Best Thai Basil Substitutes: Complete Guide
Find the best substitutes for Thai basil in recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect results with regular basil, mint, and more.
Quick Answer
The best Thai basil substitutes are Regular Basil, Mint, Cilantro, and Holy Basil. Use 1:1 ratio. For the best flavor, try regular basil or mint, depending on your dish.
Best Substitutes
Regular Basil
1:1Regular basil provides a similar sweet, slightly minty flavor to Thai basil. Perfect for most applications where you want a basil-like herb presence.
Best for:
Regular basil has a similar sweet flavor to Thai basil but with a milder taste. It works well in most applications where Thai basil is used.
Mint
1:1Mint provides a similar fresh, aromatic flavor to Thai basil. Good for Asian dishes, salads, and drinks where you want a refreshing herb presence.
Best for:
Mint has a similar fresh quality to Thai basil but with a more pronounced minty flavor. It works well in many applications where Thai basil is used.
Cilantro
1:1Cilantro provides a similar fresh, slightly citrusy flavor to Thai basil. Good for Asian dishes, salsas, and garnishes where you want a bright herb presence.
Best for:
Cilantro has a similar fresh quality to Thai basil but with a more pronounced citrusy flavor. It works well in many applications where Thai basil is used.
Holy Basil
1:1Holy basil provides a similar aromatic, slightly spicy flavor to Thai basil. Good for Asian dishes, curries, and stir-fries where you want a robust herb presence.
Best for:
Holy basil has a similar aromatic quality to Thai basil but with a more pronounced spicy flavor. It works well in many applications where Thai basil is used.
Tarragon
1:1Tarragon provides a similar anise-like, slightly sweet flavor to Thai basil. Good for French dishes, sauces, and dressings where you want a unique, aromatic herb presence.
Best for:
Tarragon has a similar aromatic quality to Thai basil but with a more pronounced anise flavor. It works well in many applications where Thai basil is used.
Cooking Tips
- 💡For Thai basil, consider the cooking method - fresh herbs work best in raw applications, while dried herbs work well in cooked dishes
- 💡When substituting in Asian dishes, regular basil or mint work well as substitutes for Thai basil
- 💡For curries and stir-fries, holy basil or cilantro work best as substitutes for Thai basil
- 💡In salads and garnishes, mint or cilantro work well as substitutes for Thai basil
- 💡For the best results, consider the flavor profile of your dish when choosing a substitute
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for Thai basil?
Regular basil, mint, and cilantro work well as substitutes for Thai basil. Use a 1:1 ratio and consider the flavor profile of your dish when choosing.
Can I use regular basil instead of Thai basil?
Yes, regular basil can substitute for Thai basil using a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar sweet flavor, making it perfect for most applications.
What's the difference between Thai basil and regular basil?
Thai basil has a more pronounced anise flavor and is often used in Asian cuisine, while regular basil has a milder, sweeter flavor and is commonly used in Italian cuisine.
Can I substitute mint for Thai basil?
Yes, mint can substitute for Thai basil using a 1:1 ratio. It has a similar fresh quality, though it has a more pronounced minty flavor.
Do I need to adjust cooking times when substituting for Thai basil?
Generally no, as most herb substitutes have similar cooking properties. However, consider that some herbs may lose flavor more quickly when cooked.
Summary
Find the best substitutes for Thai basil in recipes. Learn proper ratios, techniques, and tips for perfect results with regular basil, mint, and more.