Thai basil substitute: How to replace the spice

Thai basil is a key ingredient in many Asian dishes. It's hard to find a replacement for Thai basil when you don't have the ingredient on hand. We show you a few options here.

Replacement for Thai basil - basil types

Thai basil is not a term for a single plant. Rather, three different types of basil are summarized under this term.

• Horapa: This Thai basil variety has an intense taste of licorice and anise.
• Krapao: If you use krapao in your dishes, this Thai basil gives the dish a taste of allspice and cloves.
• Maenglak: With its lemon aroma, this Thai basil goes well with fish.
• As you probably guessed, the taste of Thai basil has nothing in common with the basil we know. This is why it is not suitable as a replacement for Thai basil.

Replace Horapa

If you are looking for a replacement for this Thai basil, anise may be an option.

• Anise does not completely replace the spice plant, but it gives the dish, like Horapa, a slight anise taste.
• However, you should be cautious when seasoning with anise.

Krapao alternative

If this Thai basil is in demand with a recipe, you can alternatively use allspice and cloves as healthy spices.

• Again, you won't be able to completely replace Thai basil.
• With the amount of allspice and cloves you have to experiment a little and feel your way.

Replacement for Maenglak

Replacing this Thai basil is also difficult.

• You may be able to use the local basil for this.
• In addition, add a little mint or lemon balm to the dish in order to achieve approximately the fresh, citrusy aroma.

If you are looking for a Tahini replacement, you will find the three best alternatives in our next post.