Have you ever been craving your favorite Japanese dish but realized you’re fresh out of those distinctive green shiso leaves? I know the frustration all too well of browsing your sparse herb drawer and coming up empty handed. Just when you’re ready to ditch your meal plans, don’t lose hope! As any seasoned home chef knows, where there’s a flavor missing there’s usually a tasty substitutes to save the day.
Lucky for us, shiso leaves have some close cousins lurking in the produce aisle, just waiting to step in. From mint to basil and beyond, there are plenty of fresh and fragrant herbs ready to mask that missing shiso and keep your dishes flavorful. In this article, we’ll take a look at the versatile cast of characters that can jump in for a shiso no-show. By the end, your pantry will be stocked with options, so you’ll never be left without that hint of cool, complex flavor again. Read on to discover your new best friends for beating disappointment at the herb station. Your taste buds will thank you!
Best Sisho Leaves Substitutes
1. Mint
When it comes to finding a substitute that comes closest to capturing the essence of shiso, mint leaves take the cake. That’s because mint and shiso trace their roots back to the same plant family, Lamiaceae. With a related lineage comes similar characteristics – and flavor profiles don’t lie.
The cool, subtly peppery flavor of mint will feel comfortable swapping in for shiso. You get notes of crisp freshness along with a gentle tingling sensation from menthol, just like in shiso. An added bonus is that mint leaves tend to be readily available year-round compared to their elusive shiso cousins.
While mint leaves come in smaller than shiso, they more than make up for it with concentration of taste. A few torn mint leaves will go a long way in transporting your favorite roll or salad right back to its Japanese roots. Their bright essence melds seamlessly into a variety of dishes.
The one area mint leaves fall short is size – their daintiness rules them out for wrapping sushi or onigiri. But paired with other herbs, they ensure your meal enjoys a refreshing herbal dimension whether tossed into a dipping sauce or sprinkled on gently. Next time mint leaves are all your cupboard holds, don’t hesitate – these subtle stand-ins will have you feeling like a shiso sorted chef in no time.
2. Thai Basil
Just as mint leaves tread similar ground to shiso flavor-wise, Thai basil offers comparable notes through its relation in the mint family. Don’t let its smaller stature fool you – this petite herb packs a complexity of flavor.
Bite into a Thai basil leaf and you’ll taste a blend of spicy, peppery and faintly licorice-like notes with a subtle sweetness in the backdrop. Sound familiar? It should, as those multidimensional flavors parallel what makes shiso leaves so unique in the first place.
Where Thai basil really shines is bringing the heat. It offers a mild spiciness that can augment dishes where shiso provides mainly herbal tones. Seek out Thai basil for amplifying the savory or spicy elements in recipes.
Similar to mint leaves, its size precludes wrapping sushi or rice balls. But there are plenty of other applications where its bold essence will transport your palate. Think: stir fries, curries, soups or sprinkled atop noodles. The fresh herb also pairs beautifully with grilled meats and seafood.
Don’t limit Thai basil to just Asian cooking either. Get creative with Mediterranean or Latin inspired recipes as well. Wherever a little spicy zing is called for, this shiso sub will have you feeling like the substituting star.
3. Sweet Basil
Another versatile herb that strikes a similar chord to shiso is sweet basil. With its subtle blend of peppery, minty and subtle licorice or anise notes, sweet basil bridges the flavor gap when you’re fresh out of those distinctive green shiso leaves.
Unlike the more intense taste of Thai basil, sweet basil’s flavor profile plays it more soothing and nuanced. You get an mellow sweetness up front that softens into faint spice on the backend. This balanced yet complex taste treats your palate in a way reminiscent of shiso’s chameleon-like quality.
Where sweet basil really shines is when added bulk is needed in a recipe. Its larger, lush leaves mean you can use it singularly or paired with other herbs, like mint, to replace a greater volume of shiso. The higher quantity won’t overwhelm but rather enrich the overall flavor profile.
Try massaging sweet basil into rice balls for a classic Japanese flavor twist. Or toss its leaves into pasta, grain bowls, seafood or vegetable dishes for a savory herbal lift. No matter the recipe, this shiso understudy is sure to please while still tasting distinctly fresh. So don’t be shy – sweet basil will step up to the plate every time you’re in a pinch.
