Tasty basil Recipes to Cook Tonight

Try something new with basil — easy recipes with ingredients you already have at home.

Recipes with basil

Image
Pesto Pasta

The vibrant green pesto evenly coats each strand of pasta, its bright color instantly whetting the appetite. The first bite is bursting with the fresh, herbaceous aroma of basil, followed by the nutty flavor of pine nuts that slowly unfolds in the mouth. The savory cheese adds a richness, while the subtle spiciness of black pepper subtly enhances the umami. The pasta is cooked to a perfect chewy texture, sliding smoothly into the mouth with its delicate pesto sauce. The sweetness of the spinach balances the richness of the sauce, making each bite refreshing and flavorful. This simple pesto pasta delivers a truly blissful experience, so delicious you can't stop eating it!

Image
Hong Kong-style crab cooked with basil leaves

Sliced crab is cooked in a sauté pan with garlic, ginger, and chilies, along with oyster sauce, soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, and sesame oil until the mixture is absorbed. Fresh basil leaves are added at the end, resulting in a savory-sweet flavor with a fragrant basil aroma.

Image
Thai Basil Pork

Thai style pork is a classic home-cooked dish, loved for its rich and spicy flavor. The unique Thai spices combine with the tender pork to create a tangy aroma that will make you want to eat your fingers. This dish is rich and tasty, great with white rice, every bite is full of layers, after eating the cheek lingering fragrance, is definitely a delicious choice that will never stop!

Image
Indonesian beef rendang

A modern version of beef rendang that combines the deliciousness of traditional rendang spices with a soft, rich texture. The meat is cooked until the spices are deeply absorbed, complemented by a smooth cream for a subtle touch and the fresh aroma of basil and lime leaves. The result: rendang with savory nuances, fragrant aromas, and an indulgent sensation in every bite—perfect as a special treat for the family.

Image
Pad Krapow Moo

A classic Thai stir fry dish, it is quick and easy yet hot and fragrant. Hot, fragrant, and ready in minutes, this Thai-style minced pork stir-fry builds big flavour from garlic and small red chillies, then coats the meat in a savoury mix of soy sauces, fish sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar—finished with Thai basil wilted in the pan’s heat.

Image
Spaghetti Bolognese

This classic Italian spaghetti bolognese dish features springy pasta paired with rich and aromatic bolognese sauce. The meat sauce is sautéed with minced garlic and onions, then beef is added and cooked until well-seasoned. It is then paired with cherry tomatoes, tomato paste and sauce to bring out the rich tomato flavor. Fresh basil, red wine and olive oil are then added to enhance the flavor, and finally a little butter is added to make the sauce smoother. The whole dish is rich and layered, full of classic Italian flavors and brings a heart-warming satisfaction.

Image
Three Cup Chicken

Rich, glossy, and intensely aromatic, this classic dish coats browned chicken in a savoury-sweet mix of soy sauce, rice wine, and sesame oil, then finishes with fragrant basil for a fresh, herbal lift—perfect served with rice. This is a traditional Taiwanese dish infused with aromatic basil and various condiments.

Image
Palembang-Style Catfish Soup

Pindang Ikan Patin, a specialty of Palembang, is a spicy and sour soup with chunks of patin fish cooked in a spiced broth—pineapple, roasted candlenuts, lemongrass, galangal, ginger, and turmeric—plus shallots, garlic, tomatoes, and cayenne peppers. It is seasoned with salt, mushroom broth, and sugar, and finished with basil leaves for a fresh aroma. The sweet and sour taste of pineapple combines with the warmth of the spices and the heat of the cayenne pepper, creating a dish that is fresh, rich in flavor, and delicious when eaten warm.

Image
Roast Capsicum with Balsamic Vinegar

Roast Capsicum with Balsamic Vinegar is a vibrant dish featuring roasted bell peppers marinated in balsamic, honey, and herbs. The combination of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors makes it a delicious side or appetizer.

Image
Honey & Pepper Seared Wagyu Cubes

Sink your fork into cubes of sumptuous wagyu, seared until each piece develops a crisp, caramelised crust that gives way to a buttery, melt-in-the-mouth interior. A warm kiss of sweet honey glazes the exterior, imbuing every morsel with a golden sheen and a gentle sweetness that softly rounds the rich beefy depth. A dusting of cracked black pepper cuts through the indulgence, adding a sharp, aromatic spark — a counterpoint that teases the palate before the next decadent bite. With the first taste, you sense the contrast: crisp and tender, sweet and savory, indulgent yet balanced — a dish that feels luxurious, comforting, and effortlessly elegant all at once.