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.
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)
1:1Regular 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:
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
1:1Thai 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 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
1:1Mint 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:
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)
1:1Cilantro 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:
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
1:1Sweet 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:
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 amountDried 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:
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
Can I substitute regular basil for Thai basil?
Yes, regular basil is the best substitute for Thai basil. Use a 1:1 ratio. While it lacks the licorice-like flavor of Thai basil, it provides similar sweetness and aromatic quality. Add a pinch of anise or fennel seeds to mimic the licorice notes.
What's the difference between Thai basil and regular basil?
Thai basil has a distinctive licorice-like flavor with purple stems and flowers, while regular basil is sweeter and more floral with green stems. Thai basil is more pungent and aromatic, making it essential for authentic Thai dishes.
Can I substitute Thai basil for regular basil?
Yes, you can substitute Thai basil for regular basil, but it will add a licorice-like flavor to your dish. Use a 1:1 ratio. Thai basil works well in Italian dishes but will change the flavor profile significantly.
What's the best substitute for Thai basil in curry?
For Thai curry, regular basil or Thai holy basil work best. Regular basil provides similar sweetness, while Thai holy basil adds the authentic licorice-spice flavor. Add at the end of cooking to preserve the aromatic quality.
What can I substitute for Thai basil in pho?
For pho, regular basil or mint work well as substitutes. Regular basil provides similar sweetness, while mint adds a refreshing quality. Both are commonly used in Vietnamese pho and complement the broth beautifully.
Is Thai holy basil the same as Thai basil?
No, Thai holy basil (bai krapao) and Thai basil are different varieties. Thai holy basil has a more intense, spicy flavor with peppery notes, while Thai basil is sweeter with licorice-like flavor. Thai holy basil is actually a better substitute for Thai basil in many dishes.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh Thai basil?
Yes, but use 1/3 the amount of fresh. Dried Thai basil loses much of its aromatic quality and licorice flavor. It works better in long-cooking dishes where flavors can develop. Consider adding anise or fennel seeds to enhance the flavor.
What's the best substitute for Thai basil leaves?
Regular basil leaves are the best substitute for Thai basil leaves. Use the same amount and add at the end of cooking. For a more authentic flavor, try Thai holy basil or add a pinch of anise seeds to regular basil.
Can I substitute mint for Thai basil?
Yes, mint can work as a substitute for Thai basil, especially in fresh applications like salads, spring rolls, and pho. It provides a different but complementary fresh flavor. Use a 1:1 ratio.
What's the best substitute for Thai basil in stir-fries?
For stir-fries, regular basil or Thai holy basil work best. Regular basil provides similar sweetness, while Thai holy basil adds authentic Thai flavor. Add at the end of cooking and toss quickly to preserve the aromatic quality.
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.