Broadcaster Lee Young-ja recently gushed about her love for basil on her YouTube channel, Lee Young-ja TV.
On the 19th of last month, her channel posted a video titled “Seasoning: killer. Scale: epic! Big-handed Lee Young-ja reveals her all-in recipe.” In the clip she proudly showed off the basil she grows herself.
She kept breathing in the aroma and smiling, saying, “It smells so good,” and explained she grows it to eat fresh. “I guess I’m just a basil person,” she laughed. “I like arugula for its texture, but basil for its scent. This year I’m going to make basil pesto.”
Lee Young-ja’s Basil Kimchi Recipe
Lee previously revealed her basil kimchi recipe on the 2023 MBC variety show Omniscient Interfering View. The following makes roughly 300–400 g of basil (about 10.6–14.1 oz).
For the seasoning base, mix five tablespoons of crab fish sauce, one tablespoon of seasoned soy sauce, one tablespoon of brown sugar, and four tablespoons of Cheongyang chili powder. Add 100 ml of pear juice (about 3.4 fl oz).
Finely chop peeled garlic and thinly slice green onions. Stir the garlic and green onions into the seasoning. Next, coat the basil evenly with the mixture and gently toss so the leaves don’t wilt. Finish with a light sprinkle of whole sesame seeds.
At the time, cast members including Jun Hyun-moo sampled the basil kimchi — even trying it with jajang ramen — and gave it high marks.
Basil: More Than Just a Fragrant Herb
Basil is an annual herb in the mint family that hails from India, Africa and Southeast Asia. The name comes from the ancient Greek basileus, meaning “king” or “royal.” With more than 150 cultivated varieties worldwide, its nickname “king of herbs” is well earned — basil delivers a distinctive aroma plus a surprising nutritional punch.
It contains lutein and zeaxanthin, nutrients known to support eye health, along with antioxidant compounds that help the body fight oxidative stress from free radicals. Those antioxidants can protect cells and help slow the signs of aging.
Research from Chungbuk National University found basil leaves ranked highest among examined vegetables for vitamin K, with about 575 μg per 100 g. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin important for blood clotting and bone health.
That said, there are precautions. Pregnant women should be cautious: basil contains compounds such as eugenol, and concentrated forms taken in large amounts may risk uterine contractions. Pregnant or nursing women are advised to avoid excessive use of concentrated products like basil oil.
Some people may be allergic to basil, and overeating it can cause digestive upset, heartburn or bloating. Using a moderate amount is the safest bet.
Adding a few fresh basil leaves to a dish is generally fine, but be careful with high-concentration extracts or oils.
One Herb, Endless Possibilities
Basil features in cuisines around the world and can upgrade everything from weeknight pasta to simple salads.
Think pesto first. Originating in Genoa, pesto blends fresh basil, olive oil, cheese and nuts for a bright, savory sauce. To make it, blend fresh basil leaves with Parmesan, pine nuts (or cashews), garlic and olive oil. Smooth it completely for a silky texture, or pulse less if you want some leaf texture.
Pesto is endlessly versatile: toss it with pasta, spread it on a baguette or ciabatta and toast, or whisk it into a salad dressing. Stir it into risotto or soup for a flavor boost, slather it on sandwiches and burgers, or top grilled chicken or steak for a quick gourmet upgrade.
For pasta, cook your preferred shape. While it boils, sauté sliced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add the drained pasta to the pan, stir in the pesto, and toss to coat. Add shrimp or scallops if you want extra depth, and finish with a dusting of cheese for more authentic Italian flavor.
If rice is your comfort food, basil makes a great fried rice ingredient. With leftover rice and a handful of basil you can make a fast, flavorful meal: heat olive oil, sauté minced garlic, add rice and fry until it’s separated, then tear basil leaves into bite-sized pieces and stir them in just before turning off the heat. Because basil loses its aroma and color with prolonged heat, add it at the end. Top with a fried egg or grilled shrimp for a complete meal.
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