Out of Mexican oregano, one case
Mexican oregano substitute, case by case
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Marjoram
Same amount as the Mexican oregano
The best Mexican oregano substitute is marjoram (1:1 ratio), followed by regular oregano, or a blend of oregano and mint. Mexican oregano has a more citrusy, earthy flavor than Mediterranean oregano, so marjoram provides the closest match.
- Best for —
- mole sauces
One casethe full oregano seasoning card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of Mexican oregano |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marjorammole sauces | Same amount |
| 2 | Regular oregano + mint blendMexican soups | 2 parts oregano to 1 part mint |
| 3 | Regular oreganoMexican rice | Same amount |
| 4 | Oregano + lemon zestfresh salsas | Same amountOregano + ¼ tsp lemon zest per tsp oregano |
| 5 | Epazoteblack beans | 1 part for every 2 partsUse half the amount of epazote |
| 6 | Thyme + lemon verbenasophisticated Mexican dishes | Same amountThyme + ¼ tsp dried lemon verbena per tsp oregano |
Marjoram
very similar · similar texture
The closest substitute to Mexican oregano with similar citrusy, earthy notes
- Best for
- mole sauces, chili con carne, tacos, enchiladas, Mexican rice, salsa verde, pozole
Marjoram has the most similar flavor profile to Mexican oregano. It's sweeter and more citrusy than Mediterranean oregano, making it good for Mexican dishes.
Regular oregano + mint blend
similar with citrusy notes · similar texture
A blend that mimics Mexican oregano's citrusy character
- Best for
- Mexican soups, stews, marinades, spice rubs, salsa, guacamole
The mint adds the citrusy note that Mexican oregano is known for. Crush the herbs together before adding to release the oils.
Regular oregano
different but acceptable · similar texture
A good substitute, though less citrusy than Mexican oregano
- Best for
- Mexican rice, bean dishes, soups, stews, when you need a quick substitute
Use the same amount, but expect a slightly different flavor. Regular oregano is more bitter and less citrusy than Mexican oregano.
Oregano + lemon zest
very similar
Adds the citrusy note that Mexican oregano is known for
- Best for
- fresh salsas, ceviche, fish dishes, chicken marinades, vegetable dishes
- Texture
- similar with zest
The lemon zest provides the citrusy character. Add the zest at the end of cooking to preserve the bright flavor.
Epazote
different but authentic · similar texture
A traditional Mexican herb with strong, distinctive flavor
- Best for
- black beans, quesadillas, traditional Mexican dishes, when you want authentic Mexican flavor
Epazote has a very strong, distinctive flavor. Use sparingly as it can overpower other ingredients. It's more pungent than Mexican oregano.
Thyme + lemon verbena
similar with herbal complexity · similar texture
A creative blend that captures Mexican oregano's essence
- Best for
- sophisticated Mexican dishes, mole sauces, when you want to experiment, gourmet Mexican cooking
This blend works well for more complex dishes. Lemon verbena adds the citrusy note while thyme provides earthiness.
How Mexican oregano compares
Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is essential for authentic Mexican cooking, providing a distinctive citrusy, earthy flavor that's different from Mediterranean oregano. When you need a substitute, the goal is to replicate that unique flavor profile that makes Mexican dishes taste authentic. The best substitutes maintain the herbaceous quality while adding the citrusy notes that Mexican oregano is known for.
Tips for substituting Mexican oregano
8 tips- Mexican oregano is more citrusy and less bitter than Mediterranean oregano, so marjoram is your best bet
- Crush dried herbs between your fingers before adding to release essential oils and enhance flavor
- For authentic Mexican flavor, use marjoram or the oregano-mint blend
- Add Mexican oregano substitutes early in cooking to allow flavors to develop, especially in soups and stews
- For fresh salsas and ceviche, add herbs at the end to preserve their bright, fresh flavor
- When making mole sauce, Mexican oregano substitutes work best when toasted briefly in a dry pan first
- Store dried Mexican oregano substitutes in airtight containers away from heat and light
- For the most authentic taste, look for Mexican oregano in Latin markets or online specialty stores
Notes on Mexican oregano
- If you can't find Mexican oregano substitutes, try using a combination of regular oregano and dried lemon peel
- For a completely different but complementary flavor, consider using Mexican epazote (use sparingly as it's very strong)
- In a pinch, a small amount of dried lemon verbena can provide some of the citrusy notes, though the flavor will be different
- For the most authentic results, look for Mexican oregano in Latin markets or online specialty stores
- When making traditional Mexican dishes, consider using a combination of marjoram and a tiny bit of epazote for the most authentic flavor
Questions
8 questionsWhat is the best substitute for Mexican oregano?
Marjoram is the best substitute for Mexican oregano (1:1 ratio). It has the most similar citrusy, earthy flavor profile. Regular oregano works too, but it's more bitter and less citrusy than Mexican oregano.
Can I use regular oregano instead of Mexican oregano?
Yes, you can use regular oregano as a substitute (1:1 ratio), but expect a slightly different flavor. Regular oregano is more bitter and less citrusy than Mexican oregano. For better results, try blending regular oregano with a small amount of mint.
What's the difference between Mexican oregano and regular oregano?
Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is more citrusy, earthy, and less bitter than Mediterranean oregano (Origanum vulgare). Mexican oregano is actually from a different plant family and has a more complex flavor profile that's essential in authentic Mexican cooking.
Can I substitute marjoram for Mexican oregano?
Yes, marjoram is actually the best substitute for Mexican oregano (1:1 ratio). Marjoram has a sweeter, more citrusy flavor that closely matches Mexican oregano's character, making it good for Mexican dishes like mole, chili, and tacos.
What can I use instead of Mexican oregano in Mexican food?
For Mexican food, use marjoram (1:1), regular oregano (1:1), or a blend of oregano and mint (2:1). You can also try epazote for authentic Mexican flavor, but use half the amount as it's very strong. Each substitute works well depending on the specific dish.
Is there a substitute for dried Mexican oregano?
Yes, dried marjoram is the best substitute for dried Mexican oregano (1:1 ratio). You can also use dried regular oregano or create a blend of dried oregano and dried mint. The key is finding something with that citrusy, earthy character that Mexican oregano is known for.
What herbs can I substitute for Mexican oregano in cooking?
The best herb substitutes are marjoram, regular oregano, or a blend of oregano and mint. You can also try epazote for authentic Mexican flavor, thyme with lemon verbena, or oregano with lemon zest. Each provides different aspects of Mexican oregano's flavor profile.
Can you substitute oregano for Mexican oregano?
Yes, you can substitute regular oregano for Mexican oregano (1:1 ratio), but the flavor will be different. Regular oregano is more bitter and less citrusy. For better results, try blending regular oregano with mint or adding lemon zest to mimic Mexican oregano's citrusy notes.