Thai basil has a distinctive flavor—peppery, slightly spicy, and with a hint of anise—setting it apart in Southeast Asian cuisine. But what if you’re ready to whip up a dish like Pad Krapow or Thai green curry, and you can’t find Thai basil at your local grocery store? No worries—there are several great substitutes for Thai basil that bring similar notes to the dish. In this post, we’ll explore alternatives and even convenient ways to keep herbs on hand, like frozen basil cubes.

What Makes Thai Basil Unique?

Before diving into substitutes, let’s look at what gives Thai basil its signature flavor. Unlike sweet basil commonly found in Italian dishes, Thai basil has:

• A slight licorice or anise scent
  
• A sturdy stem and darker leaves
  
• A spicy, peppery undertone
  

These properties make it resilient during cooking, allowing it to hold its aroma and flavor structure even in hot dishes.

Best Substitute for Thai Basil in a Pinch

1. Sweet Basil (Genovese Basil)

• This is probably the basil you already have at home. It’s sweeter and less spicy than Thai basil but still works in stir-fries and noodle dishes. Add a touch of star anise or fennel seeds to mimic that licorice-like flavor Thai basil brings.
  

2. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

• Used in Indian cooking, holy basil has a stronger clove-like flavor. It’s not an exact flavor match, but it pairs well with savory and spicy dishes and is often used in similar culinary contexts.
  

3. Italian Basil + Mint or Anise

• If you want to simulate the complexity of Thai basil, combining fresh basil with a small amount of mint or crushed anise seeds can get you closer to the mark. Start light—you don’t want the mint or anise to overpower the dish.
  

4. Cilantro with a Dash of Mint

• This combo brings freshness with a hint of pepper. While it lacks the anise profile, it can still work in Thai salads and soups where brightness is key.
  

5. Frozen Basil Cubes with Add-ins

• One of the easiest and most consistent substitutes involves frozen basil cubes. These are pre-portioned, flash-frozen basil portions that retain flavor and color. You can stir one into a hot curry, add a dash of ground fennel or a pinch of mint, and you’ve got a Thai basil-esque blend without the need for thai basil itself.
  

A Table of Flavor Profile Matchups

Not all herbs are created equal—especially when it comes to flavor intensity and aroma. If you’re hunting for the right substitute for Thai basil, understanding how each herb stacks up in taste can help you make the best swap for your dish.

Herb	Flavor Notes	Best Used For	Thai Basil Swap Tip
Sweet Basil	Mild, slightly sweet, clove-like	Stir-fries, curries, noodle dishes	Add a pinch of fennel or star anise to capture the licorice note
Holy Basil (Tulsi)	Spicy, peppery, clove-heavy	Stir-fried dishes, soups	Closest match in intensity—great for Pad Krapow
Italian Basil + Mint	Bright, herbaceous, cooling	Fresh salads, spring rolls	Combine with a small amount of crushed anise seeds for complexity
Cilantro + Mint	Fresh, citrusy, bold	Soups, salads, dipping sauces	Best for fresh applications, not long cooking
Frozen Basil Cubes + Fennel	Balanced, aromatic, easy to use	Curries, sauces, stews	Stir in toward the end with a dash of ground fennel for a Thai basil vibe

By mixing and matching based on what’s in your fridge (or freezer), you can get pretty close to Thai basil’s flavor profile—even if you’re missing the real thing. And if you’re stocked with frozen basil cubes, you’re just a spice or herb away from a worthy substitute.

Cooking with Substitutes: Dos and Don’ts

Using a substitute for Thai basil doesn’t mean compromising on flavor—it just means adjusting your approach slightly.

DO:

• Add substitutes toward the end of cooking to preserve flavor
  
• Taste as you go—especially if you’re adding licorice-like spices
  
• Combine herbs when necessary to mimic complexity
  

DON’T:

• Rely solely on dried basil—it loses too much of the fresh, sharp flavor
  
• Overuse mint or anise—they’re potent and can easily overpower a dish
  
• Add frozen herbs too early—they’re best stirred in just before serving
  

Recipes That Can Handle a Swap

While some dishes rely heavily on Thai basil, others are more forgiving and welcome substitutions:

• Thai Drunken Noodles (Pad Kee Mao): Try sweet basil with a touch of mint
  
• Green Curry: Frozen basil cubes + a sprinkle of fennel for a flavor boost
  
• Thai Basil Chicken (Pad Krapow Gai): Holy basil is the best match, but sweet basil works in a pinch
  
• Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup): Sweet basil or Italian basil + anise works well here
  

Having frozen herbs like Dorot Gardens’ chopped basil cubes in your freezer—means that your dishes will always have the right herbs. They last longer and still pack a punch when you’re short on time or fresh herbs!