🌿 Spices & Herbs

Thai Basil Substitute: Complete Guide for Every Recipe

Find the best Thai basil substitutes for any recipe. Learn how to substitute regular basil for Thai basil, Thai holy basil alternatives, and perfect substitutes for curry, pho, and more.

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Quick Answer

The best Thai basil substitutes are Regular Basil (1:1), Thai Holy Basil (1:1), Mint (1:1), and Cilantro (1:1). For curry, use regular basil or mint. For pho, use regular basil or Thai holy basil. Regular basil works best as a general substitute.

Best Substitutes

Regular Basil (Italian Basil)

1:1

Regular basil is the most accessible substitute for Thai basil. While it lacks the licorice-like flavor, it provides a similar sweet, aromatic quality that works well in most dishes.

Best for:

general cookingpasta dishesMediterranean cuisinewhen Thai basil is unavailablebeginner cooks

Regular basil is sweeter and more floral than Thai basil. It works best in dishes where the licorice flavor isn't critical. Add a pinch of anise or fennel seeds to mimic the licorice notes.

Thai Holy Basil

1:1

Thai holy basil (bai krapao) is the closest substitute to Thai basil. It has a similar licorice-like flavor with added spiciness and peppery notes that enhance Thai dishes.

Best for:

Thai curriesstir-friespad krapaoauthentic Thai cookingwhen you want authentic flavor

Thai holy basil has a more intense flavor than regular Thai basil. Use slightly less if you find it too strong. It's perfect for authentic Thai dishes and adds the characteristic licorice-spice flavor.

Mint

1:1

Mint provides a fresh, cooling flavor that works well in Thai basil applications, especially in salads, drinks, and lighter dishes where you want a refreshing herb presence.

Best for:

Thai saladsfresh spring rollsdrinkslight disheswhen you want cooling effect

Mint has a different flavor profile but provides similar freshness. It works particularly well in Vietnamese pho and Thai salads. Use spearmint for the closest flavor match.

Cilantro (Coriander)

1:1

Cilantro offers a fresh, citrusy flavor that complements many Thai dishes. While different from Thai basil, it provides the herbal freshness that many Asian recipes need.

Best for:

Vietnamese dishesThai saladsfresh garnisheswhen you want citrusy notespho

Cilantro has a completely different flavor but works well in many Asian applications. It's particularly good in pho and fresh spring rolls. Some people find it soapy, so consider your audience.

Sweet Basil

1:1

Sweet basil is very similar to regular basil but with a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor. It's an excellent substitute when you want a milder version of Thai basil's sweetness.

Best for:

delicate disheswhen regular basil is too strongsweet applicationsdessertsmild flavors

Sweet basil is essentially the same as regular basil but with a sweeter profile. It works well when you want the basil flavor without the intensity. Perfect for beginners.

Dried Thai Basil

1/3 of fresh amount

Dried Thai basil can work as a substitute when fresh isn't available, though it loses much of its aromatic quality. It's better for long-cooking dishes where the flavor can develop.

Best for:

long-cooking disheswhen fresh is unavailableemergency substitutionssoups and stews

Dried Thai basil loses much of its licorice flavor and aromatic quality. Use 1/3 the amount of fresh. Add early in cooking to allow flavors to develop. Consider adding a pinch of anise or fennel seeds.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Thai basil has a unique licorice-like flavor that's hard to replicate exactly, but regular basil is the closest substitute for most applications
  • 💡Add Thai basil at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor and aroma
  • 💡For authentic Thai flavor, try to find Thai holy basil (bai krapao) which has similar licorice notes
  • 💡If using regular basil as a substitute, add a pinch of anise or fennel seeds to mimic the licorice flavor
  • 💡Thai basil pairs beautifully with chilies, garlic, fish sauce, and coconut milk in curries
  • 💡In pho, regular basil or mint work well as substitutes for Thai basil
  • 💡For stir-fries, regular basil or Thai holy basil provide the best flavor match
  • 💡Thai basil is essential in pad krapao (holy basil stir-fry) - use Thai holy basil as the best substitute
  • 💡Fresh herbs are always preferred over dried for Thai basil substitutes
  • 💡Store fresh basil substitutes in a glass of water in the refrigerator to keep them fresh longer

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Find the best Thai basil substitutes for any recipe. Learn how to substitute regular basil for Thai basil, Thai holy basil alternatives, and perfect substitutes for curry, pho, and stir-fries. Complete guide with ratios and cooking tips.