Thai basil is a bit of a spicy herb that is mainly used in Thai, Vietnamese, Lao, and Cambodian cooking. If you’ve ever been to Southeast Asia, you’ll probably have eaten this herb in the local dishes they serve there. It’s a staple they use to create Thai red and green curries. Thai basil is usually served alongside Pho as a condiment, adding a bit of a licorice flavoring to the dish to season it how you like it.
Thai basil leaves add a hint of spice to Vietnamese rice paper wraps. Make your own wraps at home by adding fresh herbs, noodles, and shrimp. Dip them in hoisin sauce or red Thai chili sauce.
Vietnamese pork lettuce wraps are not for everyone. They are filled with a red serrano chili sauce making it extra spicy! If you’re up for a hot food adventure try using your Thai basil in the lettuce wraps for a spicy culinary experience.
Thinly sliced Thai basil can be added to many asian salads. Try making this Thai salad with peanut ginger dressing. This tasty Thai salad is filled with cabbage, carrots, peppers, and fresh herbs. Topped with roasted peanuts it will keep you full and satisfied.
Thai basil resists high heat more than sweet basil does. When added to stir fry’s it adds an aroma of spiciness to the dish. Try making spicy Thai basil chicken pad krapow gai served over rice.
Thai basil is much more spicy and resists heat more than sweet basil. It’s a great addition to salads, lettuce wraps, stir fry’s, and rice paper wraps.
