This post may include affiliate links.
Thai basil vs basil: what’s the difference between these similar fresh herbs? Can you substitute one for the other? Here’s the breakdown.
Thai basil vs basil: what’s the difference? These two types of fresh herb are from the same family. But there are marked differences between the Thai variety and the common sweet basil!
As a recipe developer and cookbook author, I’ve worked for years with fresh herbs and I love both of these ingredients. Here’s a breakdown on what makes them distinct, and when you can use them as substitutes.
Thai Basil Vs Basil: What’s The Difference?
What’s the exact difference between Thai basil vs sweet basil? Here’s the difference between these varieties of the same herb:
- Thai basil is a type of basil with an anise or black licorice flavor that’s native to Southeast Asia. It has a purple stem, purple flowers, and thin, dark green leaves. It’s common in Southeast Asian cuisine, including Thai, Cambodian, Lao, and Vietnamese recipes. The flavor is very distinct, with strong black licorice notes and a hint of spice on the finish.
- Italian sweet basil is a type of basil that’s most common in Western cooking. It has bright green leaves and a green stem. The leaves are larger than the Thai variety (see the bunches on the right in the photo above). The flavor of sweet basil is milder than Thai basil, with hints of black pepper and subtle anise.
Can You Substitute One For The Other?
Well, yes and no. Here’s what to know about substitutions when it comes to Thai basil:
- Can you substitute sweet basil for Thai basil? It depends on the recipe. In some recipes you can substitute sweet basil, if it’s all you have on hand. But if you’re making a traditional Southeast Asian recipe like a curry, pho, or spring rolls, it’s definitely worth seeking out for its distinct flavor. You can grow Thai basil at home or find it at Asian markets or international grocery stores.
- 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. Here are the substitutes for sweet basil that we recommend instead.
Thai Basil Vs Holy Basil
Here’s another question: what’s Thai basil vs holy bail? Here’s a breakdown:
- Thai basil (horapha in Thai) has purple stems and a licorice-like flavor. It’s most often used in pho and something like a Thai green curry.
- Holy basil (krapow in Thai) has slightly fuzzy, jagged-edged leaves and a peppery bite to the flavor. It’s the traditional herb used in pad kra pao, a Thai stir fry with chilies, garlic, and meat.
If you can’t find holy basil, you can definitely use Thai basil as a substitute. It has a sweeter flavor that is less peppery, but it still works.
Recipes With Thai Basil
There are lots of ways to use Thai basil! Here are some great uses:
- Noodle bowls: try this Thai Basil Noodle Bowl
- Fried rice: try Thai Basil Fried Rice
- Shrimp: try Thai Basil Shrimp
- Spring rolls: try Vegetable Spring Rolls
- Thai-style curry: try Coconut Shrimp Curry or Tofu Curry
- Pho: It’s a common garnish on Vietnamese pho, like this Beef Pho (Phở Bo)
Recipes With Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is used in lots of Mediterranean style cuisine! Here are some of our top sweet basil recipes:
- Pesto: try this classic Basil Pesto
- Pizza: like a good Pizza Margherita
- Salads: like a Caprese Salad or Burrata Salad
- Soups: like Tomato Basil Soup
- Pasta: like Tomato Basil Pasta or Pasta Marinara
- Dressing: like Basil Vinaigrette
Is there a way to preserve thai basil? With sweet basil, I make pesto and freeze it? How would you make something you could freeze with thai basil? Thanks.
We haven’t tested any preservation methods. Sorry!
Let us know if you have any questions!