Better Than Takeout Sweet Thai Basil Chicken. (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between Thai basil and sweet 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).

What is Thai basil? A type of basil native to Southeast Asia and its cuisines, Thai basil is savory, spicy, and anise-like, adding a distinct pungency to dishes. It's a vibrant, irreplaceable addition in many dishes, providing the herbaceous and savory notes that round out a dish.

Thai Basil isn't just a pretty herb; it's a powerhouse of health benefits. Its essential oils, including eugenol, are anti-inflammatory champions, providing relief for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The herb's compounds also tackle cholesterol, doing a one-two punch to lower LDL and boost HDL levels.

The leaves of Thai basil are more narrow and long in shape with smooth edges whereas holy basil have fuzzy leaves with serrated edges. The stems of the Thai basil are also darker and purplish compared to the lighter hairy stem of the holy basil.

Thai holy basil, sometimes known as hot basil or hairy basil (for the hairy edges of the leaves), possesses a distinctive, clovelike intensity. Thai recipes distinguish between the more pungent red holy basil and the milder white (or green) variety.

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.

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.

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.

Thai basil, or horapha (Thai: โหระพา), is widely used throughout Southeast Asia and plays a prominent role in Vietnamese cuisine. It is the cultivar most often used for Asian cooking in Western kitchens.

Basil is generally safe when consumed in small amounts, but a few precautions are warranted. Basil leaves are high in vitamin K, which helps blood clot. High intakes could interfere with blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin ( 37 ).

Who should not take basil? ›

Bleeding disorders: Basil oils and extracts might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding in people with bleeding disorders. Low blood pressure: Basil extracts might lower blood pressure. In theory, taking basil extracts might make blood pressure become too low in people with low blood pressure.

The eugenol in basil can block calcium channels, which may help to lower blood pressure. Its essential oils can help lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. Basil also contains magnesium, which can help improve your blood flow by allowing your muscles and blood vessels to relax.

You lock in that wonderful flavor and beautiful green color by freezing the basil plants and storing them in freezer bags. You can use this technique for all kinds of basil; Sweet, Thai, Purple, and Lemon.

Then I topped the cooked pizza with a mix of herbs, including Thai basil, cilantro and garlic chives and some sesame seeds. Of course, this is customizeable, so feel free to add cheese or use a different combination of herbs.

Since the tomatoes take a long time to cook down, it is good to cook them at medium high. Do not add any water to the tomatoes; they will make lots of juice on their own as they cook. Chop the Sweet Basil and Thai Basil right before adding to the Pasta Sauce.

Thai Basil Substitute

We recommend using star anise specifically, as it is commonly used in the cuisines that use Thai basil. Sweet basil and holy basil are also good alternatives but do miss the anise note that the recipe is likely calling Thai basil for.

Genovese Basil

Also called sweet basil or sweet Genovese, this is the most common variety and what you'll find in those plastic packages at the supermarket. The oval-shaped leaves are about 2-3 inches long and have a strong aroma and peppery flavor. This is the classic choice for pesto, Caprese salad, and pizza.

The herb provides a savory and spicy flavor with a bit of an anise taste. Because of its distinct flavor and aroma, it's often used in Southeast Asian dishes and is considered an irreplaceable ingredient. The herb features in dishes like salads, stir-fries and curries. It's also used as a garnish for foods like pho.

One cultivar especially worth seeking out is Thai basil,* which is now grown domestically and is increasingly common in Western markets and specialty Asian groceries. If all you've ever known is Italian sweet basil, you'll may be surprised by its crisp pungency that plays particularly well with Southeast Asian food.