Holy basil, also known as Ocimum tenuiflorum or Tulsi, is a remarkable herb that has been cherished for centuries, both for its flavour and medicinal properties. With its strong, spicy aroma and distinct peppery taste, holy basil is a staple in many Southeast Asian dishes, particularly Thai and Indian cuisine. It's a herb that's as versatile in cooking as it is in promoting good health. Let’s explore everything you need to know about holy basil and two mouthwatering recipes that will take your cooking to the next level.
What is Holy Basil?
Holy basil is an aromatic herb with a slightly peppery and spicy flavour, making it a key ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking. Unlike the more common sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) used in Italian cooking, holy basil has a unique spicy bite that works perfectly with bold flavours like chillies, garlic, and fish sauce.
Known for its medicinal benefits, holy basil is also revered in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine. It's commonly used as a stress reliever and is thought to have adaptogenic properties that help the body cope with physical and emotional stress. Holy basil is also great for your overall wellness, with benefits ranging from boosting immunity to improving mental clarity.
While it’s used in both savoury dishes and teas, it’s especially popular in Thai cuisine. It’s most famously featured in dishes like Pad Kra Pao, a spicy stir-fry that combines holy basil with chicken, pork, or beef, alongside a vibrant mix of seasonings. If you’re looking to incorporate more holy basil into your meals, we've got just the products for you. We offer a selection of holy basil seasoning pastes that will make cooking these dishes easier and quicker than ever!
What are the Benefits of Holy Basil?
Aside from its delicious flavour, holy basil is packed with health benefits. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce pain and swelling in the body. It also has antioxidant effects, which are great for combating oxidative stress and supporting the immune system.
Holy basil is considered an adaptogen, meaning it can help the body adapt to stress and improve mental clarity. Regular consumption may also assist with managing blood sugar levels and reducing anxiety. Whether you're using it in cooking or as part of a wellness routine, holy basil offers a natural way to promote health and well-being.
Recipes to Try with Holy Basil
If you want to experience the rich flavours of holy basil first hand, try making these two popular Thai dishes: Pad Kra Pao (Holy Basil Chicken Stir-Fry) and Kra Pao Moo Grob (Crispy Pork Holy Basil Stir-Fry). Both dishes are packed with bold flavours and are super easy to make, especially with the help of ready-made holy basil seasoning pastes.
Thai Pad Gaprao (Pad Kra Pao) Holy Basil Chicken Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast (or thigh), sliced thinly
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3-4 Thai bird’s eye chillies (adjust to taste), chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1-2 tbsp holy basil seasoning paste (use Lobo Holy Basil Seasoning Paste for authentic flavour)
- A handful of fresh holy basil leaves (for garnish)
- Cooked jasmine rice, to serve
- A fried egg (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped chillies, and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the sliced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in the onion and bell pepper, and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the soy sauce, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1-2 tbsp of Lobo Holy Basil Seasoning Paste to the wok and mix well.
- Stir in fresh holy basil leaves and let them wilt into the dish.
- Serve hot with jasmine rice and top with a fried egg for the complete experience!
Try it with Lobo Holy Basil Seasoning Paste: Lobo Holy Basil Seasoning Paste 50g
Kra Pao Moo Grob (Crispy Pork Holy Basil Stir-Fry)
Ingredients:
- 500g pork belly, sliced into thin pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2-3 bird’s eye chillies, chopped
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp holy basil seasoning paste (use Porkwan Chilli Paste with Holy Basil)
- Fresh holy basil leaves (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, to serve
- Fried egg (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the pork belly and cook until crispy and golden brown.
- Add garlic and chillies, and stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar, then cook for another minute.
- Stir in the Porkwan Chilli Paste with Holy Basil and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Toss in fresh holy basil leaves and let them wilt into the stir-fry.
- Serve with steamed rice and top with a fried egg.
Try it with Porkwan Chilli Paste with Holy Basil: Porkwan Chilli Paste with Holy Basil 200g
Add Holy Basil to Your Pantry Today
These recipes are just a glimpse into the amazing ways you can cook with holy basil. If you're keen to try these flavours at home, be sure to check out our range of holy basil seasoning pastes from Lobo and Porkwan. They make cooking your favourite Thai and Southeast Asian dishes incredibly easy, bringing that authentic flavour straight to your kitchen.
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