Ran out of Thai basil? Don’t worry—these Substitutes for Thai Basil will keep your dish just as bold and flavourful!
Thai basil brings that signature peppery, slightly anise-like kick to so many dishes, but what happens when you’re fresh out? No need to panic or abandon your recipe! There are plenty of substitutes for Thai basil that can still bring the flavour without missing a beat. Whether you’re whipping up this Thai basil chicken, a curry, or fresh summer rolls, I’ve got you covered.
Some swaps will keep things as close to the original as possible, while others might take your dish in a fun new direction (in a good way, I promise). The key is knowing which flavours work best for what you’re making. So before you ditch dinner plans over a missing herb, let’s talk easy and delicious alternatives. You might even find a new favorite twist along the way!
BEST SUBSTITUTES FOR THAI BASIL (THAT ACTUALLY WORK!)
1. SWEET BASIL (GENOVESE BASIL)
Why it works: Sweet basil is the most common type found in grocery stores and has a similar herbal, slightly peppery flavour, though it lacks the spicy, anise-like notes of Thai basil.
How to use it: Use a 1:1 swap for Thai basil in stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes. If you want to mimic Thai basil’s slight licorice flavour, add a pinch of fennel seeds or a splash of anise extract (just a tiny bit). Works best in dishes where Thai basil is used as a garnish or mixed in at the end.
2. HOLY BASIL (TULSI)
Why it works: Holy basil has a spicier, more peppery taste with a slightly clove-like aroma, making it a solid alternative, especially in Thai and Southeast Asian cooking.
How to use it: Best for savory, stir-fried dishes like Pad Kra Pao (Thai basil chicken). Use a 1:1 swap, but expect a slightly more intense, earthy flavour. Works well in cooked dishes but might be too strong for fresh applications like summer rolls.
3. ITALIAN BASIL + STAR ANISE OR FENNEL SEEDS
Why it works: Italian basil alone is a little too mild, but adding a pinch of ground star anise or fennel seeds helps recreate the signature Thai basil flavour.
How to use it: For every 1 cup of Italian basil, add ¼ teaspoon of ground star anise or fennel seeds. Use in curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes where Thai basil is mixed in at the end. This works well when Thai basil is a main ingredient (like in Pad Kee Mao).
4. MINT + ITALIAN BASIL
Why it works: Mint brings a fresh, slightly cooling note that mimics Thai basil’s brightness, especially when combined with Italian basil.
How to use it: Use 2 parts Italian basil + 1 part fresh mint for the best balance. Works great for fresh applications like summer rolls, salads, or Thai-style pesto. Not ideal for stir-fries, as mint can be overpowering when cooked.
5. CILANTRO (CORIANDER LEAVES)
Why it works: Cilantro has a fresh, slightly citrusy taste that can add brightness, though it lacks the licorice notes of Thai basil.
How to use it: Best used as a fresh garnish for Thai dishes. If using in cooked dishes, add at the very end to preserve flavour. Works well in soups, curries, and noodle dishes where Thai basil is an accent rather than the main herb.
6. TARRAGON
Why it works: Tarragon has a natural anise-like flavour, making it a great substitute if you’re looking to replicate that licorice note.
How to use it: Use sparingly! ½ teaspoon of tarragon = 1 tablespoon of Thai basil (it’s potent) Best for fresh applications like salads, wraps, and cold noodle dishes Not ideal for high-heat cooking, as it can turn bitter.
7. FENNEL FRONDS
Why it works: Fennel fronds have a mild, slightly sweet licorice flavour, making them a great fresh alternative to Thai basil.
How to use it: Use as a garnish for soups, salads, and noodle dishes. Works best when Thai basil is used fresh rather than cooked. Pair with Italian basil to balance out the flavour.
8. LEMON BASIL
Why it works: Lemon basil has the same peppery bite as Thai basil but with a hint of citrus, making it a flavourful substitute.
How to use it: Works well in curries, soups, and stir-fries. Use a 1:1 swap for Thai basil in most recipes. If needed, add a tiny pinch of fennel seeds to bring in the missing anise-like note.
9. SHISO (PERILLA LEAVES)
Why it works: Shiso has a bold, slightly minty, and basil-like flavour that pairs well with Thai dishes.
How to use it: Best for fresh applications like salads, wraps, or garnishes. Can be used in noodle dishes but might taste a bit different from traditional Thai basil. Works well with seafood-based Thai dishes.
10. OREGANO + MINT
Why it works: Oregano has an earthy, peppery taste, and when combined with mint, it can somewhat mimic the depth of Thai basil.
How to use it: Use 2 parts oregano + 1 part mint for the best balance. Great for stir-fries, curries, and grilled meats. Not ideal for fresh dishes like summer rolls, as oregano can be too strong.
WHICH SUBSTITUTE SHOULD YOU USE?
- Closest match for flavour: Holy basil, Italian basil + star anise, tarragon
- Best for cooked dishes: Holy basil, lemon basil, oregano + mint
- Best for fresh dishes: Mint + basil, shiso, fennel fronds, cilantro
- Best quick fix: Italian basil (plus a pinch of fennel or star anise if you have it!)
Even though Thai basil has a unique flavour, these substitutes can save your dish in a pinch. Try a few and see which one works best for your cooking style!
At the end of the day, missing Thai basil isn’t the end of the world—there are plenty of solid substitutes to keep your dish tasting amazing. Whether you go with sweet basil, a little mint, or even a pinch of fennel for that extra kick, you’ve got options. Cooking is all about working with what you have and sometimes discovering a new favourite twist along the way. Who knows? You might even find you like one of these swaps better!
So next time you’re about to panic over an empty fridge, take a deep breath and grab the closest alternative. Thai basil is great, but it’s not the only way to get that bold, herby flavour into your dish. With a little creativity, you can keep things just as delicious without skipping a beat. Now go forth and cook like the kitchen pro you are!
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