4. Grape Leaves
When it comes to finding a shiso substitute with the heft to wrap sushi, onigiri or cabbage rolls, grape leaves are your new best friends. Their leathery texture and ample surface area makes them the ideal stand-in for any recipe calling for shiso as a wrapper or vessel.
But grape leaves deliver more than just size – their taste also closely echoes the earthy, woodsy notes of shiso. Bite into a grape leaf and you’ll taste vegetal flavors of olive, herbs and a touch of briny saltiness. It’s an experience not too different than enjoying shiso on its own.
The tart yet balanced citrus quality in grape leaves is another quality it shares with shiso. This brightness lifts whatever is wrapped within from ho-hum to highlight. Meat, seafood or veggie fillings gain new depth when encased in the light acidity of a grape leaf skin.
For best results, seek out fresh grape leaves rather than the brined variety. Their texture remains more pliant and lush. And fresh leaves can be readily found in the majority of supermarkets these days.
Overall, grape leaves make the perfect poster plant for shiso substitutes when size and substance are key factors. They might just become your new culinary best friends too!
5. Green Onions
Admittedly, green onions may seem like an unlikely stand-in for shiso leaves at first glance. After all, their flavors don’t perfectly align. However, don’t underestimate the power of this humble veggie to fill a shiso-sized gap, especially when color is the main objective.
Where green onions really shine is lending that beautiful green hue so crucial to many Japanese dishes. Their grassy color alone makes them a suitable swap when you simply need a herbaceous tint rather than a exact taste match.
Beyond looks, green onions contribute a tasty crispness and subtly oniony quality. While lighter than shiso’s complex notes, it’s a refreshingly clean contrast especially in rice or noodle dishes.
For best substituting results, use green onions sparingly paired with other stronger flavored herbs discussed earlier. A few sliced rings will magically transform the appearance of your cooking while complementing the other layers of flavor.
So don’t be afraid to let a bunch of green onions become your visual shiso stand-in. Their mild yet verdant personality makes them a go-to alternative when color is the top priority over replicating taste.
6. Lemon Basil
When you want a shiso substitute with an extra punch of bright, citrusy flavor, lemon basil is your new BFF. Like other basils, it comes from the same family as shiso. But this variety boasts a much bolder essence that will have taste buds tingling.
Bite into a leaf to experience an explosion of lemony freshness with an herbal backbone. It’s this vivacious flavor profile that allows lemon basil to stand out amongst contenders. Where others may play it more subtly, this herb comes prepared to shine in any role.
A few torn leaves are all it takes to transport otherwise simple dishes to a whole new zesty plane. Toss into rice, mix into sauces, or top grilled dishes and salads for a sunshine burst that cuts through richer elements.
Pair lemon basil with mint leaves as suggested for other substitutes to get that authentic cool shiso sensation back too. The tart yet soothing blend mimics shiso’s ability to please many palates.
So don’t sleep on this citrus wonder when in need of an upgrade. Lemon basil acts as the perfect partner to brighten your cooking in shiso’s absence.
7. Cilantro
Missing shiso leaves but have a bundle of cilantro in the fridge instead? Fret not – this fragrant herb makes a great stand-in thanks to its fresh, citrusy flavors.
Unlike other substitutes, cilantro isn’t part of the mint family. But its light, bright taste possesses some similar qualities to shiso that allow it to seamlessly fill in.
Bite into a cilantro leaf to experience notes of peppery spice and lime zest that tingle the taste buds. These tangy, slightly bitter essences mimic attributes of when shiso is used.
Best of all, cilantro is a pantry staple found worldwide which means it requires no special trips to an Asian market. Simply pull back the plastic and you’re ready to go.
Finely chop cilantro and sprinkle into salads, sushi rolls, rice dishes, soups and more for a sunny jolt of flavor. Its color also adds a nice pop of green contrast.
While cilantro may not be a dead ringer for shiso’s signature essence, it hits many of the same refreshing highlights. So don’t discount this hardworking herb when swapping is needed.
8. Lemon Thyme
When you want a shiso substitute with intensity but a softer side, lemon thyme delivers. Like its floral cousins mint and basil, thyme brings an herbal complexity and hint of citrus.
