Fried Basil?

I have seen the use of fried sage leaves in recipes (usually as a garnish) but wondered if it might be possible to do the same technique with basil leaves. I assumed their texture might not lend itself to frying like the sage leaf does but I thought I'd ask!

  • Posted by: Katie
  • April 26, 2012
  • 9089 views
  • 6 Comments

6 Comments

Summer O. April 27, 2012
Yes, a restaurant here does it and they also fry lemon slices, also delicious. Tyler Florence has a recipe for it.
 
lipoprotein April 26, 2012
Be careful when frying it cuz it will splatter quite a bit!
 
Megan,Tremer April 26, 2012
I have specifically seen fried Thai basil served on top of spicy Thai dishes... Chili fish I think. Nice and crisp and eaten by the forkful!
 
jmburns April 26, 2012
The blanching is an excellent technique to use when making pesto or pistou. Keeps them nice and green.
 
Katie April 26, 2012
Thank you so very much!
 

Voted the Best Reply!

Reiney April 26, 2012
Yes you can fry basil!

There's just a difference in treatment between sage & basil, because it's so much more fragile and prone to discolouration. You should first blanch the basil in boiling salted water for 5-10 seconds and quickly cool in ice water. Then dry thoroughly before frying in oil or butter.

This will set the colour for the basil and keep it a nice green colour.
 
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