07.09.2018
The 7 Best Cilantro Substitutes
Find 7 easy cilantro substitutes plus ratios and tips for guacamole, salsa, cooked dishes, and people who find cilantro soapy.
- Parsley, Thai basil, dill, lime, cumin, caraway, and Mexican oregano are the top cilantro alternatives.
- Use fresh herbs 1:1 when swapping fresh for fresh; if switching between fresh and dried, reduce dried to about one third.
- For guacamole and salsa, combine herbs with lime and a touch of cumin or coriander to recreate cilantro's bright, savory lift.
Cilantro is the versatile leaf of the coriander plant which is a member of the parsley family. The taste is bright, fresh and citrusy. Originally from the middle east, cilantro is now used worldwide. It is a main ingredient in guacamole, asian soups, and ful medames. Cilantro may be one of the most controversial herbs because many people think it has an overpowering “soapy” taste - which may actually be due to genetics. Luckily, there are many substitutes for cilantro that are easily added to any recipe.
Substitute cilantro with other herbs such as parsley, Thai basil, or dill. Lemon and lime are also good substitutes in a pinch as they mimic the bright flavor of cilantro.
Cilantro Alternatives
While the taste of cilantro is unique, many people find themselves not liking the flavor but still wanting to enjoy the freshness that it brings to recipes. If you’re craving a south of the border dish, but don’t love the cilantro flavor, you’re probably wondering “is there a substitute for cilantro”? Here are some of the most common cilantro alternatives:
- Parsley
- Thai basil
- Dill
- Lime
- Cumin
- Caraway Seeds
- Mexican Oregano
Dried Cilantro Substitutes
When substituting fresh or dried cilantro for another fresh or dried herb like parsley or basil, you can use a 1:1 ratio.
Cilantro Substitute FAQs
Is Coriander a Good Substitute for Cilantro?
Although coriander and cilantro come from the same plant -- Coriandrum sativum -- they actually have two totally different flavors. Coriander is great in recipes that use cilantro, but if you’re looking for a replacement for the cilantro flavor, you’re better off using parsley or basil.
Cilantro Substitute in Guacamole
In guacamole, cilantro gives the main ingredient, avocado, a bright yet savory flavor. To deliver the same results sans cilantro, use a combination of cumin, parsley, coriander, and lime. Cumin offers a more savory flavor, and parsley gives the guacamole the earthiness of cilantro, while coriander and lime give off a lively, citrus flavor. Try our guacamole recipe and substitute the 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro with 1 tablespoon parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of cumin, and ¼ teaspoon ground coriander.
Can I Substitute Oregano for Cilantro?
Yes! Oregano has an herbaceous and almost peppery flavor that works well alongside parsley to mimic the effect of cilantro.
Cilantro Substitute in Salsa
Cilantro can be an overpowering flavor in salsa and pico de gallo, so try using parsley, Mexican oregano, or Thai basil instead, like we do in our cilantro-free salsa recipe.
Although cilantro is either loved or hated by many, using the substitutions here can please any palate. Take a look at all of our recipes here for further inspiration.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of cilantro?
Top swaps are flat-leaf parsley, Thai basil, dill, lime or lemon, cumin, caraway seeds, and Mexican oregano. Pick parsley or Thai basil for a similar fresh green note, citrus for brightness, and spices like cumin or caraway to add savory depth.
Is coriander the same as cilantro?
They come from the same plant but are different parts. Cilantro is the fresh leaves. Coriander usually refers to the seeds or ground spice and tastes warm and lemony, not like leaf cilantro. Coriander can help mimic some citrusy notes but will not reproduce cilantro leaf flavor exactly.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh cilantro?
Yes, but adjust amounts. Replace fresh herb with fresh herb 1:1. If using a dried herb instead of fresh cilantro, use about one third the fresh amount because dried herbs are more concentrated. If swapping dried for dried, a 1:1 swap between similar dried herbs like parsley or oregano works.
How do I replace cilantro in guacamole?
Try 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro replacement for a 2-tablespoon cilantro call: use 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander, and a squeeze of lime. Taste and tweak the lime or cumin to get the bright, savory balance you want.
What should I use instead of cilantro in salsa or pico de gallo?
Fresh parsley, Mexican oregano, or Thai basil work well. Add extra lime for brightness. Because salsa is usually served fresh, use fresh herbs and add them at the end so the flavor stays lively.
Can I use oregano as a cilantro substitute?
Yes. Mexican oregano pairs nicely with parsley to mimic cilantro's herbaceous edge. Regular Mediterranean oregano is stronger and more peppery, so use it sparingly and balance with parsley or lime.
Why does cilantro taste soapy to some people and what should they use instead?
A genetic sensitivity to certain aldehyde compounds makes cilantro taste soapy to some people. If cilantro tastes unpleasant, choose parsley, Thai basil, dill, or simply add citrus like lime or lemon. For savory depth, use cumin or ground coriander instead.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
Top swaps are flat-leaf parsley, Thai basil, dill, lime or lemon, cumin, caraway seeds, and Mexican oregano. Pick parsley or Thai basil for a similar fresh green note, citrus for brightness, and spices like cumin or caraway to add savory depth.
Is coriander the same as cilantro?
They come from the same plant but are different parts. Cilantro is the fresh leaves. Coriander usually refers to the seeds or ground spice and tastes warm and lemony, not like leaf cilantro. Coriander can help mimic some citrusy notes but will not reproduce cilantro leaf flavor exactly.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh cilantro?
Yes, but adjust amounts. Replace fresh herb with fresh herb 1:1. If using a dried herb instead of fresh cilantro, use about one third the fresh amount because dried herbs are more concentrated. If swapping dried for dried, a 1:1 swap between similar dried herbs like parsley or oregano works.
How do I replace cilantro in guacamole?
Try 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro replacement for a 2-tablespoon cilantro call: use 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander, and a squeeze of lime. Taste and tweak the lime or cumin to get the bright, savory balance you want.
What should I use instead of cilantro in salsa or pico de gallo?
Fresh parsley, Mexican oregano, or Thai basil work well. Add extra lime for brightness. Because salsa is usually served fresh, use fresh herbs and add them at the end so the flavor stays lively.
Can I use oregano as a cilantro substitute?
Yes. Mexican oregano pairs nicely with parsley to mimic cilantro's herbaceous edge. Regular Mediterranean oregano is stronger and more peppery, so use it sparingly and balance with parsley or lime.
Why does cilantro taste soapy to some people and what should they use instead?
A genetic sensitivity to certain aldehyde compounds makes cilantro taste soapy to some people. If cilantro tastes unpleasant, choose parsley, Thai basil, dill, or simply add citrus like lime or lemon. For savory depth, use cumin or ground coriander instead.
I use radish leaves as a substitute for cilantro when I make pico de gallo.
I can’t eat cilantro so radish leaves add a nice bump to the flavour.