Bite into the tiny leaf to experience aromas of lemon zest entwined with savory woody notes. It’s these balanced yet vibrant flavors that allow lemon thyme to stand in smoothly for shiso’s signature blend.
Where lemon thyme excels is adding depth without overpowering a dishes other elements. Use it sparingly as finishing touch, such as stirred into rice, scattered atop noodles or blended into sauce.
Pair lemon thyme with mint as suggested for a sure way to echo shiso’s cooling, multilayered essence. The tart thyme plays nicely off mint’s peppery fresh side.
Look for lemon thyme at most supermarkets these days. Or grow your own miniature bush for easy snipping all season long.
Whether you need a delicate sophistication or simply want variety, lemon thyme deserves a place as your shiso sub darling. Its sweet yet bright twists will keep tasting ever so pleasantly lemony.
FAQs
Can I substitute dry herbs for fresh in these recipes?
In most cases, it’s best to use fresh herbs rather than dried when substituting for shiso leaves. Dried herbs will have a more concentrated flavor that may overpower dishes. You can use about 1/3 of the amount called for if substituting dried.
What if I can’t find any of these herbs locally?
If none of the recommended substitutes are available, don’t abandon your recipe ideas. You can still approximate shiso’s flavor through a blend of what you do have on hand, like green onions, cilantro, parsley. Experimenting with flavor profiles is part of the fun of cooking.
How do I store shiso leaves to keep them fresh longer?
To extend the freshness of shiso leaves, wrap them in a paper towel and store in an airtight plastic bag or container in the fridge. They should last about a week. You can also try drying shiso leaves to have on hand – just lay them on a baking sheet and dry at a low temperature for several hours. Store dried leaves in an airtight container.
Can these substitutes be used for cooking other Japanese dishes besides sushi?
Yes, many of the herb substitutes recommended work well for other Japanese dishes beyond sushi, like noodles, rice bowls, salads, soups and stews. The mint, basil and citrus herbs in particular can easily slot in to complement ingredients like tofu, seafood, vegetables and meat in various Japanese cooking styles.
Can I freeze shiso leaves to preserve them longer?
Yes, freezing is another good option for extending the shelf life of shiso leaves. Simply wash and dry the leaves thoroughly, then lay them flat on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight freezer bag or container. Frozen shiso leaves will maintain their flavor for about 6 months.
What parts of the shiso plant can be used as a substitute?
In addition to the leaves, other parts of the shiso plant such as the flowers and seeds can also be used as substitutes. The flowers have a similar flavor profile to the leaves and make an attractive garnish. Shiso seeds are edible and lend a robust, peppery taste. Both flowers and seeds need to be used sparingly.
Which of these substitutes are easiest to find year-round?
Some of the most readily available substitutes year-round at most grocery stores are likely to be mint, basil, cilantro, green onions and lemon thyme. Thai or lemon basil may require a trip to an Asian or international market. Grape leaves and some specialty herbs could require refrigerated sections or online ordering.
Can these substitutes be used fresh or dried?
In many cases it’s preferable to use substitutes like fresh herbs, grape leaves or green onions in their fresh form for the best flavor approximation to shiso. However, some dried herbs can work too when scaled back in quantity, like 1/3 as much. Drying preserves the substitutes for longer so it’s helpful as a backup option.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is no shortage of fresh and flavorful substitutes to call on when shiso leaves are nowhere in sight. With options like mint, basil, grape leaves and more, your pantry is likely already stocked with stand-ins ready to take on the shiso role.
The keys to substitution success are finding herbs and veggies with similar flavor profiles, textures, or appearances to the ingredient you’re replacing. Then adjust quantities and combine substitutes as needed to closely mimic shiso’s characteristics.
Don’t be afraid to get creative too by blending both familiar and unique swaps together in one dish. You never know, you may stumble upon an inspired recipe all its own!
So next time you reach for the fridge only to come up shiso-less, don’t despair. Reach for one of these tasty understudies instead. Whether your goal is complexity, brightness or volume, one is sure to satisfy without missing a beat. Bon appétit to improvising in the kitchen without limitations. Say sayonara to shiso worries from now on!
