A staple in the culinary world, cilantro is used in a variety of cuisines from Indian to Asian and South Asian. It not only enhances the flavor profile of any dish but also imparts freshness. However, sometimes, one might feel hesitant to use it and look for alternatives. If you don’t feel like adding coriander leaves, Chinese parsley, or simply cilantro to your recipe, we have got you covered. In this article guide, we will cover the 11 best cilantro substitute ideas so you can easily use them to bring enhanced taste and aroma to your meals.
Cilantro – The Key to Zesty Dishes
Cooking enthusiasts know that cilantro is a valued herb in many culinary traditions around the world because of its unique flavor. However, because of a natural tendency, not everyone likes its distinct flavor, which is sometimes characterized as soapy. Moreover, fresh cilantro might not be in season all the time. If you’re not a fan of cilantro or can’t live without it, there are plenty of great alternatives that will still taste great in your food by enhancing the flavor profile. So, if you are wondering what I can substitute for cilantro, we have you covered.
Talking of substitutes, you can also check out fennel seed alternatives in this article.
1. Parsley as Cilantro Substitute
Flavor Profile
Leaf parsley has a bright green appearance similar to cilantro and a fresh, slightly peppery taste. It’s not very zesty, but it’s still a nice and adaptable substitute for cilantro.
Best Uses
Flat-leaf parsley pairs nicely with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean foods like falafel and tabbouleh. It also works well as a garnish for roast vegetables, soups, and stews. So, rev up your dishes with parsley as a fresh cilantro substitute.
2. Basil as Cilantro Substitute
Taste Profile
The flavor of basil is sweet, fragrant, and includes clove and anise undertones. Though it is very different from cilantro, it can add a delicious flavor to your recipes.
Uses in a Variety of Dishes
Basil is used in Southeast Asian and Italian cooking. It’s ideal with Thai curries, pesto, and caprese salad. Its versatility makes it an ideal substitute for fresh cilantro leaves.
3. Mint
Taste Profile
Mint has a slightly sweet flavor and a cold, refreshing flavor. While it doesn’t taste exactly like cilantro, it gives recipes a bright, fresh flavor. The recipe using cilantro substitutes calls for something that brings a zesty kick to the dish. So, mint is what you need to bring life to ordinary dishes.
Best Uses
Mint is perfect for foods from the Middle East and North Africa, like lamb kebabs and tabbouleh. It also goes very well with fruit salads and mixed drinks.
4. Dill as Cilantro Substitute
Taste Profile
Dill has a green, slightly acidic flavor with hints of anise. Because of its soft, fresh leaves, it’s an appealing substitution for cilantro.
Best Uses in Dishes
Dill really pops in recipes from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Try it in seafood, potato salads, and pickles.
5. Tarragon
Taste Profile
The distinct flavor of tarragon combines hints of vanilla and licorice. It has a unique flavor that can improve a lot of foods.
Best Uses in Dishes
For French cooking, tarragon is ideal, especially in sauces like béarnaise. It tastes great with veggie dishes, eggs, and chicken as well.
6. Chervil as Cilantro Substitute
Taste Profile
Chervil is a mild herb that tastes a bit like a combination of tarragon and parsley. Its subtle flavor makes it a less overbearing alternative to cilantro.
Uses in Variety of Dishes
Chervil is a great addition to salads, light sauces, and French cuisine. It’s also a great addition to omelets and scrambled eggs.
7. Arugula
Taste Profile
Rocket, or arugula, has a spicy, slightly bitter flavor. It doesn’t go well with cilantro, but it can give your food a tangy twist.
Add arugula to salads, sandwiches, and pizza for a delicious twist. It goes nicely with grain meals and pasta as well.
8. Celery Leaves
Taste Profile
The flavor of celery leaves is mild, somewhat bitter, and hints of parsley. They offer a fresh, green flavor and a texture akin to cilantro.
Dishes Using Celery Leaves
Celery leaves are excellent as a garnish for salads, soups, and stews.
9. Seeds of Coriander
Flavor Profile
Coriander seeds are derived from the same coriander plant as cilantro, but when ground coriander is used, they take on a warm, zesty flavor. They provide a distinct yet harmonizing flavor to cilantro.
Uses in Different Dishes
Ground coriander seeds work really well in marinades, rubs, and spice combinations. They complement Mexican, Middle Eastern, and Indian meals wonderfully; try them with garam masala or curry powder.
10. Thai Basil as Cilantro Substitute
Flavor Profile
Thai basil differs from Italian basil in that it tastes peppery and licorice-like. Recipes calling for cilantro can take an intriguing turn due to its distinct flavor.
Uses in Different Recipes
Thai basil is ideal for Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, as well as other Southeast Asian cuisine. Add it to stir-fries, pho, and curries.
11. Papalo as Cilantro Substitute
Taste Profile
A less well-known herb, papalo has a pungent, lemony flavor similar to cilantro but more intense. It appears frequently in Mexican cooking.
Use in Recipes
Papalo tastes well in soups, tacos, and salsas. Because of its strong flavor, it should be eaten fresh. However, it is worth mentioning that papalo is an excellent cilantro substitute for salsa.
You can check out cilantro substitutes in this article.
Selecting the Appropriate Cilantro Alternative
Consider the entire flavor profile of the dish and the cilantro’s role when choosing a substitution. Here are some tips:
1. For Freshness: Flat-leaf celery, mint, and parsley leaves are great for salads and garnishing because they have a crisp, green flavor.
2. For Aromatic Notes: Turmeric, basil, and Thai basil all have distinct aromatic aromas that can enhance the complexity of your recipes.
3. For intense Flavors: In bold recipes, the distinct and intense flavors of dill, arugula, and papalo can really pop.
4. For Spice mixes: Ground coriander seeds add a warm, zesty touch to marinades and spice mixes.
Experiment and Enjoy
Cooking is an art, and you can make wonderful discoveries by experimenting with different herbs. Although fresh cilantro has a distinct flavor, you can still enjoy luscious meals by using these replacements to add their unique touch to your recipes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations to see what suits your food and taste buds the best.
Conclusion
Summing up, the article covered eleven substitutes for cilantro to enhance the taste of ordinary meals. All of these substitutes are usually readily available at home, and you can try adding them to your dishes to bring a new life and taste to them.