Noodlepedia
A glossary of both familiar and lesser-known Asian ingredients and terms.
Thai Basil
An aromatic herb with a spicy, licorice-like flavor and purple stems. Used widely in Thai, Vietnamese, and Lao cooking.
Pro Tip: Add after cooking to preserve its bright flavor — or toss whole sprigs into hot broth and fish them out before serving.
How to Use It:
- Stir into curries or pho at the end
- Top noodle dishes or rice bowls
- Eat raw with grilled meats or wraps
1. Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai)
Vibe: Spicy, savory, slightly sweet, with that signature hit of Thai basil at the end. Street food legend, weeknight-ready.
🛒 Ingredients:
1 lb ground chicken or turkey
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 Thai chilis or 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (adjust heat!)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp fish sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/4 cup water
1 big handful Thai basil leaves
Optional: fried egg, steamed jasmine rice
👩🍳 Instructions:
Sauté garlic and chili in a bit of oil until fragrant.
Add ground chicken and stir-fry until fully cooked.
Add soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Simmer until it’s slightly saucy.
Turn off heat and toss in Thai basil—let it wilt from the residual heat.
Serve over rice with a crispy fried egg on top for the full experience.
🔥 Why it slaps: That final burst of Thai basil brings fresh, floral heat that cuts through the rich, savory chicken. It’s addictive.
2. Thai Basil Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
Vibe: Fresh, light, herbal, and crunchy—plus that Thai basil surprise in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients:
Rice paper wrappers
Cooked shrimp or tofu
Thin rice vermicelli noodles
Lettuce, shredded carrot, cucumber, mint
Thai basil leaves, whole or halved
Peanut Sauce:
2 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp hoisin or sriracha
1 tsp lime juice
Warm water to thin
👩🍳 Instructions:
Dip rice paper in warm water to soften, then lay on a plate.
Layer lettuce, noodles, shrimp or tofu, veggies, and Thai basil.
Roll tightly like a burrito—fold sides in, then roll from bottom up.
Mix sauce ingredients until smooth. Serve rolls with dipping sauce.
🥢 Why it works: Thai basil adds that punchy, peppery freshness that makes these rolls taste like they came straight out of a Bangkok market stall.