Thai Basil
Thai basil has been a household staple throughout Asia and is usually added to curries and stir-frys. It is great for cooks that are looking to add authentic flair without experimenting with something they are completely unfamiliar with.
Taste and Uses
Thai basil has a much more assertive taste than sweet basil and it is often compared to anise, the flavoring associated with black licorice. Fresh sprigs of Thai basil can be served with vegetable platters and nibbled on with spicy salads and chili dips. It can also be used in salads, vegetable dishes, or as a popular garnish for soup.
Kitchen Tips
Like other basil varieties, Thai basil should be used fresh, and added during the last moments of cooking. Overcooking Thai basil is not recommended as heat quickly dissipates the flavor. To use North Shore Living® Thai Basil snip the amount you need from the root ball then wash and pat dry. Incorporate the whole leaf or mince finely with a sharp kitchen knife, depending on your recipe. When substituting fresh herbs in a recipe calling for dry, one part dry is equal to three parts North Shore Living®. Try one of our recipes or simply pair it with some of the ingredients suggested below:
- Vegetables: zucchini, corn, bell pepper, tomato, green beans, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, eggplant, squash, spinach, artichoke, fennel, onion, potato
- Seafood: lobster, shrimp, crab, red snapper, salmon (fresh and smoked), grouper, tuna
- Meat and Poultry: chicken, turkey, beef, veal, lamb, sausage
- Soups and Sauces: corn chowder, tomato, vegetable soup, Thai and Asian soups
- Dairy: egg dishes
- Legumes and Grains: rice, pasta, lentils
- Fruit and Dessert: watermelon, pineapple, cantaloupe, honeydew, apple, peach, nectarine, pear, figs, lemon, lime
- Herbs and Seasoning: mint, oregano, chili, garlic, chives, ginger, capers, curry, coconut milk
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