🌿 Spices & Herbs

Ground Coriander Substitute - Everything You Need to Know

Discover the best substitutes for ground coriander in cooking. Learn what you can substitute for ground coriander, including ratios for 1 tsp and specific cooking contexts like chili and curry.

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Quick Answer

The best substitute for ground coriander is ground cumin (use 3/4 tsp for every 1 tsp ground coriander). Other excellent options include ground fennel (1:1), ground caraway (1:1), and coriander seeds (grind 1 tsp seeds = 1 tsp ground). Cumin works in most recipes including chili, curry, and general cooking.

Best Substitutes

Ground Cumin

1:1

Ground cumin is the most popular substitute for ground coriander. It has a similar warm, earthy flavor and works well in curry, chili, and Middle Eastern dishes. It's widely available and provides excellent flavor.

Best for:

currychiliMiddle Eastern cookingMexican disheswhen you want warm flavor

Cumin has a stronger, more intense flavor than coriander, so you might want to use 3/4 of the amount. It works well in most recipes that call for ground coriander.

Ground Fennel

1:1

Ground fennel is an excellent substitute for ground coriander. It has a similar citrusy, slightly sweet flavor and works well in Mediterranean dishes, bread, and pickling recipes.

Best for:

Mediterranean cookingbreadpicklingwhen you want citrusy flavorItalian dishes

Fennel has a licorice-like flavor that's similar to coriander but slightly sweeter. It works well in Mediterranean and Italian dishes.

Ground Caraway

1:1

Ground caraway seeds work well as a substitute for ground coriander. They have a similar citrusy, slightly sweet flavor and work well in European dishes, bread, and pickling recipes.

Best for:

European cookingbreadpicklingwhen you want citrusy flavorGerman dishes

Caraway has a similar flavor profile to coriander but with a slightly different citrus note. It works well in European and German dishes.

Ground Cardamom + Cumin

1/2 tsp cardamom + 1/2 tsp cumin

A combination of ground cardamom and cumin creates a complex flavor that works well as a coriander substitute. This blend provides both warmth and citrusy notes.

Best for:

currycomplex disheswhen you want layered flavorIndian cookingspice blends

This combination provides a more complex flavor profile than coriander alone. Use equal parts cardamom and cumin for the best balance.

Coriander Seeds (Ground)

1 tsp seeds = 1 tsp ground

If you have whole coriander seeds, simply grind them to make ground coriander. This is the most authentic substitute since it's the same spice in a different form.

Best for:

when you have whole seedsauthentic flavorany recipe calling for ground coriander

Grind coriander seeds in a spice grinder, mortar and pestle, or coffee grinder. This gives you the exact same flavor as store-bought ground coriander.

Ground Allspice

1:1

Ground allspice can work as a substitute for ground coriander in some recipes. It has a warm, slightly sweet flavor that works well in certain dishes.

Best for:

bakingsome currieswhen you want warm flavorcertain spice blends

Allspice has a different flavor profile than coriander, so it works best in recipes where the spice is part of a blend rather than the main flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For curry, use ground cumin as the best substitute for ground coriander (use 3/4 tsp cumin for every 1 tsp coriander)
  • 💡For chili, ground cumin works perfectly as a ground coriander substitute
  • 💡If you have coriander seeds, grind 1 tsp seeds to replace 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 💡For Mediterranean dishes, ground fennel works well as a coriander substitute
  • 💡For European dishes, ground caraway is a good choice
  • 💡For complex flavor, try combining cardamom and cumin
  • 💡When substituting in spice blends, consider the overall flavor profile
  • 💡For baking, allspice can work as a coriander substitute in some recipes
  • 💡Always toast whole seeds before grinding for maximum flavor

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for ground coriander?

The best substitute for ground coriander is ground cumin (use 3/4 tsp for every 1 tsp ground coriander). Other excellent options include ground fennel (1:1), ground caraway (1:1), and grinding coriander seeds (1 tsp seeds = 1 tsp ground).

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 (3/4 of the amount) as cumin has a stronger flavor. It works well in most recipes including chili, curry, and general cooking.

Can I substitute ground coriander for coriander seeds?

Yes! If you have coriander seeds, simply grind 1 teaspoon of seeds to replace 1 teaspoon of ground coriander. This is actually the most authentic substitute since it's the same spice in a different form.

What can I substitute for 1 tsp ground coriander?

For 1 tsp ground coriander, use: 3/4 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground fennel, 1 tsp ground caraway, or grind 1 tsp coriander seeds. Cumin is the most popular choice and works in most recipes.

What can I substitute for ground coriander in chili?

For chili, ground cumin is the perfect substitute for ground coriander. Use 3/4 tsp cumin for every 1 tsp ground coriander. Cumin's warm, earthy flavor complements chili perfectly.

What can I substitute for ground coriander in curry?

For curry, ground cumin is the best substitute for ground coriander. Use 3/4 tsp cumin for every 1 tsp ground coriander. You can also add a small amount of ground fennel for complexity.

Is there a substitute for ground coriander?

Yes! Ground cumin is the most common substitute (use 3/4 tsp for every 1 tsp ground coriander). Other options include ground fennel, ground caraway, or grinding coriander seeds yourself.

Summary

What can you substitute for ground coriander? Discover the best substitutes including ground cumin, fennel, and caraway. Learn ratios for 1 tsp and specific uses in chili, curry, and cooking.