How To Substitute For Cilantro
Try these simple stand-ins for this polarizing herb.
If you can’t stand the taste of cilantro (some folks think it tastes like soap), or just don’t have any on hand to use in a recipe, there are other ingredients you can use in its place. The most important thing is to consider the dish. You might associate this tender herb with Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Latin food. But it’s a staple ingredient in so many cuisines—Indian, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, and even Chinese (the herb is also called Chinese parsley).
Cilantro has a tangy, slightly citrusy flavor, which is why it’s often sprinkled over a dish as a garnish—not only does it add a pop of color, it adds brightness too. Because it has such a distinctive flavor, you can’t just substitute any old herb in cilantro’s place. Read on to find out how to substitute cilantro in your recipes.
Complement the Other Ingredients
If you’d like to omit cilantro in a recipe, start by taking a look at the other ingredients in the recipe. If there is another fresh herb other than cilantro used in the dish, consider using a slightly larger amount of that herb. For example, this recipe for Easy Catfish Tacos includes a slaw that is made with chives and cilantro. You could omit the cilantro altogether and add an extra ½ teaspoon of chives.
Use Another Herb
If cilantro is the only herb called for in the recipe, look at the other ingredients and think about what other herbs could take its place. In this recipe for Slow-Cooker Moroccan-Inspired London Broil, cilantro is used as a garnish, but parsley or chives would also pair well with the other ingredients. When making these Burrito Bowls, you can garnish each serving with thinly sliced scallions instead of cilantro, or add a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Depending on the dish, you can go for a new flavor in place of cilantro. It's really a matter of what herbs you like or have on hand. While basil’s flavor differs from cilantro, Thai basil is a snappier version with a spicy, licorice-like taste. It’s a good substitute in stir-fries or curries. Mexican oregano has a citrus flavor with notes of licorice. Dill is a strong-flavored herb, so a little goes a long way. Swap dried dill in soup or salad dishes that call for cilantro. Parsley is the herb most similar to cilantro. It adds brightness to a dish without being overpowering, and a little lemon or lime will give citrusy notes. Try Mexican oregano, parsley, or Thai basil in homemade salsa. Spice up your guac with a combination of coriander, cumin, parsley, and lime for a similar profile to cilantro.
Leave the Cilantro Out
In some cases, you can just omit the cilantro completely, especially if it is only being used as a garnish. This Cilantro-Lime Crema recipe (used as a topping for chili) will still taste great as a Lime Crema. Guacamole doesn’t have to include cilantro either, just make sure it is well-seasoned and has plenty of acidity from lime juice.
Recipes to Try
Whether you don’t have cilantro on hand or just don’t like it, don’t avoid recipes because it’s on the ingredient list. Try one of the alternatives above to make these recipes:
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