9 Best Substitute For Shiso

Shiso, a renowned member of the mint family, is a key culinary herb in East Asian cuisines. Known for its distinct aromatic profile that combines the tastes of mint, basil, anise, and a hint of cumin, Shiso lends an irreplaceable touch to a myriad of dishes. However, Shiso may not always be available due to geographical constraints, seasonal fluctuations, or dietary needs. This necessitates a quest for substitutes that can echo Shiso’s unique attributes.

Basil, mint, Italian parsley, cilantro, lemon balm, arugula, Thai basil, dill, and Japanese Pepper Tree Leaves are notable substitutes that emulate different facets of Shiso’s taste. While each brings their unique flavor and nutritional profile to the table, none can precisely replicate Shiso. Therefore, the best substitute is subjective and hinges on the specific dish and individual taste preferences. Our guide offers a comprehensive exploration of these alternatives, their uses, and nutritional facts, to help you make an informed decision when Shiso is off the menu.

What is Shiso?

Shiso, also known as Perilla frutescens, is a member of the mint family and has long been a significant ingredient in East Asian cuisines, particularly in Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. It is recognized for its unique aroma and flavor, described as a blend of mint, basil, and anise with hints of cumin. Its leaves are usually green or purple and are used in a variety of dishes like sushi, salads, soups, and pickles. Understanding Shiso’s unique flavor profile is essential to find appropriate substitutes that can deliver comparable culinary results.

Key Substitutes For Shiso

• Basil
• Mint
• Italian Parsley
• Cilantro (Coriander)
• Lemon Balm
• Arugula (Rocket)
• Thai Basil
• Dill
• Japanese Pepper Tree Leaves (Sansho)

Best Substitutes For Shiso

It’s important to note that while each substitute brings its unique qualities to a dish, none can precisely replicate Shiso’s distinctive flavor. Therefore, the chosen alternative should depend on the specific dish and personal taste preferences.

Basil

Basil, especially the sweet or Thai variety, serves as an excellent substitute for Shiso. This common herb has a strong aromatic profile that echoes Shiso’s freshness, making it a suitable replacement in salads and garnishes. The subtle peppery undertone of basil adds a distinct flavor that complements a variety of dishes.

However, sweet basil brings a slight sweetness, unlike Shiso. This sweetness can be a plus in certain recipes, such as salads and cocktails, where a dash of unexpected flavor can elevate the entire dish. Thai basil, on the other hand, has a more robust and slightly spicy flavor that works well in hot dishes like stir-fries and soups.

Basil’s versatility extends beyond its culinary uses. It also has numerous health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties, and it’s a rich source of antioxidants. When using basil as a Shiso substitute, be sure to add it towards the end of cooking to preserve its aromatic profile.

Mint

Mint is another viable substitute for Shiso, given their shared membership in the mint family. Its strong aroma and distinctive cooling sensation can mimic Shiso’s refreshing quality, making it perfect for use in salads, cold noodle dishes, and beverages.

However, unlike Shiso, mint has a pronounced sweet aftertaste which may alter the flavor of your dish. Therefore, it’s recommended to use mint sparingly at first and adjust according to your preference. For hot dishes, adding mint at the last moment helps maintain its freshness without overwhelming other flavors.

From a nutritional standpoint, mint offers several benefits such as aiding digestion and offering relief from headaches. Its high antioxidant content contributes to general wellness, making it not just a flavor substitute but also a healthful one.

Italian Parsley

Italian parsley, with its bright and slightly bitter flavor, can replace Shiso in various dishes. While its flavor profile is milder, Italian parsley imparts a fresh and tangy taste similar to Shiso, which can be particularly effective in soups, stews, and Mediterranean recipes.

One key benefit of using Italian parsley is its accessibility and popularity in Western cuisines. It’s a staple in many kitchens, making it a convenient alternative when Shiso is hard to find.

Moreover, Italian parsley is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and it provides a range of health benefits including bolstering the immune system and promoting bone health. To maintain the freshness of its flavor, consider adding Italian parsley at the end of the cooking process, similar to Shiso.

Cilantro (Coriander)

Cilantro, also known as coriander, offers a vibrant and citrusy flavor that can substitute for Shiso. Though its flavor is more robust than Shiso’s, in small amounts, it can mimic Shiso’s tangy essence. It’s particularly effective in dishes where Shiso is not the main star but a part of the flavor ensemble, such as in sushi rolls or as garnish in noodle soups.

