Out of Epazote, one case
Guide to epazote substitutes
8 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Mexican oregano
Same amount as the epazote
Mexican oregano is the best substitute for epazote in bean dishes. It has the most similar earthy, citrusy flavor profile. If you can't find Mexican oregano, a blend of regular oregano and fennel seeds (2:1 ratio) works well to capture both the earthy and anise-like qualities of epazote.
- Best for —
- bean dishes
One casethe full epazote card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of epazote |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mexican oreganobean dishes | Same amount |
| 2 | Fresh cilantrobean dishes | Same amount |
| 3 | Oregano + fennel seedsbean dishes | 2:1 oregano to fennel seedsTweak it |
| 4 | Dried epazotebean dishes | Same amount |
| 5 | Tarragonbean dishes | Same amount |
| 6 | Fennel frondsbean dishes | Same amount |
| 7 | Cilantro + oregano blendbean dishes | Same amount |
| 8 | Marjoram + fennel seedsbean dishes | 2:1 marjoram to fennel seeds |
Mexican oregano
very similar · similar texture
The closest substitute with similar earthy, citrusy flavor profile
- Best for
- bean dishes, soups, stews, Mexican cuisine, black bean recipes
- Availability
- Available in UK at specialty stores and online
Most authentic substitute with similar flavor complexity.
Fresh cilantro
different but complementary · similar texture
Fresh herb with citrusy notes, commonly used in Mexican cooking
- Best for
- bean dishes, soups, stews, fresh applications, garnish
- Availability
- Widely available in UK supermarkets
Different flavor but authentic Mexican alternative.
Oregano + fennel seeds
similar taste, different texture
Blend that captures epazote's earthy, anise-like qualities
- Best for
- bean dishes, soups, stews, when you need the anise note
- Availability
- Both ingredients readily available in UK
Fennel seeds add the distinctive anise-like quality of epazote.
Dried epazote
identical but stronger · different texture
Dried version of the same herb with concentrated flavor
- Best for
- bean dishes, soups, stews, when fresh isn't available
- Availability
- Available online and in specialty stores
Same herb, more concentrated - use sparingly.
Tarragon
different but similar anise note · similar texture
Herb with similar anise-like flavor and strong character
- Best for
- bean dishes, soups, stews, cooking applications
- Availability
- Available in UK supermarkets
Different overall flavor but similar anise-like quality.
Fennel fronds
different but similar anise note · similar texture
Fresh fennel fronds with similar anise-like flavor
- Best for
- bean dishes, soups, stews, fresh applications
- Availability
- Available in UK supermarkets
Similar anise-like flavor but different overall profile.
Cilantro + oregano blend
similar balance · similar texture
Combination that balances citrusy and earthy notes
- Best for
- bean dishes, soups, stews, Mexican cuisine
- Availability
- Both readily available in UK
Balances the citrusy and earthy elements of epazote.
Marjoram + fennel seeds
similar but milder · different texture
Alternative blend for those who prefer marjoram over oregano
- Best for
- bean dishes, soups, stews, milder applications
- Availability
- Both available in UK
Milder than oregano blend, good for sensitive palates.
The longer answer
About this case
Epazote is a distinctive Mexican herb with a strong, earthy flavor that's essential in traditional bean dishes.
