How To Substitute Thai Basil

You can substitute Thai basil with a few different herbs that bring their own twist to your dish.

Thai basil has that distinct anise or licorice flavor with a slight spiciness, so the right substitute depends on what you’re cooking.

If you’re making a stir-fry, a curry, or a noodle dish, you’ve got some great options right in your kitchen or at the store.

In this post, we’ll cover the best Thai basil substitutes, how to swap them in properly, and what to avoid so your meal still tastes amazing.

Let’s dig in.

Why Finding a Thai Basil Substitute Works

Finding a Thai basil substitute is totally doable because this herb belongs to a big family of basils and mints.

Thai basil itself is a variety of sweet basil that’s been bred for that spicy, anise-like punch.

So when you need a Thai basil substitute, you’re basically looking for another herb that can handle high heat and bring a similar aromatic kick.

Here’s the thing though, no single herb will copy Thai basil exactly.

But a great substitute for Thai basil can still give you a delicious result if you choose wisely.

1. Sweet Basil Is the Closest Thai Basil Substitute

Sweet basil, the kind you find in Italian cooking, is the most common Thai basil substitute.

It has a similar leaf shape and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor.

The main difference is that sweet basil lacks that strong licorice note.

So if you’re using sweet basil as a Thai basil substitute, just add a tiny pinch of anise or fennel seeds to the dish to mimic that flavor.

That’s a simple hack that brings your Thai basil substitute much closer to the real thing.

2. Holy Basil Works If You Can Find It

Holy basil, sometimes called tulsi, is another excellent Thai basil substitute.

It has a spicier, more clove-like flavor that’s often used in Thai cuisine itself.

The leaves are a bit fuzzier and more serrated than Thai basil, but the taste is bold and holds up well in hot dishes.

If you can find holy basil at an Asian market, it’s a stellar Thai basil substitute for stir-fries and curries.

Just know that holy basil loses its flavor faster when cooked, so add it at the very end.

3. Mint Plus Regular Basil Is a Clever Thai Basil Substitute

This is a fun and effective way to substitute Thai basil using herbs you probably already have.

Mix equal parts fresh sweet basil and fresh mint for a Thai basil substitute that mimics the cooling and slightly sweet notes.

Mint brings that aromatic freshness, while basil gives you the herbal base.

This combo works especially well in cold dishes like salads or fresh spring rolls.

But don’t cook this Thai basil substitute for too long, because mint can turn bitter with heat.

How to Pick the Best Thai Basil Substitute for Your Dish

Picking the best Thai basil substitute really comes down to how you’re using it.

For hot and fast cooking, you want something sturdy like sweet basil or holy basil.

For raw applications, you can be more flexible with a mint blend or even cilantro if you’re in a pinch.

Let’s break down the best Thai basil substitute for different types of meals.

1. For Stir-Fries and Curries

In a hot wok or simmering curry, the best Thai basil substitute is holy basil if you can get it.

If not, use sweet basil and bump up the flavor with a few crushed star anise or a pinch of fennel seeds.

Add your Thai basil substitute right at the end of cooking to keep the leaves from wilting away completely.

This way you still get that burst of color and aroma that Thai basil is known for.

2. For Soups and Noodle Bowls

When you’re topping off a steaming bowl of pho or a noodle soup, a Thai basil substitute like sweet basil works beautifully.

You can also use a combination of sweet basil and cilantro for a fresher, brighter finish.

The key is to use the Thai basil substitute generously and add it just before serving.

That way, the hot broth releases all the essential oils and you get a punch of flavor.

3. For Salads and Raw Dishes

In a raw dish, the texture and freshness of the herb really shine.

A Thai basil substitute made from sweet basil and mint is perfect here because it replicates that crisp, aromatic quality.

You could also just use regular basil leaves if that’s all you have, and it’ll still taste great.

Just remember to chiffonade (slice thinly) your Thai basil substitute to distribute the flavor evenly.

What Not to Use as a Thai Basil Substitute

While many herbs can work in a pinch, some should be avoided as a Thai basil substitute.

Dried basil is one of them, and here’s why.

Dried basil has a completely different flavor profile and almost none of the anise notes.

It also doesn’t have the fresh, crisp texture that Thai basil brings to a dish.

Using dried basil as a Thai basil substitute in a stir-fry will just give you a dusty, less vibrant taste.

Another herb to skip is parsley.

Parsley is too mild and grassy to be a good Thai basil substitute, so it just won’t hold its own in bold Asian flavors.

So, How Do You Substitute Thai Basil?

You can substitute Thai basil with sweet basil, holy basil, or a combo of sweet basil and mint.

The best Thai basil substitute for your dish will give you that fresh, aromatic pop without overpowering your meal.

You can substitute Thai basil in stir-fries with holy basil or sweet basil plus a pinch of anise.

You can substitute Thai basil in soups by using sweet basil leaves right at the end.

And you can substitute Thai basil in salads with a mint and basil blend.

Yep, there’s no shortage of ways to make your dish work even without the real deal.

So next time you’re out of Thai basil, go ahead and use one of these swaps.

Your dinner will still be full of flavor and your family won’t even know the difference.