Are you looking for a tasty replacement for fresh cilantro? If you’re avoiding cilantro for its taste, texture, or availability, various fresh herbs, and ingredients can serve as substitutes. This article explores the best substitute for cilantro.
I. What is cilantro?
The herb cilantro, commonly referred to as Chinese parsley or coriander, is a common ingredient in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Latin American cuisines. It comes from the coriander plant, a member of parsley family.
Citrusy-tangy and somewhat soapy are frequent descriptions of this herb’s distinctive flavor.
II. Uses of cilantro
Cilantro can be added fresh to salads, soups, and sauces to enhance flavor, or it can be dried and processed into a powder to add flavor and aroma to food.
The leaves can also be added to guacamole and salsas for extra zest. Cilantro usually pairs well with spicy foods as its sharp flavor helps to temper the heat of spicy dishes.
Additionally, because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, cilantro has been used medicinally by cultures all over the world for a long time.
III. Substitutes for fresh cilantro
Here are some of the best cilantro substitutes to use when you are out of this fresh herb:
1. Parsley
Due to its mild, herbaceous flavor and appealing look, flat leaf parsley is one of the best alternatives to fresh cilantro. Even though it’s frequently used merely as a garnish, it may also be diced and put into salads, soups, stews, and sauces to give them a flavor boost.
Explore More: Parsley vs. Cilantro
2. Mint
Mint is a herb with a distinctively cool and sweet flavor that works well in salads, salsa, and guacamole as a cilantro substitute. It’s also a much-loved ingredient in Middle Eastern dishes such as tabbouleh and mint tea. If you are not so fond of mint flavor and want to reduce the cool effect, you can add balsamic vinegar to chopped mint leaves and add them to your dish.
3. Thai Basil
Thai basil, also known as Italian Parsley, has an aromatic flavor reminiscent of licorice or cloves. It pairs well with tomatoes, garlic, and other Mediterranean flavors and is often used in Italian and Thai dishes.
4. Tarragon
Tarragon is a mild, slightly sweet herb that has an anise-like flavor. It’s commonly used in French cuisine, but it can also be used to replace cilantro in salads and sauces for a subtle flavor boost.
5. Dill
Dill is a bright, grassy herb with a sweet and tangy flavor. Fresh dill pairs well with fish, other seafood dishes, and creamy sauces and dressings. It can also be used to replace cilantro in some dishes, like potato salad, for a similar fresh, herbal flavor. To match the flavor profile of your cilantro recipes, add dill as needed.
6. Celery leaves
Celery leaves have a slightly bitter, herbaceous flavor and can be used as an alternative to fresh cilantro. They are often used in salad dressings or added to soups, stews, and sauces for a milder version of cilantro’s flavor.
7. Culantro
Culantro is a popular herb used in Caribbean countries and Latin American cuisines, and it has a similar flavor to cilantro. The leaves are slightly more pungent and can be used in place of cilantro in salsa, guacamole, salads, and dressings.
8. Dried cilantro
Dried cilantro may also be used as a suitable fresh cilantro substitute. It has a more concentrated and intense flavor than fresh cilantro, so bear this in mind when using it as a cilantro substitute. Additionally, it’s important to note that dried cilantro may not have the same health benefits as fresh cilantro.
IV. Dried substitute for fresh cilantro
Below are some dried alternatives for cilantro(particularly dried cilantro):
1. Cumin
Cumin is a popular Middle Eastern spice with a strong, earthy flavor and aroma. It’s often used in combination with coriander seeds in dishes like curries, stews, and soups. Making it an ideal fresh cilantro substitute for dried cilantro when a more pronounced flavor is desired.
2. Caraway
Caraway has a mild, nutty flavor that’s similar to anise, making it a suitable cilantro substitute in dishes like stews and salads. It can also be used to make spice blends for marinades and rubs.
Caraway has the compounds linalool and pinene, both of which are also found in cilantro. This makes it similar to cilantro in its flavor, taste, and even medicinal properties.
3. Curry powder
Curry powder is a blend of different spices, including coriander seeds, cumin, turmeric, and cardamom. It has a complex flavor and aroma that can provide an interesting twist on dishes like curries, roasted vegetables, and stir-fries. Thus, it can be used as a dried cilantro substitute, but only when you want to add a bit of extra flavor.
4. Coriander seeds
You can use whole or ground coriander seeds as a substitute for cilantro in dishes that are cooked over a longer period, allowing the seeds to release their flavors into the dish. For instance, you can add whole coriander seeds to meat dishes, soups, stews, curries, and marinades. Crush or grind the seeds slightly before adding them to the dish to help release their flavors.
V. Why you may not like cilantro?
Some people are genetically predisposed to taste a soapy flavor when they eat cilantro, while others may find the strong flavor overwhelming. Studies have observed that a specific gene, OR6A2 causes the brain to recognize aldehydes present in cilantro (giving it that distinct soapy flavor).
Additionally, some people may simply not enjoy the taste of cilantro because it is not a flavor that they are used to.
Explore More: Beer Battered Fish Tacos with Cilantro Crema
VI. Can you substitute cilantro for parsley?
Yes, cilantro can be substituted for parsley in some recipes. However, it is important to note that they do have distinct flavors and textures, so the dish may not turn out quite as expected if cilantro is added as a substitute.
VII. What can be used as a Cilantro substitute in guacamole?
Cilantro can be substituted with fresh parsley in guacamole. Alternatively, you could also use a combination of scallions and lime juice to replicate the flavor.
VIII. What can I use instead of cilantro in salsa?
Fresh parsley is a great substitute for cilantro in salsa recipes. You can also use chives, thai basil, mint, or dill as alternative ingredients. Remember that each of these herbs has its unique flavor, so the taste of your salsa will be different depending on which you choose.