5 Easy Substitutes for Shiso to Consider

Shiso is one of those ingredients we rarely plan for, then suddenly need. (Perilla frutescens, a leafy Japanese herb in the mint family.)

No need to stop-there are plenty of swaps. We've used everything from basil to mint to recreate that unique shiso edge. Each option tweaks the flavor slightly, but they'll still bring life to your dish.

These substitutes are easy to find, and most are already in the fridge or on the spice rack. Perfect for garnishes, salads, and sushi, they keep things rolling when shiso isn't an option.

Running low on shiso? No big deal-just grab one of these easy stand-ins and keep cooking.

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5 Fresh Herb Options Instead of Shiso

Here are five easy substitutes for shiso to consider:

1 - Basil (Thai or Sweet)

The first on our list is basil-Thai or sweet. They're both easy to find and bring a hint of freshness to any dish (both members of the Lamiaceae mint family).

Thai basil has that slightly spicy, anise vibe, while sweet basil leans mild and almost minty.

Use it in a 1:1 swap for shiso. It's not identical, but it will work in salads, sushi, or garnishes without skipping a beat.

You might notice a softer flavor, but it still adds brightness and aroma.

If you're curious about more basil replacements, check out basil swaps for everyday cooking for more ideas.

2 - Mint Leaves

Mint leaves are pretty much the fresh breath of substitutes (Mentha species, often high in menthol). They're easy to grab and add a cool, bright twist to your dish.

The flavor leans sweeter than shiso, with that signature menthol kick.

Use these instead of shiso in raw dishes, like salads or sushi, if you want a light, fresh vibe. Swap them in a 1:1 ratio-it's straightforward.

The texture holds up, but the flavor might feel a bit simple compared to shiso's complex notes.

Mint works great for garnishes too; see mint substitutes for bright garnishes.

Don't expect it to bring the same peppery bite or herbal depth. Still, it's solid for quick fixes.

Keep in mind that mint can dominate a dish if you overdo it. Start small, taste, and adjust as needed.

It's fresh, it's easy, and it's totally usable when you're shiso-less.

3 - Perilla Leaves (Korean)

The flavors of shiso and perilla leaves are definitely similar. Perilla brings a mild, earthy version of their Japanese cousin (Perilla frutescens, common in Korean cuisine).

The herb has slightly bitter notes with just a touch of spice.

Use it as a garnish for fried or steamed dishes to add aroma and depth; try kaffir lime leaf alternatives for aroma in citrus-forward recipes.

4 - Cilantro

Cilantro is the zesty wildcard of herbs (Coriandrum sativum, the leafy form of the coriander plant). It's bright, citrusy, and unapologetically bold.

Kind of like a green party crasher! Cilantro works best in fresh dishes and adds an herby pop.

Use it raw, chopped, or sprinkled on. well, anything.

If you're swapping it with shiso, go easy. Use cilantro at about a 1:1 ratio, but taste first.

Its punchy flavor can overpower delicate recipes fast. It's not subtle, so balance is key.

Cilantro shines in salsas, salads, and soups; it pairs well with sides for cilantro-lime chicken.

It's a great option if other herbs are nowhere in sight. Just be mindful-a lot of people either love it or avoid it.

Last, cilantro has its place, but it isn't a direct shiso twin.

5 - Napa Cabbage Leaves (as a Wrap Alternative)

Last but not least is napa cabbage leaves. T1They're our go-to for sushi rolls or summer rolls when shiso isn't around.

It's an easy, gluten-free alternative that gets the job done; consider savoy cabbage swaps for wraps for similar options.

Napa cabbage tastes mild and sweet with a crisp texture (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis, a staple in East Asian cooking). It works as a wrap just as well as lettuce or seaweed.

Keep in mind it doesn't have the same peppery edge as shiso, so you might want to add some extra herbs or spices if you need more depth.

Use napa cabbage in a 1:1 ratio for your wraps, and enjoy its extra crunch. It adds texture and freshness to dishes that pair well with shiso's notes.

Plus, it's an excellent choice if you're gluten-free or want a carb-light alternative.

If you're keen on more ideas for using napa cabbage leaves as a wrap substitute, check out our napa cabbage leaf substitutes guide with tips and recipe inspiration.