Thai basil is of Southeast Asian origin, and is a common ingredient among the cuisines of this region. It has a slightly spicy, licorice-like flavor.
Does Thai basil taste like regular basil?
Flavor: Taste is the most noticeable difference between sweet basil and Thai basil. Thai basil leaves have a distinctive flavor with bold notes of licorice and spice. True to its common name, sweet basil has a sweeter flavor and more peppery notes.
What is Thai basil good for cooking?
Try Thai basil in simmered dishes like Taiwanese braised eggplant and green curry as well as high-heat stir-fries such as Thai basil chicken and Thai tofu (traditionally made with holy basil, but great with Thai basil, too).
What is a good substitute for Thai basil?
No Thai 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.
What is the difference between Thai basil and Italian basil?
What is Thai basil, and can you use Italian basil in its place? A variety of the sweet Italian basil used widely in American and European cooking, Thai basil brings slightly savory, spicy, anise-like notes to many Southeast Asian and Chinese dishes.
Is Thai basil good in spaghetti sauce?
Most grocery store sell it by the bunch for about a buck. I prefer its flavor to that of Italian basil and use it exclusively in my cooking. It goes into my marinara sauce, along with a couple of Thai chilis and anywhere else I would use basil. It has a sharper mintier bite that really shines through in a dish.
Which is better sweet basil or Thai basil?
And unlike the delicate, floppy leaves you find on sweet basil, Thai basil leaves are much sturdier, meaning they’ll hold up better during cooking (sweet basil leaves are usually added fresh, after the rest of the dish has been cooked).
Does Thai basil taste like cilantro?
For example, Thai basil has a slightly spicy flavor that works well as a cilantro substitute. You may also use cilantro as a substitute for basil in some recipes.
What are the benefits of eating 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.
Is Thai basil anti inflammatory?
Thai basil also contains many other minerals and vitamins such as vitamin c and omega 3 fatty acids. Thai basil is packed with antioxidants and anti-bacterial compounds. They contain antiviral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Why does Thai basil taste like licorice?
The smell of licorice is attributed to a chemical compound present in both licorice and anise known as anethole. Anethole can be found in fennel as well. Certain basil varieties have this compound which gives them their distinct smell and flavor, often described as either like licorice and anise.
Is Thai basil stronger than regular basil?
What is Thai basil? Thai basil is a type of basil that originates in Southeast Asia. It’s got a stronger flavor than that of it’s sweet basil cousin with more of an anise flavor.
Does Thai basil taste like mint?
Thai basil has a licorice taste missing in mint and it is not as versatile as mint in tea. However, Thai basil is way more used than mint in a large variety of recipes.
What kind of basil is best for cooking?
Sweet Basil
It is the most used and popular basil variety to grow. Sweet basil is used extensively in cooking for its aromatic foliage. Ranging from green to purple, the herb can attain a height of 12-18 inches.
Can you use Thai basil in Italian cooking?
From Pesto to Marinara sauces, it can be used almost in everything. 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.
Which basil is best for pesto?
Italian Large Leaf Italian Large Leaf Basil
Italian Large Leaf
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.
What is the most common herb added to an Italian tomato sauce?
Oregano. Oregano is the probably most common herb found in marinara sauce recipes. To keep things simple, the recipe calls for dried oregano.
When should I add basil to my pasta?
Add basil at the beginning of a long simmer and by the time you serve your dish, you’ll only taste a shadow of what it once was. That’s why it’s best to add the basil only in the last minute or so of cooking.
What are the best herbs to put in spaghetti sauce?
Red pepper flakes, dehydrated or fresh garlic, dried oregano, parsley, or basil, or an Italian seasoning blend are all good options. Dried herbs and spices should be added at the beginning of the cook time so that they have time to bloom.
What is the tastiest basil?
The best variety to grow for flavor is sweet basil
Sweet basil, specifically a variety of sweet basil called Genovese basil, is the star of the Italian classic, pesto, as well as many other sauces and soups.
What is the healthiest basil to eat?
The healthiest basil is sweet basil, Genovese basil, Thai basil, Napoletano basil, dark opal basil, lemon basil, lime basil, lettuce leaf basil, and Holy basil. These varieties are commonly used in daily meals and medicinal uses.