Cilantro Substitute Guide: for Every Recipe Complete Guide
Find the perfect cilantro substitute for any recipe - from salsa and guacamole to rice and Mexican dishes. Complete guide with ratios, tips, and alternatives.
Quick Answer
The best cilantro substitutes are parsley, coriander, basil, or a parsley-mint combination. Use 1:1 ratio for fresh herbs, 1 tsp ground coriander for 1 tbsp fresh cilantro. Choose based on your recipe type.
Best Substitutes
Fresh Parsley
1:1Fresh parsley provides similar texture and appearance to cilantro with a milder, grassy flavor. Perfect for garnishing and most cooking applications.
Best for:
Parsley has a milder flavor than cilantro but similar texture. Use in equal amounts. Best for those who find cilantro too strong.
Ground Coriander
1 tsp ground = 1 tbsp freshGround coriander seeds provide the same flavor as cilantro leaves but in powdered form. Perfect for cooking and marinades.
Best for:
Coriander is the seed of the cilantro plant, so it has the same flavor profile. Use 1 teaspoon ground coriander for every tablespoon fresh cilantro.
Fresh Basil
1:1Fresh basil provides aromatic flavor and similar texture to cilantro. Great for Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
Best for:
Basil has a different but complementary flavor to cilantro. Use in equal amounts. Works well in many recipes.
Parsley + Mint Combination
3:1 parsley to mintCombines fresh parsley with mint to create a complex herb blend that mimics cilantro's brightness.
Best for:
Mix 3 parts fresh parsley with 1 part fresh mint. This combination provides brightness similar to cilantro.
Culantro (Eryngium foetidum)
1:1Culantro is a different plant with very similar flavor to cilantro but stronger. Perfect for authentic Latin American dishes.
Best for:
Culantro has a stronger, more intense flavor than cilantro. Use in equal amounts but start with less if you're sensitive to strong flavors.
Dried Cilantro
1 tsp dried = 1 tbsp freshDried cilantro provides the same flavor as fresh but with less intensity. Good when fresh cilantro isn't available.
Best for:
Dried cilantro has less flavor than fresh. Use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon fresh. Rehydrate in warm water for better flavor.
Cooking Tips
- 💡For salsa: Use fresh parsley or parsley-mint combination for best texture and appearance
- 💡For guacamole: Fresh parsley works well, or try a small amount of ground coriander mixed in
- 💡For rice dishes: Fresh herbs work best for garnishing, ground coriander for cooking
- 💡For Mexican dishes: Culantro is the most authentic substitute if available
- 💡When substituting dried for fresh: Use 1/3 the amount and rehydrate in warm water first
- 💡For those who dislike cilantro: Parsley is the mildest substitute with similar appearance
- 💡Store fresh herbs in water like flowers to keep them fresh longer
- 💡Add herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and color
- 💡For ground coriander: Toast the seeds before grinding for more intense flavor
- 💡When using parsley-mint combination: Chop both herbs together for even distribution
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best substitute for cilantro in salsa?
For salsa, fresh parsley is the best substitute for cilantro. It provides similar texture and appearance with a milder flavor. You can also try a combination of parsley and mint (3:1 ratio) for more complexity.
Can I substitute parsley for cilantro in guacamole?
Yes, parsley works well as a cilantro substitute in guacamole. Use equal amounts of fresh parsley, or try mixing in a small amount of ground coriander (1/4 tsp per avocado) for more authentic flavor.
What's the difference between cilantro and coriander?
Cilantro refers to the fresh leaves and stems of the plant, while coriander refers to the dried seeds. They come from the same plant but have different uses. Ground coriander seeds can substitute for fresh cilantro in cooking.
Why does cilantro taste like soap to some people?
Some people have a genetic variation that makes cilantro taste like soap or metal. This affects about 4-14% of the population. If you experience this, parsley is the best substitute as it has a completely different flavor profile.
Can I use dried cilantro instead of fresh?
Yes, but dried cilantro has much less flavor than fresh. Use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon fresh cilantro, and consider rehydrating it in warm water first. Fresh herbs are always preferred when available.
What's the best substitute for cilantro in Mexican rice?
For Mexican rice, fresh parsley works well for garnishing, or use ground coriander (1/2 tsp) mixed into the rice while cooking. You can also try culantro if available, as it's commonly used in authentic Mexican cooking.
Can I substitute basil for cilantro?
Yes, basil can substitute for cilantro in many recipes, especially Italian or Mediterranean dishes. Use equal amounts of fresh basil. Note that basil has a different flavor profile, so it works better in some recipes than others.
How much ground coriander equals fresh cilantro?
Use 1 teaspoon ground coriander for every 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro. Ground coriander is more concentrated, so you need less of it to achieve similar flavor intensity.
What's the best substitute for cilantro in Thai cooking?
For Thai cooking, culantro is the most authentic substitute if available. Otherwise, use fresh parsley or a combination of parsley and mint. Ground coriander can also work in cooked dishes.
Can I substitute cilantro for parsley?
Yes, cilantro can substitute for parsley, but cilantro has a much stronger, more distinctive flavor. Use the same amount, but be aware that cilantro will significantly change the flavor profile of your dish.
Summary
Find the perfect cilantro substitute for any recipe - salsa, guacamole, rice, and more. Complete guide with ratios, cooking tips, and the best alternatives for every dish.