Lime basil is a very versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes and drinks. The tangy, citrusy flavor pairs well with seafood, chicken, pork, and vegetables. Lime basil also adds a refreshing flavor to cocktails, lemonades, and teas. Here is an overview of the many ways to use this zesty herb.
Seafood Dishes
Lime basil is a classic complement to seafood. Its bright, lively flavor stands up well to firmer fish like tuna, salmon, halibut, and swordfish. It also pairs nicely with shrimp, scallops, crab, and lobster. Try adding some torn lime basil leaves to seafood soups, chowders, and stews right at the end to keep the flavor fresh. Or, use it in seafood marinades, simmer the herbs right in the broth to infuse the flavor.
Here are some tasty recipes showcasing lime basil with seafood:
- Lime basil salmon – Coat salmon filets with a mix of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, and several tablespoons of chopped lime basil. Bake until cooked through and slightly browned on top.
- Shrimp and lime basil skewers – Alternate shrimp and cherry tomatoes on skewers. Brush with a chimichurri made with lots of lime basil, parsley, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Lime basil mussels – Steam mussels in a broth of white wine, clam juice, lime basil, shallots, and butter. Garnish with more torn lime basil.
- Crab cakes with lime aioli – Fold some chopped lime basil into crab cake mix before forming into patties and cooking. Serve with an aioli dipping sauce made with mayo, lime juice, lime zest, and lime basil.
Poultry Dishes
The brightness of lime basil also pairs wonderfully with chicken and other poultry. Use it in marinades, as a flavorful stir-fry addition, mixed into stuffings, or as a final garnish. The summery flavor of lime basil brings a fresh twist to classic chicken dishes.
Try these tasty chicken recipes using lime basil:
- Lime basil grilled chicken – Marinate chicken breasts in a mix of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, honey, and lots of chopped lime basil. Grill until cooked through.
- Thai lime basil stir fry – Stir fry chicken strips with peppers, onions, and green beans. Finish with a splash of fish sauce, lime juice, and plenty of torn lime basil leaves.
- Lime basil coconut curry – Make a curry sauce with coconut milk, red curry paste, chicken broth, lime juice, and chopped lime basil. Simmer chicken thighs until cooked through and serve over rice.
- Lime basil turkey burgers – Add some chopped lime basil to the ground turkey before forming patties. Grill burgers and serve with lime aioli.
Pork Dishes
Lime basil also pairs deliciously with pork. It adds a complexity and freshness to richer meats like pork chops, tenderloin, or shoulder. Use it in marinades, stir fries, or finishing sauces. The lime brightens up the pork while the basil adds a layer of herbal flavor.
Enjoy these tasty pork dishes accented with lime basil:
- Lime basil pork chops – Brine pork chops in lime juice, garlic, and lime basil. Grill chops and drizzle with a vinaigrette of lime juice, olive oil, lime basil, and shallots.
- Lime basil pork stir fry – Stir fry pork strips with baby bok choy, snap peas, bell peppers, and green onions. Finish with a splash of soy sauce, lime juice, and torn lime basil.
- Cuban lime basil pulled pork – Make pulled pork seasoned with cumin, oregano, citrus, and lime basil. Pile it on sandwiches and top it off with more torn lime basil.
- Lime basil pork skewers – Marinate pork cubes with lime juice, brown sugar, crushed red pepper, and lime basil. Thread on skewers with cherry tomatoes and grill.
Vegetable Dishes
In addition to seafood, meat, and poultry, lime basil can spruce up vegetable dishes too. Its tanginess and herbal flavor complement fresh summer produce like zucchini, tomatoes, corn, and greens. It is fantastic in focaccia and pesto too. Lime basil adds flair to simple veggie dishes.
These are some tasty ways to use lime basil with vegetables:
- Lime basil pesto – Make pesto with lime basil, pine nuts, parmesan, garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Lime basil summer rolls – Stuff rice paper wrappers with rice noodles, cucumber, carrots, mint, and lime basil. Serve with a peanut-lime dipping sauce.
- Lime basil flatbread – Top flatbread or naan with juicy tomatoes, baby arugula, fresh mozzarella, and plenty of torn lime basil.
- Lime basil zucchini fritters – Grate zucchini and mix with flour, egg, parmesan, and chopped lime basil. Form into patties and pan fry until golden.
Lime Basil Cocktails
In addition to savory dishes, lime basil can also be used to add its trademark zing to cocktails. Muddling the herb releases its essential oils and adds delightful flavor. It pairs especially well with gin, vodka, rum, and tequila in summery cocktails.
Try making these refreshing cocktails featuring lime basil:
- Basil lime gimlet – Muddle lime basil leaves with lime juice and simple syrup. Add gin and shake over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Lime basil mojito – Muddle lime slices and lime basil with simple syrup and white rum. Top with soda water and garnish with more lime basil.
- Lime basil margarita – Rim glass with lime juice and salt. Shake tequila, lime juice, simple syrup, and muddled lime basil over ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Lime basil vodka spritzer – Combine vodka, lime juice, simple syrup, and muddled lime basil. Top with soda water and garnish with lime basil.
Lime Basil Lemonades and Teas
The summery lime basil flavor also shines in refreshing lemonades and herbal teas. Adding just a few torn leaves can really make the citrus and herb flavors pop. Lime basil infused drinks are energizing and vibrant.
Quench your thirst with these lime basil drink ideas:
- Lime basil lemonade – Steep torn lime basil leaves in simple syrup. Mix syrup with lemon juice, water, and ice. Garnish glasses with lime slices and lime basil sprigs.
- Lime basil iced tea – Brew strong black tea and stir in the juice of 1 lime and torn lime basil leaves per cup while still hot. Refrigerate until chilled. Serve over ice.
- Lime basil infused water – Fill pitcher with water and add sliced lime, torn lime basil leaves, and optional sliced cucumber. Refrigerate for a few hours to let flavors infuse before enjoying.
- Lime coconut smoothie – Blend coconut milk, Greek yogurt, banana, lime juice, honey, and several lime basil leaves for a refreshing treat.
Using and Storing Lime Basil
When using lime basil, keep these tips in mind:
- Add the leaves at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
- Chop or tear the leaves rather than cutting to avoid bruising.
- Remove tough stems which can be bitter.
- Pair lime basil with garlic, chili, lime, coconut, seafood, chicken, and pork.
- Store fresh lime basil like a bouquet of flowers in water. Change the water daily.
- Store dried lime basil in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
- Freeze leaves in ice cube trays with water or oil for longer storage.
Conclusion
With its refreshing citrus-herbal flavor, lime basil is a versatile ingredient that can enhance a wide variety of seafood, poultry, pork, and vegetable dishes. Use it in marinades, stir fries, finishing sauces, and cocktails. Lime basil also adds a lively flavor boost to summery drinks like lemonade, iced tea, and infused water. With proper storage, this aromatic herb can be enjoyed year-round.