best part is that compound butter freezes beautifully, so you can save it for a special occasion.

Make a Big Batch of Thai Basil Sauce

Making a big batch of Thai basil sauce is a smart strategy for what to do with excess Thai basil that is starting to wilt.

This sauce is versatile, spicy, and incredibly flavorful.

You can blend it with chili peppers, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sugar to create a perfect stir-fry sauce.

Or, you can process it into a green curry paste, adding in shallots, galangal, and lemongrass.

If you have that Thai basil overload, making a large batch of sauce is the perfect solution.

You can freeze the sauce in small portions to use whenever you need a quick flavor boost.

This isn’t just for Asian food; you can use this sauce to marinate fish or glaze pork chops.

It’s a fantastic way to capture the essence of the herb and ensure nothing goes to waste.

You’re taking a potential problem and turning it into a pantry full of delicious convenience.

So, What Do You Do with Excess Thai Basil?

So, what do you do with excess Thai basil? You have endless options, from freezing and making pesto to infusing oils and crafting compound butter.

The best method really depends on how much time you have and how you like to cook.

You can dry the leaves to make a flavorful tea or crush them into a spice rub with salt and pepper.

Another creative idea is to make a Thai basil simple syrup for cocktails or iced tea, which is a surprising but divine use.

You can also blend it into homemade mayo or aioli for a sandwich spread with a kick.

When you find yourself asking what to do with excess Thai basil, remember that the possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

Don’t let a single leaf go to waste, and get excited about the next time your plant explodes with growth.

You now have all the tools and recipes you need to handle that excess Thai basil with confidence and style.

Happy cooking.