substitute for shiso leaf in umeboshi makizushi
I would like to make umeboshi makizushi, but I don't have access to shiso leaf which is traditionally paired with the umeboshi. Is there any acceptable substitute for the shiso that is more readily accessible in the US?
Best Answer
Shiso is in the mint family. Stick to that area and you'll be fine, even though nothing will be exactly right.
Peppermint leaves, lemon basil or Thai basil will all give a nice look and a pleasant flavor, even if it won't be quite the same. A combination of mint and and Thai or Holy basil might be your best bet. A tiny, tiny drop of toasted sesame oil will get you even a little bit closer.
I just read from a totally unknown (to me) source that lemon thyme hits a lot of the same notes, but obviously that would look completely different. Again, perhaps a combination will get you closest.
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Quick Answer about "substitute for shiso leaf in umeboshi makizushi"
Peppermint leaves, lemon basil or Thai basil will all give a nice look and a pleasant flavor, even if it won't be quite the same. A combination of mint and and Thai or Holy basil might be your best bet.What can I substitute for shiso leaves?
The 6 Best Shiso SubstitutesAre sesame leaves the same as shiso leaves?
Shiso leaf is shaped like a spade with a serrated edge, whereas Korean Perilla, also known as sesame leaves, is flatter and has a less serrated edge.Are shiso and perilla the same?
Perilla is actually the term for a number of different species of plants in the mint family. The Japanese use shiso, which is smaller and mintier than the broad, rounded perilla leaves favored by the Koreans. The flavor of perilla, grassy with notes of anise or licorice, is pleasing like any other herb.What is Japanese shiso leaf?
Shiso (Perilla frutescens var. crispa) is the Japanese name for a popular Southeast Asian herb known for its jagged leaves and refreshing flavor. A member of the mint family, shiso has a unique flavor similar to basil and cilantro with subtle hints of cumin and cloves.Homemade Japanese Perilla Seasoning(Shiso Furikake) Yukari/自家製 ゆかり ふりかけ/
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Answer 2
There are basically no substitutes for shiso. Yes, it's in the mint family, but that doesn't mean much; you can't replace turnips with mustard, even though it's the same species!
There is, however, one unexpected source of shiso that may be of use: a very closely related herb, Vietnamese perilla, is used extensively in Vietnamese cooking and can be found from groceries that cater to the Vietnamese community. In Australia, it's next to impossible to find Japanese shiso (I'm aware of one grocery in the country that stocks it, and only sporadically), while the Vietnamese community is large enough that it's reasonably straightforward to find.
As a side note, Koreans also eat a variety of perilla, but despite a deceptively similar appearance, it tastes quite different — more harsh and peppery — and is not a workable substitute.
Answer 3
Did you also look for "sesame leaves" ;)? Thats how you would find it in Germany at least. On a side-note: my korean mother in law grows them in her garden in frankfurt, so depending how urgently you need them, just grow them yourself.
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