Tarragon Substitute: Enhance A Dish Without Tarragon

Tarragon, nature’s little sorcerer, sprinkles dishes with bittersweet magic and whispers of licorice allure. With slender emerald leaves on delicate stems, tarragon’s elegant appearance mirrors its enchanting flavor profile.

It is frequently used in European cooking, particularly French cooking. It is also more often employed to give salads, marinades, and sauces a refined touch.

But what if your spice rack is lacking it?

There may be occasions when you need to look for a fresh tarragon substitute, whether due to a lack of availability at your local store or due to personal taste.

We unveil an array of substitutes that will tantalize your taste and elevate your recipes sans tarragon.

I. What is tarragon, and what does it taste like?

Tarragon is a herb that is primarily used in cooking to add flavor to dishes. It is indigenous to Eurasia and has short, green leaves and a woody stem.

Tarragon has a distinctive flavor profile, with notes of anise, licorice, and fennel, which makes it a popular ingredient in French, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisines.

Fresh or dried tarragon frequently adds depth and richness to the flavors of sauces, marinades, dressings, and pickles.

The plant is also well-known for its therapeutic benefits and is a good source of antioxidants.

II. Tarragon substitutes

Embark on a culinary adventure with these delightful herbs, each offering a unique flavor twist as an alternative to tarragon. Let’s dive in and explore:

1. Aniseed

This herb has a licorice-like flavor similar to tarragon. Anise’s powerful flavor might be compared to a cross between tarragon and fennel.

Because of this, it works perfectly as a tarragon alternative in dishes that call for a strong licorice flavor. You can substitute aniseed for both fresh and dried tarragon because of its somewhat sweeter, spicy flavor.

Aniseed is a strong herb, so it should be used sparingly when substituting tarragon. Start with a pinch and add more to taste. It is a perfect substitute for tarragon in sauces, marinades, and dressings.

2. Basil

Basil is a sweet and peppery herb that can be used as a substitute for tarragon in dishes where tarragon is used for its herbal notes. It is a staple in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, and it can be used in sauces, dressings, and marinades.

Try adding some fresh basil to a dressing or sauce for a burst of flavor. It works particularly well as a substitute for fresh tarragon or dried tarragon. You may, however, need to use a slightly higher amount of fresh basil when substituting tarragon.

3. Dill

This fresh and slightly bitter herb is a great substitute for tarragon in dishes where fresh tarragon is used for its herbal notes. Dill is popular in Scandinavian, Eastern European, and Mediterranean cuisine and is especially good in pickling.

Use fresh dill in almost equal amounts if you are looking for a substitute that will replace the flavor of tarragon. However, it may not work as well if you need the distinct licorice taste and flavor of tarragon.

4. Fennel Seeds

This sweet and anise-like herb is a good substitute for tarragon. It has a licorice flavor similar to tarragon, making it a good substitute in dishes where tarragon is used for its flavor. 

Fennel is a staple in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, and it can be used in dressings, sauces, and marinades. Fresh fennel fronds can almost be a 1:1 substitute for fresh tarragon in most dishes. Try adding some fennel to your next dressing or sauce for a touch of sweetness.

5. Marjoram

This slightly bitter herb has a touch of spiciness and is generally considered similar to oregano. It can, however, be a good substitute for tarragon in dishes where tarragon is used for its herbaceous notes.

Marjoram is popular in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, and it can be used in sauces, dressings, and marinades. Try adding some fresh marjoram to your next sauce for a touch of warmth. 

When subbing for fresh tarragon, start with a little less fresh marjoram than the amount of tarragon required in the recipe. Add more if you feel the flavor isn’t yet strong enough.

6. Oregano

This slightly bitter and slightly spicy herb is a good dried tarragon substitute in dishes where dried tarragon is used for its herbal notes. The spicy notes might, however, make it slightly different from tarragon which has almost no spicy or peppery undertones.

Add this herb in almost equal measure while substituting for tarragon, but it is better to be cautious while doing so. Adjust the quantity as per the taste and flavor your recipe calls for.

7. Parsley combined with Cinnamon

Unlock a secret kitchen alchemy with fresh parsley and cinnamon. Simmer a teaspoon of cinnamon and a tablespoon of fresh parsley in water for a béarnaise-worthy concoction. 

Alternatively, you can soak them in warm water and then use this tea of sorts to make your bearnaise sauce. The balance of bitterness and sweetness will mimic the flavor of tarragon. 

Remember that this concoction may not work as perfectly in other fresh tarragon-based dishes as it does for béarnaise sauce. 

8. Angelica

Angelica is popular in Scandinavian and German cuisine and can be used in sauces, dressings, and marinades. It has an earthy-sweet flavor. But if you are looking for a fresh tarragon substitute due to lack of availability, this one may not be the best bet, as it is equally difficult to source.

In any case, Angelica herb can replace tarragon in almost equal amounts due to its sweet licorice flavor that is a cross between dill and fennel. Try adding some fresh angelica to your next sauce for a touch of sweetness.

9. Chervil

This mild, slightly bitter-sweet herb is a good fresh tarragon substitute in dishes where dried tarragon is used for its herbal notes.

Chervil is a popular herb in French cuisine, and it is often used in sauces, dressings, and marinades. This herb can stand in as a substitute for tarragon in almost equal amounts.

Read More: Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

III. Substitution table

Here is a table that provides the recommended substitution amounts for each herb that can be used as a fresh or dried tarragon substitute:

Herb	Substitute amount
Aniseed	1/2 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon of tarragon
Basil	1 tablespoon for 1 teaspoon of tarragon
Dill	1 tablespoon for 1 tablespoon of tarragon
Fennel	1 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon of tarragon
Marjoram	1 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon of tarragon
Oregano	1 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon of tarragon
Parsley combined with Cinnamon	1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1 tablespoon of parsley simmered together
Angelica	1 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon of tarragon
Chervil	1 teaspoon for 1 teaspoon of tarragon