Can I use Thai basil instead of sweet basil?
Can you substitute Thai basil for sweet basil? Not really. The strong anise flavor of Thai basil makes it incomparable to sweet basil in terms of flavor.
Is sweet basil the same as Thai basil?
Thai basil differs from sweet basil for its taste. Thai basil has a milder flavor with an extra licorice aroma that suits more East Asian cuisine. Thai basil leaves are firmer and longer than Genovese basil. Thai basil presents purple flowers compared to the white of a Genovese basil.
What can I use instead of sweet basil?
Consider using any of these herbs as substitutes for 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.
How do you make Thai basil taste like regular basil?
No Thai Basil? No problem! Some recipes call for Thai basil, a pungent variety that can be hard to find in grocery stores. To duplicate its flavor, use common “Italian” basil and add a few fresh mint sprigs to the recipe.
What can I use Thai basil for?
Thai basil is wonderful eaten raw, slivered, and added to salads, both your plain old cucumber-tomato salad or something meaty like northern Thai larb. But its hardy leaves stand up especially well to cooking—their flavor infuses readily into food and the leaves don’t wilt quite as much as Italian sweet basil’s would.
Can I use Thai basil in Italian cooking?
You can substitute Thai Basil for Italian basil (Sweet or Large Leaf). Keep in mind that Thai basil does have a peppery spiciness, and the flavor profile of the finished dish may be far from what you’re used to eating.
What is sweet basil good for?
The eugenol in basil can block calcium channels, which may help to lower blood pressure. The essential oils in the herb can help to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides. Basil also contains magnesium, which can help to improve blood flow by allowing muscles and blood vessels to relax.
What can I substitute for fresh basil in a recipe?
Best Basil Substitute
- Fresh vs. Dried Basil. …
- Oregano. One of the best basil substitutes is another popular herb – oregano. …
- Thyme. Another herb that often works as an effective basil substitute is thyme. …
- Spinach Leaves. …
- Cilantro. …
- Mint. …
- Italian Seasoning.
How do I substitute dried basil for fresh basil?
Keep this conversion handy. When using fresh basil instead of dried in a recipe, use 1 and 1/2 more than what the recipe says. Likewise, cut dried basil by the same amount when substituting it for fresh, that is, 2/3 of what is called for.
Can I substitute parsley for basil?
Basil. … Basil is a great substitute for parsley when used as a garnish. However, for flavor, it should only be used as a substitute for dried or fresh parsley in Italian dishes because of its bold taste.