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Oregano is a Mediterranean spice that belongs to the mint family and enhances the flavor notes of many dishes. It is a staple in a variety of cuisines, especially Italian. Apart from being a flavorful topping for pizza, this culinary herb has a lemon and minty flavor profile that balances the flavors of many meals. Just like sumac spice, oregano is a known spice in Middle Eastern dishes that adds citrusy flavor. Now, if you have invited guests over to your place and oregano is not available, what would you do? Don’t worry; we have got you covered with the top 9 oregano substitute picks that will add the same richness to your recipes as oregano does. So, let’s go through some easy alternatives.
Oregano, known for its aromatic, somewhat bitter flavor that complements a range of meals, is a common herb in many kitchens. However, due to limited availability, you might occasionally run out of oregano or need to find a substitute. Below are substitutes for dried oregano to enrich your meals.
1. Marjoram as Oregano Substitute
The first substitution for oregano is marjoram. It has a softer, sweeter flavor and is closely linked to oregano. Recipes that call for oregano benefit greatly from its use. Add marjoram to stews, soups, and Mediterranean dishes. Use a 1:1 ratio when replacing marjoram for oregano.
2. Fresh Thyme
I think thyme is a known substitute for dried oregano, which everyone knows about. Thyme is another herb, however, a little earthier and less pungent than oregano, that has a similar flavor profile. Because of thyme’s versatility, it can be used with a variety of foods, such as sauces, meats, and vegetables. Replace oregano with thyme in a 1:1 ratio. So, let’s bring richness to your meals with this substitute for Mexican oregano.
3. Basil as Oregano Substitute
You can always go for fresh herbs when looking for Mexican oregano substitutes. Basil, due to its sweet, somewhat peppery flavor, can be used in place of oregano in Italian seasonings and Mediterranean cuisines. It works especially well with salads, pasta sauces, and meals that contain tomatoes. If using fresh basil, increase the quantity by twice to equal the dried oregano’s potency.
4. Sage
Do you want to add earthy flavor to your dishes but without using Mexican oregano? Don’t worry; we have an amazing substitute, Sage. It is a powerful, earthy herb that works well in heartier foods like stuffing, roasted meats, and savory breads. It can also be used in place of oregano. You should use roughly half as much sage as oregano because of its strong taste.
5. Rosemary for Oregano Substitute
Cooking aficionados out there who like the peppery flavor would love rosemary as a substitute for oregano. Rosemary is a strong herb with a slightly peppery flavor and a pine-like fragrance. It is most effective when used in recipes that call for a lot of herbs, like marinades, roasted veggies, and meats. Use about half the amount of rosemary that you would use for oregano.
6. Tarragon for Oregano Substitute
Tarragon has a distinct flavor similar to anise that can give your food a new depth. It works best with lighter recipes, such as those that include eggs, fish, and poultry. You can replace tarragon for oregano using a 1:1 ratio. However, it is important to note the distinct flavor change it will bring to the dish.
7. Italian Seasoning
If you want somewhat similar flavors to regular oregano, Italian seasoning might turn out to be a good substitute for oregano. Italian seasoning is a mixture of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, among other herbs. Because of this, it’s a great all-purpose alternative to oregano, particularly in dishes from Italy. For a well-balanced herb combination, use Italian seasoning for the oregano in a 1:1 ratio. Prep your dishes with this amazing alternative.
8. Parsley
Parsley is a great addition to the substitute list for dried oregano. It adds a fresh, somewhat peppery flavor to your dishes, but it’s not as pungent as oregano. It is most effective in salads, garnishes, and lighter foods. If using parsley instead of oregano, you might need to add a little bit more to have a comparable flavor depth.
9. Dill
Last but not least, dill is a great substitute for oregano with a refreshing flavor. Dill has a distinctly fresh and slightly sweet flavor, making it a good substitute for oregano in some recipes. This is especially true for salads, seafood, and yogurt-based sauces. Due to its strong flavor, use dill sparingly, about half as much as you would use oregano.
You can check out other alternatives to oregano substitutes in this article for detailed information.
Conclusion
Summing up, the article covered the top 9 alternatives to oregano. You can experience somewhat similar yet distinct flavor notes with each replacement. So, if you want to enrich your meals with earthy, citrusy notes, these top choices are for you. Bring magic to your meals.
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