What can I use instead of holy basil?
What’s a Good Thai Basil Substitute?
- Sweet basil a.k.a. Italian basil. ...
- Holy basil a.k.a. tulsi. ...
- Star anise. Star anise is different from anise seed, though the two do share many flavor notes in common; in particular, they share licorice notes.
- Other alternatives. Tarragon is a herb that can be used to replicate the licorice notes in Thai basil. ...
What is an alternative spice for Basil?
Substitutes for Basil: The 19 Best Options
- Fresh Basil. If the recipe calls for dried basil, the very best substitute is to use fresh basil. ...
- Spinach Leaves. Spinach leaves are best used as substitutes for basil in making pesto. ...
- Italian Seasoning. Italian Seasoning is a dried herb mixture that can be bought in the store. ...
- Oregano. ...
- Thyme. ...
- Celery Leaf. ...
- Cilantro. ...
- Mint. ...
- Olive oil-basil scented. ...
- Kale. ...
What is a good substitute for fresh basil?
What is the dried equivalent of 1/2 cup fresh basil?
- Oregano. Another famed Mediterranean herb, oregano is slightly similar in taste to basil.
- Thyme. Thyme has a warmer, earthier taste than basil or oregano, but it can still be a viable substitute for basil in most recipes.
- Celery Leaf.
- Cilantro.
- Mint.
Can I substitute mint for Basil in this recipe?
Basil substitutes can include its mint cousins: oregano, mint, and thyme. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Tarragon and savory are also suitable alternatives to basil. Because basil is included in Italian seasoning, that is also a good alternative for basil when called for in an Italian-style recipe.
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is one herb that is often ignored when it comes to cooking but this can be a great alternative to basil. Rosemary herb has an amazing flavour and if you are up for a strong, fresh and savoury taste then rosemary is the best option. It’s best used in tomato sauce however ensure you are not using too much of this.
2. Thyme
Thyme is another common herb use in cooking and it’s a great alternative to basil. The flavour from thyme is considered lighter compared to basil and it also has a characteristic earthy flavour that works in sauce and casserole.
3. Oregano
Another frequently used herb in Mediterranean dishes is oregano. It is a great substitute for oregano although it has a strong floral and peppery taste, but, it’s very similar to basil.
4. Fresh Cilantro
If you are on the lookout for a basil substitute that doesn’t give the same flavour then the perfect choice is cilantro. Although this isn’t the herb of choice for many, it offers your sauces and dressings a lovely green vibrancy. it works well in that cooking.
5. Mint
Mint works well in sweet and savoury dishes and it is a cousin to basil which makes it the perfect substitute. Mint shouldn’t be used in pizzas or casseroles as the cooling taste of mint does not work for them.
6. Celery Leaf
If you are making pesto and need a basil substitute then your best option is celery leaf. If you don’t like the taste of basil, you just need to use the same quantity of celery leaves to diminish the flavour while it still maintains the colour. Time to stop tossing your celery leaf away and rather have it used as part of your recipe.
7. Italian Seasoning
Italian seasonings are not just a great substitute for basil but many Italian recipes taste even more delicious with it. This seasoning consists of rosemary, parsley, oregano, pepper and yes basil as well. If you are going for this seasoning as a substitute then you need to check the recipe included in it.
What is basil?
A sweet fragrant herb with a hint of aniseed, basil plays a big role in many Mediterranean dishes. Fresh basil, as well as dried basil, is great with garlic, works a charm in fresh salads and is a key ingredient in pesto.
12 Basil Substitutes
Refer to this list of basil substitutes if you accidentally run out of this super useful and fragrant herb in the kitchen.
Best basil based recipes
Check out some of these fantastic recipes that showcase the beautiful fresh flavor of basil.
Substitute for Fresh Basil
Perhaps the obvious answer, but if your recipe calls for fresh basil, then you can probably substitute dried basil just fine. You will need to convert the ratio to make sure you get the right amount – dried herbs are often more concentrated (smaller pieces) than fresh herbs, so you need less.
Substitute for Thai basil
Thai basil is a variety of basil often used in Thai dishes, but has quite a different flavor than regular Italian basil (sweet basil). It has a more peppery, almost licorice-like flavor, whereas sweet basil has a much sweeter flavor (hence the name).
Substitute for basil in pesto
Traditional pesto may be made with Italian basil leaves, but these days when it comes to making pesto, the rule is if it tastes good to you, use it.
Dried basil substitute
Here are a few of the most commonly used herbs that can be used as a substitute for dried basil.
Final thoughts
There is my list of herbs to substitute for basil. Please let me know in the comments below if I have missed any, or of you have a particular culinary herb that works well as an alternative to basil.
How to Substitute Dried Basil for Fresh
When looking for any herb replacement, know that dried and fresh herbs are not the same. Fresh herbs aren’t as potent as dried ones. If a recipe says to use fresh basil, but you only have dried, cut the amount by a third and only add more after tasting it.
Italian Seasoning
We have an easy life hack for you if you’ve been on the search for a fresh basil substitute. Italian seasoning includes a variety of herbs like parsley, black pepper, oregano, thyme, and of course, basil.
A Fresh Basil Substitute: Oregano
Fresh oregano is often found alongside basil because it is also used in Mediterranean cooking. Oregano has a stronger, more floral flavor than basil, but they have similar profiles overall.
Celery Leaves
We often discard the leafy parts of our celery and stick to using the stalks, but celery leaves are another fantastic option if you’re desperate for a basil-based sauce without the basil.
Cilantro and Coriander
If you don’t already love cilantro, you might try using it as a fresh basil substitute instead. This herb offers a similar flavor profile to basil but with a more lemony, minty bite.
Tarragon
Another great substitute for basil is tarragon. Tarragon has a flavor similar to anise, which is great if you usually use Licorice basil. The taste won’t be quite the same as regular basil, but it works just fine if you’re in a pinch and can’t make a trip to the grocery store.
Arugula
Arugula is a leafy green with a slightly more peppery taste. The texture and overall flavor of arugula are similar enough to basil that it works as a garnish, like in Caprese, or turned into a sauce like pesto.
1. Parsley
There is hardly anything you can’t do with parsley. This herb won’t perfectly replicate the strong and peppery flavor of basil, but it’s sure to enhance your dish in its very own way.
2. Spinach
For many of us, spinach will always be linked to the image of Popeye, who turned this vegetable into his very personal elixir of strength and taught a whole generation of kids the importance of eating more greens.
3. Oregano
Oregano, basil, and parsley are often treated as interchangeable in the kitchen, although they each bring a different kick to your dishes.
4. Thyme
Thyme comes from the same family as basil, so it’s the perfect basil replacement. There are more than a hundred varieties of thyme, each with its own characteristics.
5. Celery leaves
Celery is one of those vegetables known for its stalks, rather than its leaves. In fact, more often than not the leaves are simply discarded.
6. Cilantro
Coriander, or cilantro, is part of the same family as parsley, and indeed the two plants look almost identical.
7. Mint
Mint comes from the same family as basil and if you know anything about this herb, you might be wondering what kind of mint you can use as a substitute for basil leaves.