Last Updated on October 10, 2022

Can You Substitute Thai Basil For Regular Basil?

No problem! Some recipes call for Thai basil, a pungent variety that can be hard to find in grocery stores. To duplicate its flavor, use common “Italian” basil and add a few fresh mint sprigs to the recipe.

Can I use Thai basil instead of normal basil?

Can I substitute basil for Thai basil? You can substitute basil for Thai basil in dishes if that’s all you have. It won’t have that same punch of flavor that Thai basil brings, so it could be worth adding other fresh herbs to help brighten the dish like mint or cilantro.

Does Thai basil taste different than regular basil?

But setting looks aside, Thai basil is spicy with an anise, or licorice-like flavor, while sweet basil has a more mild peppery and sweet taste (for reference, sweet basil is commonly used as a main ingredient in Genovese-style pesto).

Can you substitute Thai basil for regular basil in pesto?

Yes! I love this recipe because it uses other Thai seasonings for a strong Thai flavor, but you can use Thai Basil in a traditional pesto recipe as well.

What can I use in place of Thai basil?

If you can’t find Thai basil, you can substitute sweet basil, but it will lack its distinctive grassy and spicy flavor. If you are to substitute, supplement the sweet basil with mint to make up for this loss of flavor.

Can Thai basil be used for Italian cooking?

Thai basil and Italian basil belong to the same family, so you can use Italian basil as a Thai Basil Substitute, and the flavor will not change much. Sweet Italian basil has a milder taste, so you have to add a higher amount of Italian basil to get the same flavor.

Can I use Thai basil in spaghetti sauce?

Tomato Sauce with Thai Basil (or regular Basil): Quick, Thick, and Easy! WOW, this recipe sure is a winner!

What kind of basil is best for cooking?

1. Sweet Basil. It is the most used and popular basil variety to grow. Sweet basil is used extensively in cooking for its aromatic foliage.

Is Thai basil the same as Italian basil?

Italian sweet basil is a type of basil that’s most common in Western cooking. It has bright green leaves and a green stem. The leaves are larger than the Thai variety (see the bunches on the right in the photo above). The flavor of sweet basil is milder than Thai basil, with hints of black pepper and subtle anise.

What does Thai basil pesto taste like?

Typically, a classic Italian pesto is usually made with Italian basil which can taste slightly sweet. Thai basil on the other hand tastes a bit like licorice or star anise.

What tastes like Thai basil?

Italian basil
Thai basil and Italian basil belong to the same family, so you can use Italian basil as a Thai Basil Substitute, and the flavor will not change much. Sweet Italian basil has a milder taste, so you have to add a higher amount of Italian basil to get the same flavor.

What is another name for Thai basil?

It is also known as Thai holy basil or by its Indian name, tulasi or tulsi; it is widely used in India for culinary, medicinal, and religious purposes.

How do I freeze Thai basil?

How to Freeze Thail Basil

1. Wash and Dry: Place your Thai basil leaves in a sieve and rinse well under the cold tap. …
2. Lay Out on Greaseproof Paper: Once dry, lay your Thai basil leaves on a sheet of greaseproof paper. …
3. Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the leaves into the freezer until they are firm.

What is the most flavorful basil?

The best variety to grow for flavor is sweet basil Thanks to its incredible fragrance and flavor, sweet basil is one of the most popular and widely used herbs around the world.

What kind of basil do you use for pasta?

Italian Large Leaf Basil is the most commonly used in pesto. This variety offers a strong flavor for a robust fullness. When using fresh basil to prepare pesto, crush the leaves first to release the flavor, then add them to the olive oil.

How do I use dried Thai basil?

Dehydrated Thai basil can be crumbled up and used in meals like the fresh variety. It’s easier to dehydrate the entire basil stem, then pull off all the leaves when it’s dry. The main stem is completely inedible and will be the last thing to dry, if the stem is the dry, everything else is dry.

Can I freeze Thai basil?

It’s possible to freeze Thai basil leaves without freezing them individually; you can simply place them straight into a freezer-safe bag to save yourself time. However, they will freeze together as a clump and are likely to rip when it comes to defrosting, so just bear this in mind if you want to freeze them quickly.

What is special about Thai basil?

Research shows that Thai Basil is high in antioxidants, anti-cancer, anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal properties, which is why it has been used in traditional healing since centuries ago. Aside from ingesting Thai Basil, you can also bruise the leaves and inhale its aroma to relieve stress.

Can you grow Thai basil from cuttings?

Thai basil can be started from seeds purchased online or at your local garden center or propagated via plant cuttings.

How long will basil keep in olive oil?

2 months
Other Useful Tips for How to Store Basil It will last up to 2 days when wrapped in a paper towel and put in a plastic bag. If you cover the leaves with olive oil, they can last up to 2 months.

Which basil is best for cooking?

1. Sweet Basil. It is the most used and popular basil variety to grow. Sweet basil is used extensively in cooking for its aromatic foliage.