Description
Fresh Thai basil pesto made in minutes with lime, peanuts, and Thai chilies. A fun Thai-inspired sauce perfect to wake up noodles, rice, meatballs, or vegetables!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Thai basil leaves
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts
- 1 to 5 Thai chili peppers
- 3 garlic cloves
- Juice from 3 limes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Add ingredients to food processor
Add 2 cups Thai basil leaves, 1/2 cup cilantro, 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, 3–5 Thai chili peppers, 3 garlic cloves, juice from 3 limes, and 1 tsp salt to a food processor.
Step 2: Pulse until combined
Pulse the mixture until everything is finely chopped and starting to combine. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Add the oil
Slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup olive oil while pulsing until the pesto becomes smooth but still slightly textured. If more liquid is needed, add additional olive oil a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Taste and adjust
Taste and adjust as needed. Add more lime juice for brightness, more peanuts for thickness, more oil for smoothness, or more salt to bring everything together.
Step 5: Serve or store
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze in small portions for later.
Step 6: Ways to use Thai Basil Pesto
- Toss with noodles of choice for a quick Thai-inspired meal
- Mix with mayo and chopped boiled eggs to make Thai basil pesto egg salad
- Spoon over grilled chicken or shrimp
- Drizzle on roasted vegetables
- Serve with Thai meatballs
- Spread on sandwiches or wraps
- Stir into Thai basil chicken fried rice for extra flavor
- Use as a dipping sauce for Thai fresh spring rolls
Notes
Additions and Substitutions
- Thai basil substitute: Italian basil or holy basil
- Peanut substitute: Cashews, almonds, pine nuts
- Olive oil substitute: Avocado oil
- Cilantro substitute: More Thai basil or mint
- Thai chili substitute: Fresh serrano or jalapeño
- Lime juice substitute: Lemon juice
- Fresh garlic substitute: Use ½ teaspoon garlic powder instead of fresh garlic, or reduce to 1 clove for milder flavor.
Tips for the Best Thai Basil Pesto
- Use fresh Thai basil. It makes a big difference in flavor!
- Start with fewer Thai chilies. You can always add more.
- Don’t over blend. A little texture makes it better.
- Taste and adjust. Thai cooking is all about balancing flavors.
- Store with oil on top. A thin layer helps keep it fresh.
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- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 2
- Category: Sauce
- Method: blender
- Cuisine: Thai