Skip to Content

5 Good Substitutes for Basil and Thai Basil in Cooking

By: Author Andrew Gray

Posted on Last updated:

0 Comments

Calling all kitchen aficionados, spice seekers, and flavor aficionados! Have you found yourself dreamily browsing recipe blogs, only to be halted in your culinary tracks by a “requries basil” demand of your new-found infatuation?

Or, on the other hand, perhaps you’ve grown fearful of tastelessly trotting out the same old twirl of spaghetti, sans the vivid taste of sweet basil.

Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. And let’s face it – constantly having fresh basil on hand can be a challenge.

Luckily, there are plenty of delicious substitutes for basil that will have your taste buds singing and your dishes bursting with flavor. Let’s dive into the top 5 best substitutes for basil in cooking.

Key Takeaways:

  • Basil can often be substituted with oregano, tarragon, mint, thyme, or savory.
  • Each substitute brings its own unique flavor profile and works best in different dishes.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your personal taste preferences.
  • For Thai basil substitutes, star anise or lemon basil are great options.
  • Keep these substitutes in mind for when you’re in a pinch and out of fresh basil.

5 Best Substitutes for Basil in Cooking

1 – Oregano

When basil is the hero of the story, oregano swoops in as the trusty sidekick. Picture these two in any classic Italian dish, hand-in-hand, a triumph of taste.

Oregano boasts a robust taste with a hint of bitterness, slightly less sweet than basil. It’s a champion in pizzas, pastas, and soups, introducing a warmer, more earthy flavor than its leafy compatriot.

Substitute Ratio

  • Bold and earthy, oregano is best used with moderation.
  • A good place to start is a 1:1 ratio for dried basil and oregano.
  • Give it a go in your bolognese next time, and watch your taste buds tango!

2 – Tarragon

If basil’s aromatic sweetness usually wins the day, tarragon steps in with its unique blend of warm and slightly bittersweet flavors, often likened to anise. This staunch substitute in French cuisine brings a touch of class to dishes, particularly poultry, fish, and egg-based recipes where basil often stars alongside.

Substitute Ratio

  • Tarragon’s role in the kitchen is as the subtle front-runner.
  • A 1:1 ratio will often suffice in most recipes.
  • The next time you’re roasting a chicken, swap the basil for tarragon and watch your guests’ gourmand admiration grow!

3 – Mint

When your dish beckons for that cooling, sweet-savory note that basil brings, mint is poised to land. Mint’s bright and refreshing taste elevates dishes with a lively zing, perfect for summery cocktails, salads, and fruity desserts. It’s the perfect green to spring from the shadows when basil’s not on hand.

Substitute Ratio

  • Mint is a flavor powerhouse. Use a light hand and gradually add more, tasting as you go.
  • Especially delightful in fruit salads or chopped finely in yogurt for a lively dip.
  • Next time you’re crafting a mojito, leave the basil alone and opt for mint — the classic will sing like never before!

4 – Thyme

When basil gives a dish that almost-peppery touch, thyme stands ready with a heartier heroism. With a slightly earthy undertone and a floral aroma, its robust nature is perfect for slow-cooked meals like stews or roast meats. It can be used as a stronger substitute in any dish where basil’s subtler side might be overshadowed.

Substitute Ratio

  • A 1:1 ratio works well with dried thyme and dried basil.
  • Perfect for adding depth to a tomato sauce or slow-cooked lamb.
  • Consider thyme next time you’re making a savory pie — your taste buds will thank you!

5 – Savory

Often overshadowed by more popular herbs, savory is a robust alternative to basil, offering a peppery punch with a hint of pine.

It’s ideal for stronger savory dishes where basil’s sweetness might seem out of place. Savory shines in bean soups, stews, and staffed vegetable dishes, bringing forward its own unique personality.

Substitute Ratio

  • A 1:1 ratio with dried basil is a good starting point when swapping in savory.
  • Rarely used alone, combine it with marjoram and thyme for a so-called ‘Herbs de Provence’ experience in the kitchen.
  • Try it in your next batch of lentil soup. It’s about to get a flavorful upgrade!

Thai Basil Substitutes

For the lovers of southeast Asian cuisine, Thai basil is an irreplaceable element in dishes, offering a touch of aniseed and unique flavor profile. If you’re caught without this essential green, fret not, star anise or sweet basil with a smidge of pepper can create a near-compatible taste.

Navigating Southeast Asian Flavors:

  • Combine sweet basil with a dash of star anise for a close-to-Thai-basil flavor.
  • Lemon basil makes a refreshing alternative with citrusy undertones for a unique spin.
  • When cooking classics like Pad Krapow or Green Curry, these substitutes can be your flavor saviors.