Tips for substituting epazote
15 tips- Epazote is essential for authentic Mexican bean dishes - it helps reduce gas and adds distinctive flavor
- The herb has a very strong, distinctive taste that's hard to replicate exactly
- Mexican oregano is the closest substitute with similar earthy, citrusy notes
- When using fennel seeds in blends, crush them slightly to release their oils
- Fresh epazote should be added towards the end of cooking to preserve its flavor
- Dried epazote is more concentrated - use about half the amount of fresh
- Epazote pairs well with other Mexican herbs and spices like cilantro and oregano
- The herb is often used in both fresh and dried forms depending on availability
- It's a key ingredient in many traditional Mexican recipes, especially bean dishes
- Epazote adds depth and complexity to simple bean dishes that's hard to achieve with other herbs
- The herb is commonly found in Mexican grocery stores but can be grown at home
- It's often used in small amounts due to its strong, pungent flavor
- For UK cooks, Mexican oregano or oregano-fennel blends work best for authenticity
- Cilantro is a good alternative when you want the fresh, citrusy element
- Tarragon provides the anise-like quality but with a different overall flavor profile
Notes on epazote
- Bean dishesMexican Oregano, Oregano + Fennel Seeds, Dried EpazoteEpazote is traditionally used in bean dishes to reduce gas; Add substitutes early in cooking to allow flavors to develop; Mexican oregano works best for authentic Mexican bean dishes; Use fennel seeds in the blend for the anti-gas propertiesRatios: Mexican Oregano — Same amount; Oregano + Fennel Seeds — 2 parts for every 1 part, oregano to fennel; Dried Epazote — Same amount
- Soup recipesMexican Oregano, Cilantro, TarragonAdd herbs towards the end of cooking for fresh flavor; Mexican oregano works well in hearty bean soups; Cilantro adds freshness to lighter soups; Tarragon works well in creamy soupsRatios: Mexican Oregano — Same amount; Cilantro — Same amount; Tarragon — Same amount
- UK availabilityCilantro, Oregano + Fennel Seeds, TarragonCilantro is widely available in UK supermarkets; Oregano and fennel seeds are common in UK stores; Mexican oregano can be found in specialty stores; Online retailers often stock dried epazoteRatios: Cilantro — Same amount; Oregano + Fennel Seeds — 2 parts for every 1 part, oregano to fennel; Tarragon — Same amount
- Fresh vs driedFresh Cilantro, Dried Epazote, Fresh TarragonFresh herbs have brighter, more vibrant flavors; Dried herbs are more concentrated - use less; Fresh cilantro works best for fresh applications; Dried epazote is closest to the original when fresh isn't availableRatios: Fresh Cilantro — Same amount; Dried Epazote — Same amount; Fresh Tarragon — Same amount
Questions
8 questionsWhat is the best substitute for epazote in bean dishes?
Mexican oregano is the best substitute for epazote in bean dishes. It has the most similar earthy, citrusy flavor profile. If you can't find Mexican oregano, a blend of regular oregano and fennel seeds (2:1 ratio) works well to capture both the earthy and anise-like qualities of epazote.
Can I use cilantro instead of epazote?
Yes, cilantro can be used as a substitute for epazote, especially in fresh applications. While it has a different flavor profile, it's commonly used in Mexican cooking and provides a fresh, citrusy element. Use a 1:1 ratio, but note that cilantro won't provide the same earthy, anise-like qualities that epazote is known for.
Where can I find epazote substitutes in the UK?
In the UK, you can find most epazote substitutes at regular supermarkets. Cilantro, oregano, fennel seeds, and tarragon are all readily available. Mexican oregano can be found in specialty stores or online. Dried epazote is also available through online retailers and specialty food stores.
What's the difference between fresh and dried epazote substitutes?
Fresh substitutes like cilantro and tarragon provide brighter, more vibrant flavors and work best for fresh applications or when added at the end of cooking. Dried substitutes like dried epazote or oregano are more concentrated and should be added earlier in the cooking process. Use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
Why is epazote used in bean dishes?
Epazote is traditionally used in bean dishes because it helps reduce gas and bloating that can occur from eating beans. It also adds a distinctive, earthy flavor that has become associated with Mexican bean cooking. The herb contains compounds that help break down the complex sugars in beans that cause digestive issues.
Can I substitute epazote in soup recipes?
Yes, you can substitute epazote in soup recipes. Mexican oregano works best for hearty bean soups, while cilantro adds freshness to lighter soups. Tarragon works well in creamy soups. Add the substitute herbs towards the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavors.
What's the best epazote substitute for cooking in general?
For general cooking, Mexican oregano is the best substitute as it most closely matches epazote's flavor profile. If unavailable, a blend of regular oregano and fennel seeds (2:1 ratio) works well. For fresh applications, cilantro or tarragon can be used depending on the desired flavor profile.
How much epazote substitute should I use?
Use a 1:1 ratio for most substitutes. However, if using dried epazote as a substitute, use about half the amount since it's more concentrated. For blends like oregano and fennel seeds, use a 2:1 ratio of oregano to fennel seeds. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to taste.