Exploring Substitutes: 5 Alternatives for Shiso Leaves

Ever found yourself in a pinch because you’re fresh out of shiso leaves? No sweat. We’ve got the lowdown on the top five swaps you’ll love.

Shiso leaves have a unique zing that’s hard to replicate. Yet, sometimes, they just aren’t on hand. What then? We’re here to shed some light on alternatives that could save your dish.

Our kitchens are full of surprises. And so is this list. From common finds to those “aha!” ingredients, we’re unveiling choices that’ll keep your meals exciting.

This isn’t just about substitutions. It’s about keeping the magic in your cooking without breaking stride. Short on shiso? No problem. Read on to discover how these five alternatives can become your next kitchen staples.

What is Shiso?

As mentioned in the article, shiso is an East Asian herb that belongs to the mint family.

It has pretty green leaves with a unique flavor and scent.

Most importantly, this article it’s great for making food more delicious.

Shiso is known by many names across its vast range of uses – including Beefsteak Plant, perilla, Japanese Basil, and Wild Basil.

It is an extremely popular herb in Japanese cooking, and it’s most famous for being the main ingredient in Salmon Teriyaki.

However, shiso can be used with all kinds of foods – including sushi, salads, tea-time snacks, soups, and stir-fries.

Not only that but shiso is also used as a natural breath freshener.

Generally, it is safe to add Shiso leaves to food in any amounts you want – ensure that you always wash the leaves before adding them into your dish.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Shiso

Shiso, also known as perilla or Japanese basil, is a popular herb used in various Asian cuisines for its unique flavor and aroma.

However, if you can’t find shiso or are looking for alternative options, there are several substitutes that can provide similar characteristics.

In this guide, we will explore the top 5 substitutes for shiso, comparing their key characteristics and providing suggestions on proper ratios to ensure the best results in your dishes.

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Basil	Aromatic with a hint of sweetness	Use an equal amount of basil as a substitute
Korean Perilla (Egoma)	Earthy and slightly minty	Use an equal amount of Korean perilla as a substitute
Pickled Plum (Umeboshi)	Tangy and salty with a hint of sweetness	Use sparingly as a garnish or seasoning
Grape Leaves	Mild with a slightly tangy flavor	Use an equal amount of grape leaves as a substitute
Mint Leaves	Refreshing with a cool, slightly sweet flavor	Use an equal amount of mint leaves as a substitute

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Basil

Basil is a very popular herb used in many dishes.

Not only does it add a refreshing and floral taste to your meal, but basil also has several health benefits.

It not only looks great with its dark green leaves, but it tastes great too.

This herb is easy to maintain – make sure that you place it in direct sunlight and water it regularly.

When choosing a basil plant to use as a substitute for shiso, opt for either the sweet basil or Thai basil varieties.

These are known to have a strong taste, which is just what you want when trying to replicate the flavor of shiso in your meal.

• Key Characteristics: Basil is an aromatic herb with a hint of sweetness. While it does not have the exact flavor profile of shiso, it can still add freshness and depth to dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of basil as a substitute for shiso. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

2 – Korean Perilla (Egoma)

This herb is also commonly known as Japanese shiso and is a member of the mint family.

Its unique aroma and flavor make it a great alternative to shiso if you can’t find it in your local grocery store.

It has pretty green leaves with purple stems and small flowers.

The taste of this herb is quite similar to shiso – it has a slightly peppery taste with a hint of mint.

Usually, people use it in salad dressings or as an essential ingredient for many tasty dishes.

Compared to shiso leaves, Korean perilla leaves are often smaller and more tender.

So, you may need to use more of them to achieve the same impact.

• Key Characteristics: Korean perilla, also known as egoma, has an earthy flavor with a hint of mintiness. It has a similar taste profile to shiso and can be used as a direct substitute in many dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of Korean perilla as a substitute for shiso. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

3 – Pickled Plum (Umeboshi)

Umeboshi is a Japanese condiment that’s made from pickled plums.

Traditionally, it is prepared with ume fruit salt-fermented in barrels for at least six months.

This fruit has a sour and salty taste, making it the perfect substitute for shiso leaves in many dishes.

This condiment is often used in many Japanese dishes, including rice balls and sushi.

It may also be mixed with other ingredients to make a tasty dressing or sauce for salads.

So, using this as a substitute for shiso is easy.

Just ensure that you chop the umeboshi finely before adding it to your dish.

• Key Characteristics: Pickled plum, or umeboshi, has a tangy and salty flavor with a subtle sweetness. While it is not a direct replacement for the fresh herb, it can be used as a garnish or seasoning to provide a unique twist to dishes.
• Proper Ratio: Use pickled plum sparingly as a garnish or seasoning. The intense flavor calls for moderation to avoid overpowering the dish.

4 – Grape Leaves

These leaves are often used as a wrapper for rice and meat mixtures.

When cooked, grape leaves have a unique flavor that some people describe as being similar to the taste of grass.

In addition, they may also be used as a salad or an appetizer.

Most grape leaves are pickled and preserved in either brine or vinegar.

This is so that their freshness can be maintained for a long time.

To use this as a substitute for shiso, try using the grape leaf as a wrapper instead of an ingredient.

Just slice it thinly and grill it quickly before adding your favorite ingredients.

• Key Characteristics: Grape leaves have a mild flavor with a slightly tangy note. While they do not have the exact taste of shiso, they can contribute to a similar overall flavor profile when used in wraps or as a wrapper for sushi rolls.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of grape leaves as a substitute for shiso when utilizing them as a wrapper or in wraps. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

5 – Mint Leaves

Last but not least, mint leaves are a great alternative to shiso.

It is often used as a garnish on dishes, and some people even use it as an essential ingredient in their meals.

Mint leaves have a strong aroma that some describe as similar to pine or menthol.

In addition, they may also be used for making tea.

Mint leaves are very easy to find – especially in the spring and summer months.

Just ensure that you buy them fresh from your local farmers’ market or grocery store.

Mint is quite easy to maintain – place it indoors near a window to receive direct sunlight.

It should stay fresh for about two weeks if kept at room temperature.

• Key Characteristics: Mint leaves are refreshing and have a cool, slightly sweet flavor. While they differ from shiso in taste, they can add a pleasant burst of freshness to dishes such as salads or summer rolls.
• Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of mint leaves as a substitute for shiso. Adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences and recipe requirements.

Conclusion

Shiso leaves are a staple ingredient in many Japanese dishes, including salads and sushi.

It has a strong aroma and peppery taste, which gives it a unique flavor that you cannot find in any other herb.

So, if you can’t find shiso leaves in your local grocery store, don’t worry.

Just make use of the substitutes mentioned above to recreate your favorite dish.

These substitutes are very easy to obtain and maintain – so remember to save this article as a reference before you head out to your local grocery store.