🌿 Spices & Herbs

Coriander Substitute: for Ground, Seeds & Fresh Guide

Find the best coriander substitutes for ground coriander, coriander seeds, and fresh coriander. Learn which alternatives work best in curry, soup, baking, and more.

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Quick Answer

The best coriander substitutes are Cumin (1:1), Caraway Seeds (1:1), and Parsley + Cumin (1:1 + 1/2 tsp). For ground coriander, use ground cumin. For fresh coriander, use parsley or cilantro. For seeds, use caraway or fennel seeds.

Best Substitutes

Cumin

1:1

Cumin is the most common substitute for coriander, especially ground coriander. It has a similar warm, earthy flavor and works well in most recipes. It's perfect for curry, chili, and Middle Eastern dishes.

Best for:

currychiliMiddle Eastern cookingground coriander substitutegeneral cooking

Cumin has a stronger, more intense flavor than coriander, so you might want to use slightly less. It works well in both ground and seed form.

Caraway Seeds

1:1

Caraway seeds are an excellent substitute for coriander seeds. They have a similar citrusy, slightly sweet flavor and work well in pickling, bread, and European dishes.

Best for:

picklingbreadEuropean cookingcoriander seeds substitutewhen you need seed form

Caraway seeds have a slightly different flavor profile but work well as a coriander seed substitute. They're perfect for pickling and bread recipes.

Parsley + Cumin

1:1 + 1/2 tsp

Combining parsley with a small amount of cumin creates a good substitute for fresh coriander. This combination provides the herbal freshness of coriander with some of its warm spice notes.

Best for:

fresh coriander substitutegarnishingwhen you want herbal freshnesssoupssalads

Use fresh parsley as the base and add a small amount of ground cumin for warmth. This works well for garnishing and fresh applications.

Fennel Seeds

1:1

Fennel seeds work well as a substitute for coriander seeds. They have a similar licorice-like flavor and work well in pickling, bread, and Mediterranean dishes.

Best for:

picklingbreadMediterranean cookingcoriander seeds substitutewhen you need seed form

Fennel seeds have a stronger licorice flavor than coriander, so use sparingly. They work well in pickling and bread recipes.

Cilantro

1:1

Cilantro is actually the same plant as coriander - the leaves are called cilantro and the seeds are called coriander. Use cilantro leaves as a substitute for fresh coriander leaves.

Best for:

fresh coriander substitutegarnishingsoupssaladswhen you want fresh herb

Cilantro and coriander are the same plant, so this is the most authentic substitute. Use fresh cilantro leaves for the best flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For ground coriander, use ground cumin as the best substitute
  • 💡For coriander seeds, use caraway seeds or fennel seeds
  • 💡For fresh coriander, use cilantro leaves (they're the same plant)
  • 💡When substituting in curry, cumin works well but use slightly less as it's stronger
  • 💡For pickling, caraway seeds or fennel seeds work best as coriander seed substitutes
  • 💡For bread recipes, caraway seeds provide similar flavor to coriander seeds
  • 💡For garnishing, use fresh cilantro or parsley with a pinch of cumin

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best substitute for ground coriander?

Ground cumin is the best substitute for ground coriander. Use a 1:1 ratio, but you might want to use slightly less as cumin has a stronger flavor. It works well in curry, chili, and Middle Eastern dishes.

Can I use cilantro instead of coriander?

Yes, cilantro and coriander are actually the same plant - cilantro refers to the leaves and coriander refers to the seeds. Use fresh cilantro leaves as a substitute for fresh coriander leaves.

What can I substitute for coriander seeds?

The best substitutes for coriander seeds are caraway seeds or fennel seeds. Use a 1:1 ratio. Caraway seeds work well in pickling and bread, while fennel seeds work well in Mediterranean dishes.

What's a good substitute for coriander in curry?

For curry, ground cumin is the best substitute for ground coriander. Use a 1:1 ratio but slightly less cumin as it has a stronger flavor. You can also add a small amount of ground fennel for complexity.

Can I substitute parsley for coriander?

Yes, parsley can substitute for fresh coriander, especially when combined with a small amount of ground cumin. Use fresh parsley as the base and add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin for warmth.

Summary

Find the best coriander substitutes for ground coriander, coriander seeds, and fresh coriander. Learn which alternatives work best in curry, soup, baking, and more.