Out of Cilantro, one case
Cilantro substitute, in depth
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fresh parsley
Same amount as the cilantro
The best cilantro substitutes are parsley, coriander, basil, or a parsley-mint combination. Use 1:1 ratio for parsley or basil, and ½ tsp ground coriander for 1 tbsp fresh cilantro in cooked dishes (add up to 1 tsp to taste; the seed tastes warmer and more citrusy than the leaf). Choose based on your recipe type.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- salsa
One casethe full cilantro card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cilantro | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fresh parsleysalsa | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Ground coriandercooking | ½ tsp ground per 1 tbsp freshYou'll taste it | You'll taste it |
| 3 | Fresh basilpasta dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Parsley + mint combinationsalsa | 3:1 parsley to mintTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Culantro (eryngium foetidum)authentic Latin dishes | ½ × the amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Dried cilantrocooking | 1 tsp dried per 1 tbsp freshTweak it | Tweak it |
Fresh parsley
different taste, similar texture
Fresh parsley provides similar texture and appearance to cilantro with a milder, grassy flavor. Good for garnishing and most cooking applications.
- Best for
- salsa, guacamole, garnishing, salads, rice dishes, general cooking
Parsley has a milder flavor than cilantro but similar texture. Use in equal amounts. Best for those who find cilantro too strong.
Ground coriander
different taste and texture
Ground coriander is the seed of the same plant, but it does not taste like the leaves: it is warm, citrusy and slightly nutty. It suits cooked dishes and marinades, not fresh garnishes.
- Best for
- cooking, marinades, spice blends, when fresh herbs aren't available
Coriander is the seed of the cilantro plant, but the flavor is different, so it will not give the fresh cilantro taste. Start with ½ teaspoon ground coriander for every tablespoon fresh cilantro and add up to 1 teaspoon to taste.
Fresh basil
different taste, similar texture
Fresh basil provides aromatic flavor and similar texture to cilantro. Great for Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
- Best for
- pasta dishes, salads, garnishing, when you want aromatic herbs
Basil has a different but complementary flavor to cilantro. Use in equal amounts. Works well in many recipes.
Parsley + mint combination
different taste, similar texture
Combines fresh parsley with mint to create a complex herb blend that mimics cilantro's brightness.
- Best for
- salsa, guacamole, rice dishes, when you want complex herb flavor
Mix 3 parts fresh parsley with 1 part fresh mint. This combination provides brightness similar to cilantro.
Culantro (eryngium foetidum)
similar taste and texture
Culantro is a different plant with very similar flavor to cilantro but stronger. Good for authentic Latin American dishes.
- Best for
- authentic Latin dishes, when you want stronger cilantro flavor, Caribbean cooking
Culantro has a much stronger, more intense flavor than cilantro. Start with half the amount and add more to taste.
Dried cilantro
similar taste, different texture
Dried cilantro provides the same flavor as fresh but with less intensity. Good when fresh cilantro isn't available.
- Best for
- cooking, spice blends, when fresh herbs aren't available
Dried cilantro has less flavor than fresh. Use 1 teaspoon dried for every tablespoon fresh. Rehydrate in warm water for better flavor.
How it behaves in this recipe
Cilantro is a polarizing herb with a distinctive flavor that some people love and others find unpleasant. When substituting, consider the recipe type, your audience's preferences, and whether you want to maintain the original flavor profile or create something different.
Tips for substituting cilantro
10 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
Notes on cilantro
- For those who dislike cilantro: Use parsley, basil, or chives for completely different but pleasant herb flavors
- For authentic flavor: Use culantro for the closest match, at half the amount
- For texture: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or mint provide similar appearance and mouthfeel
- For cooking: Ground coriander, cumin, or other spices can provide depth when fresh herbs aren't suitable
- For garnishing: Any fresh herb with similar texture can work visually, even if the flavor is different
- SalsaFresh parsley or parsley-mint combinationSame amountParsley provides similar texture and appearance. Add a small amount of lime juice to enhance the brightness.
- GuacamoleFresh parsley with optional ground corianderSame amount, fresh parsley + ¼ tsp ground coriander per avocadoParsley for texture, ground coriander for a warm, citrusy note. Mix well to distribute evenly.
- RiceFresh parsley for garnishing, ground coriander for cookingSame amount, fresh or ½ tsp ground per cup riceAdd ground coriander while cooking rice, use fresh parsley for final garnish.
- Mexican dishesCulantro if available, otherwise parsleyHalf the amount of culantro, or 1:1 parsleyCulantro is most authentic for Mexican cooking. Parsley works well as a visual substitute.
- Thai cookingCulantro or parsley-mint combinationHalf the amount of culantro, or 1:1 parsley-mintCulantro is traditional in Thai cooking. Parsley-mint combo provides complexity.
Questions
10 questionsWhat'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 (¼ tsp per avocado) for a warm, citrusy note.
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 stand in for fresh cilantro in cooked dishes, though the flavor is warmer and more citrusy than the leaf.
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 (½ tsp) mixed into the rice while cooking. You can also try culantro if available, at half the amount, since it is much stronger.
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?
There is no exact equivalent, because the seed does not taste like the leaf. In a cooked dish, start with ½ teaspoon ground coriander for every 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro and add up to 1 teaspoon to taste.
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.