For those looking to add a delicious and aromatic twist to their next meal, frying basil can be the perfect way to do it. With its bright green color and fragrant flavor, frying basil can make any dish stand out.
How to Fry Basil?
To fry basil, begin by heating a shallow layer of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the basil leaves to the skillet in a single layer. Fry the leaves for about 30 seconds, until they are crisp and lightly browned. Once fried, use a slotted spoon to transfer the basil leaves to a paper towel-lined plate. Let the basil cool before using.
This blog post will tell you in detail about frying basil, its uses, and tips to fry basil in a proper way so keep reading to learn more.
See Also: How to Freeze Basil Pesto?
How to Fry Basil? – Method
Here is a complete step-by-step method to fry basil and use fried basil:
Step 1. Gather your ingredients and equipment
To fry basil, you will need a few basic ingredients and tools. First, you will need a large pot or saucepan for deep frying.
You will also need a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil, as well as tongs or a slotted spoon for handling the basil leaves.
In terms of ingredients, you will need a bag of fresh basil leaves, and enough oil to fill the pot or saucepan about halfway.
Any type of cooking oil can be used for frying basil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even olive oil.
Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point, so that it can withstand the high heat of deep frying without burning or breaking down.
Step 2. Prep the basil leaves
Before you start frying, it’s important to properly prep the basil leaves. Start by washing the leaves thoroughly and patting them dry with a paper towel or kitchen cloth. Next, remove the stems and any brown or wilted leaves, as these will not fry well.
Step 3. Heat the oil
Once the basil is prepped and the oil is ready, it’s time to start heating the oil. Place the pot or saucepan over medium-high heat, and use the thermometer to monitor the temperature of the oil as it heats up.
You’ll want to heat the oil to about 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the ideal temperature for frying basil.
Step 4. Fry the basil
When the oil is hot enough, it’s time to start frying the basil. Carefully add a handful of basil leaves to the pot, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
Use the tongs or slotted spoon to gently stir the basil around in the oil, and fry for about 30-60 seconds, or until the leaves are crispy and golden brown.
As the basil fries, it will release a lot of bubbles and steam, so be careful not to get too close to the pot.
It’s also a good idea to keep a lid or a splatter screen handy, in case of any hot oil splatters out of the pot.
Step 5. Drain and season the fried basil
When the basil is done frying, use the tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully remove the leaves from the oil and drain them on a paper towel or a wire rack.
Let the basil cool for a few minutes, then season with a sprinkle of salt or your favorite seasoning blend.
Step 6. Use the fried basil in your cooking
Now that you’ve successfully fried some basil, it’s time to put it to use in your cooking!
Fried basil can be used in a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Salad: Add some fried basil to a green salad for a crunchy, savory twist.
- Pasta: Toss some fried basil with cooked pasta, along with your favorite sauce and toppings.
- Pizza: Sprinkle fried basil over a pizza before baking, or add it as a garnish after the pizza comes out of the oven.
- Cocktails: Use fried basil as a garnish for cocktails, such as a basil-infused gin and tonic.
- Desserts: Fried basil can also be used in sweet dishes, such as a topping for ice cream or as a garnish for a fruit salad. It can also be used to make sweet and savory basil syrup for use in cocktails or as a topping for waffles or pancakes.
There are so many possibilities when it comes to using fried basil in your cooking. Whether you’re looking to add a crunchy, savory element to a dish, or just want to try something new and unique, frying basil is a fun and easy way to add some excitement to your meals.
So next time you have a bunch of fresh basil on hand, give frying it a try and see how it can transform your dishes!
Conclusion
Frying basil is an easy way to infuse your recipes with a delicious, aromatic flavor. With just a few simple steps, you can transform your dishes into something truly special. So don’t be afraid to give it a try – you may be surprised at the amazing results!
I am an accomplished tech writer with a passion for simplifying complex technology concepts. With a background in Tech, James has dedicated their career to making the intricacies of the digital world accessible to a broad audience.