Nutritionally, cilantro is a powerhouse. It’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and it’s known to have detoxifying properties. When using cilantro as a Shiso substitute, be aware of its dominant flavor and adjust its quantity according to your taste preference.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm, another member of the mint family, can provide the minty flavor reminiscent of Shiso, with an added hint of lemony zest. Its mildly sweet flavor can be a great addition to salads, fish dishes, and teas. Because of its calming properties, it is often used in herbal teas and essential oils.

However, like Shiso, Lemon Balm is delicate and loses its flavor when exposed to prolonged heat. It’s best used fresh and added at the end of the cooking process.

Lemon Balm is known for its medicinal properties including aiding digestion, reducing anxiety and stress, and promoting sleep. It is rich in antioxidants and also has anti-viral properties.

Arugula (Rocket)

Arugula, also known as Rocket, is another potent Shiso substitute, especially for salads. Its peppery and slightly bitter flavor can emulate the unique taste of Shiso. Its crisp and refreshing quality makes it an excellent addition to raw dishes, much like Shiso.

Arugula’s strong flavor can stand up to hearty ingredients, making it a popular choice for complex salads and gourmet pizzas. When using arugula as a Shiso substitute, be mindful of its peppery note, which can be overpowering if used in excess.

From a nutritional perspective, arugula is a nutrient-dense leafy green high in calcium, potassium, folate, Vitamin C, K, and A. It has antioxidants and is considered beneficial for bone and brain health.

Thai Basil

Thai Basil, with its robust and spicy flavor profile, serves as a good stand-in for Shiso. It shares a similar aniseed note with Shiso, making it suitable for dishes that require a stronger taste.

The sturdy nature of Thai Basil leaves allows them to retain flavor and texture even when cooked, making it suitable for hot dishes like stir-fries and soups. However, its flavor can be quite pronounced, so it’s recommended to use it in moderation.

Thai Basil also boasts multiple health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It is an excellent source of vitamins A and K and a good source of zinc, calcium, magnesium, and dietary fiber.

Dill

Dill, with its slightly bitter and tangy flavor, is an excellent substitute for Shiso in many dishes. It can provide a similar refreshing note in salads, soups, and seafood dishes. Its unique taste can lend a touch of complexity to simple dishes, similar to what Shiso offers.

Nutritionally, dill is a rich source of vitamins A and C, along with several minerals like iron and manganese. It’s known for its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. As with Shiso, fresh dill is preferable for its flavor, and it should be added towards the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant taste.

Japanese Pepper Tree Leaves (Sansho)

Finally, Japanese Pepper Tree Leaves, also known as Sansho, can serve as a distinct Shiso substitute. Sansho leaves have a bright, slightly numbing, citrusy flavor that can mimic some of the unique aspects of Shiso. They are typically used in Japanese cuisine for dishes like eel soup and as a condiment for grilled foods.

While Sansho may not be widely available in every region, it’s an excellent alternative for those looking for a substitute with a strong, distinctive flavor. Nutritionally, Sansho leaves are known for their antioxidant properties and potential to enhance digestion.

Substitutes for Shiso: Nutritional Profile

Substitute	Gluten	Calories (kcal)	Fat (g)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Protein (g)
Basil	0	5	0.1	1	0.6	0.8
Mint	0	6	0.1	1.3	1	0.5
Italian Parsley	0	5	0.1	1	0.5	0.5
Cilantro	0	5	0.1	1	0.7	0.4
Lemon Balm	0	4	0.1	1	0.4	0.4
Arugula	0	5	0.1	1	0.5	0.6
Thai Basil	0	5	0.1	1	0.6	0.8
Dill	0	4	0.1	1	0.4	0.6
Japanese Pepper Tree Leaves (Sansho)	0	5	0.1	1	0.5	0.6

Conclusion

Culinary creativity is not just about following recipes to the letter, but also about understanding and experimenting with ingredients. While Shiso’s unique flavor profile is irreplaceable in its entirety, a wide array of substitutes can come quite close and bring their unique flair to your dishes. When substituting for Shiso, remember to consider the flavor balance in your recipe and adjust according to your taste. As with any culinary journey, don’t be afraid to experiment and discover new and exciting flavors!