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5 Best Substitutes for Shiso in Japanese Cooking

5 Best Substitutes for Shiso

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Shiso leaves bring a unique blend of mint, basil, and anise notes that enhance raw fish, salads, and cooked dishes. When shiso is unavailable, fresh herbs like perilla, Thai basil, mint, cilantro, and sweet basil offer effective alternatives depending on the preparation method.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Kitchen Tips, Substitutes
Cuisine: Various
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup Perilla leaves Use 1:1 substitution for shiso; best raw use.
  • 0.75 cup Thai basil Use ¾ amount of Thai basil per 1 cup shiso; best for cooked dishes.
  • 0.5 cup Fresh mint leaves Use ½ amount per 1 cup shiso; bright, simpler flavor; best raw use.
  • 1 cup Fresh cilantro Use 1:1 volume substitution; citrusy and peppery; best raw use except sushi.
  • 1 cup Fresh sweet basil Use 1:1 volume substitution; works well cooked; lacks minty/anise notes.

Method
 

  1. Choose your substitute based on whether the dish is raw or cooked.
  2. Prep the herb by washing and tearing or chiffonading as needed.
  3. Measure substitutes using recommended ratios relative to shiso volume.
  4. Add Thai basil during the last 2 minutes of cooking for best flavor.
  5. Taste and adjust quantities to match desired brightness and complexity.

Notes

  • Perilla is the closest botanical and flavor match to shiso.
  • Mint and cilantro are best for raw dishes needing brightness but lack shiso complexity.
  • Thai and sweet basil suit cooked applications but miss some anise and mint notes.

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