This Thai basil sauce recipe will save you so much time making stir-fries, and it feels a bit like cheating, but in a good way! Add it to a hot pan with your favorite protein, steam a batch of rice, and dinner’s done.
🤔 Thai basil vs holy basil
The primary difference between Thai basil and holy basil lies in their flavor and texture. Thai basil has a sweet, anise-like taste with smooth leaves, while holy basil tastes more peppery and clove-like with jagged leaves.
You can use either in this recipe!
Traditionally, holy basil is used in Thai dishes like pad kra pao, basil fried rice, and drunken noodles. So if you can get your hands on it, I recommend using that over regular basil.
🍚 Ingredient tips & substitutes
- Oil Use a neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable oil; avoid anything too strong like olive oil.
- Basil Thai basil or holy basil both work; holy basil gives a more traditional flavor.
- Dried chilies Adjust quantity for heat level.
- Garlic Fresh garlic is best for flavor.
- Water Helps thin out the sauce to a pourable consistency.
- Oyster sauce Adds savory depth and mild sweetness; use mushroom oyster sauce for a vegetarian option.
- Fish sauce Provides saltiness and umami. My favorite brand is Megachef.
- Sugar Balances the salt and heat. Adjust to taste.
- Chicken bouillon powder Adds umami to the sauce; I use Thai RosDee brand, but Knorr works fine if that’s what you have.
- Dark soy sauce (optional) Adds color and a slight molasses-like richness; not essential but nice if you have it.
This Thai basil stir-fry sauce recipe is for anyone who loves Thai stir-fries and wants to save time on busy weeknights. Leave a comment and rating if you try it! You can also find me over on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!
Thai Basil Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Mortar and pestle
- Saucepan or frying pan
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 6 dried chilies to taste
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup oyster sauce
- 3 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce optional
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon powder
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2-3 handful of Thai basil or holy basil
Instructions
- Mix oyster sauce, fish sauce, water, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and dark soy sauce (if using) in a bowl. Stir until dissolved.
- Pound garlic in a mortar and pestle. Set aside.
- Pound dried chilies.
- Heat oil in a small pan. Fry garlic until golden, then add chilies and fry until fragrant.
- Add the sauce mixture and simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Turn off heat and stir in fresh basil. Let it wilt before storing or using.
- To use this sauce, simply fry protein in a pan and then add a few tablespoons to taste. Or add it to noodles, pasta, etc!
Video
Notes
- Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should be considered approximate.
👩🍳 How to make Thai basil sauce
- In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, fish sauce, water, sugar, chicken bouillon powder, and dark soy sauce (if using). Stir to dissolve and set aside.
- In a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic into a rough paste. Set aside.
- Pound the dried chilies separately.
- Heat oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and fry until golden, then add the chilies and fry until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the fresh basil. Let the basil wilt slightly in the hot sauce before storing or using.
- To use this sauce, simply fry protein in a pan and then add a few tablespoons to taste. Or add it to noodles, pasta, etc!
❓Frequently asked questions
How to store basil sauce? Store basil sauce in an airtight jar in the fridge and use within 1 week. Let it cool completely before storing. For longer storage, freeze it in portions and use within 2 months. Shake or stir before using, as some separation may occur.
When to add fresh basil to sauce? Add fresh basil at the end of cooking or just before turning off the heat. This keeps its flavor bright and prevents it from turning bitter or losing its aroma. For blended sauces, add basil last to preserve its fresh taste.
How to fix too much basil in sauce? To fix too much basil in sauce, add more liquid, like water or stock. You can also balance it with extra garlic, sugar, or soy sauce to round it out.
Is Thai basil strong? Yes, Thai basil has a strong flavor with a sweet, slightly spicy, and anise-like taste. It’s more intense than sweet basil and holds up well in hot dishes like stir-fries and soups. Its bold flavor makes it a standout herb in Thai cooking.
