Thai Basil Pesto with peanuts

This delicious Thai Basil Pesto, made with fresh Thai basil leaves and roasted peanuts, creates a versatile aromatic spread or flavorful sauce.

Making pesto is fun, especially when I have an abundance of herbs to preserve. I enjoy foraging for wild herbs like nettles or wild garlic and turning them into pesto, or I like to make roasted red pepper pesto. This time, I used Thai basil to make a creamy spread, perfect for Thai dishes like soba noodles or on top of fish or seafood.

But before we start, let’s clarify how many basil varieties we have.

What is the difference between Thai basil and Sweet Basil?

Currently, there are over 40 fragrant varieties of basil, each offering distinct flavors, aromas, and colors. Basil belongs to the genus Ocimum within the Lamiaceae family, with the Greek term “Ocimum” translating to “to smell.”

The most widespread species of basil is sweet basil, also known as Italian sweet basil, Italian basil, or Genovese basil. This type is commonly featured in traditional Italian dishes like Italian pesto, Caprese salad, or tomato sauce.

Thai basil, native to Southeast Asia, is sometimes called anise basil or licorice basil owing to its anise- and licorice-like scent and taste.

Widely used in Thai cuisine, Thai sweet basil complements spicy, sour, and salty dishes, making it a popular ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking, like green curries, stir-fries, and soups. 

When it comes to appearance, Thai basil has purple stems with bright green pointed leaves. A subtle hint of anise fills the air when you pluck the leaves.

Regular basil, on the other hand, has larger, more rounded leaves with green stems. 

Thai Basil has a sweet, anise or licorice taste and is slightly spicy. Italian basil has a sweet, slightly minty flavor.

Why you will love this recipe?

It is made of fresh ingredients, is healthy and nutritious. 

Using Thai basil in a pesto gives it a unique and delicious twist and aroma that mimics any Thai restaurant.

It is easy to make for a beginner home cook and doesn’t require any cooking skills. All you need is mortar and pestle.

Thai basil pesto is a versatile condiment you can drizzle over Bruschetta pasta salad or noodles or spread on toasted bread.

Ingredients to make Thai Basil Pesto

Thai Basil

This herb is a staple in this pesto needs to be fresh for the best result. If you have just basil, make this lemon pesto sauce.

Sesame oil or peanut oil

I used sesame oil for most Asian flavors, but you can’t find it. You can also use canola or grapeseed oil.

Roasted Peanuts

Pesto is traditionally made with pine nuts, however, you could substitute an equal amount of peanuts, pecans, cashews, or even hazelnuts. 

Nuts add a crunchy and nutty texture. I like roasting them before adding them to the pesto for an extra flavor.

Lime juice

Use fresh lime juice for the best zesty flavor. You can also use lemon juice instead.

Fish sauce

A traditional ingredient of Thai cuisine, it adds a salty and umami flavor. It can be substituted with an Oyster sauce.

Coconut milk (thick)

Coconut milk is a common ingredient in Thai cuisine, and I wanted to add a creamy texture and mild sweetness to balance the bold flavors. 

Step-by-step Thai Basil Pesto Recipe

This Thai Basil Pesto is easy to make, whether you choose to blend all the ingredients in a mortar and pestle to experience a taste of authentic Thai cuisine or opt for the convenience of a food processor.

First step: Roast Peanuts

To enhance peanut flavor, mildly roast them on a dry pan.

Place them on a dry pan and heat them over a medium until they are lightly browned. Watch them as they are burned easily.

You can also roast them in the oven as I did. Preheat oven to 350°F (180C). Spread raw, shelled peanuts in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir at least twice during the roasting time. Remove them from the oven once they smell peanutty and roasted. I used them unsalted.

Second step: Blend Ingredients

Wash and dry the Thai basil leaves thoroughly. 

Place them in the mortar together with roasted peanuts, a splash of sesame oil, juice, and fish sauce; lastly, add one tablespoon of coconut milk. Use pestle to grind them to release their flavors into a smooth consistency.

Or place the Thai basil leaves and all ingredients in a food processor and blend them until you achieve a smooth and well-combined consistency.

Third step: Taste and adjust

Taste the pesto and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more lime juice, fish sauce, or salt to taste.

Variations

Spicy: Thai basil pesto has a slightly spicy flavor, but if you like to add some spicy kick, add ¼ teaspoon or more of crushed red pepper flakes or chili peppers into the blender or food processor before blending.

Garlic Infusion: Include a fresh garlic clove or garlic powder in the mix during blending. 

Lemon Zest Freshness: Elevate the citrus notes by adding a teaspoon of freshly grated lemon zest or lemon powder to the ingredients before blending.

How to serve Thai Basil Pesto

Thai Basil Pesto is unique and flavorful, adding authentic flavors to Thai food.

Toss the pesto with al dente soba noodles and some julienned vegetables, such as carrots and bell peppers, and top with sesame seeds.

Enhance the taste of grilled or pan-seared fish or seafood by generously spreading Thai Basil Pesto over the top before serving. 

Mix the pesto with steamed jasmine rice and top it with stir-fried or grilled vegetables, tofu, or shrimp. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro for an Asian-inspired rice bowl.

Serve the pesto as a dipping sauce for fresh spring rolls.

Stir fry your favorite vegetables and protein, then stir in the Thai Basil Pesto for the last few minutes of cooking. 

Use the pesto as a base for an Asian-inspired pizza. Top with ingredients like sliced tofu, shrimp, or a mix of Asian vegetables.

Toss the pesto with fresh pasta, such as al dente linguine or spaghetti, for a vibrant Thai-inspired pasta dish. Garnish with extra Thai basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

How to preserve?

If you have an abundance of Thai basil and wish to store it for longer, it can be frozen for up to 4 months. 

How to store Thai Basil Pesto?

Store this pesto with Thai basil in an airtight container or mason jar. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed. Store it in your fridge for up to 7 days.

Any substitution for Thai basil when making pesto sauce?

Thai basil has a specific flavor that you wouldn’t mistake for another herb. It is spicier than Italian basil, like mint.

Suppose you’re looking for a substitution for Thai basil. In that case, you can combine traditional sweet basil and a hint of fresh mint or cilantro to mimic some of the Thai basil’s spiciness. While it won’t be an exact match, it can still provide a delicious and aromatic alternative.