Tarragon substitutes
Tarragon substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Fennel fronds
Same amount as the tarragon
Similar herb with different source.
The best substitutes for tarragon are fennel fronds, dill, or a mixture of basil and anise seeds.
Tarragon does one job, aroma, and it is a specific one: the soft aniseed note that defines béarnaise and French chicken dishes, so a swap has to bring that liquorice character and not just greenness.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- sauces
Updated 26 Jul 2026 · no sponsored swaps
- Jobs
- Aroma & flavor identityprimary
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of tarragon | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fennel frondssauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Dillsauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 3 | Anise seedssauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Chervilsauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Basilsauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 6 | Parsleysauces | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Fennel fronds
similar taste and texture
Similar herb with different source.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, salads, soups
Different source, similar flavor.
Dill
different taste, similar texture
Similar herb with different flavor.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, salads, soups
Different flavor, similar texture.
Anise seeds
similar taste, different texture
Similar flavor with different form.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, salads, soups
Different form, similar flavor.
Chervil
different taste, similar texture
Similar herb with different flavor.
- Covers
- Aroma & flavor identity
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, salads, soups
Different flavor, similar texture.
Basil
different taste, similar texture
Similar herb with different flavor.
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, salads, soups
Different flavor, similar texture.
Parsley
different taste, similar texture
Similar herb with different flavor.
- Misses
- Aroma & flavor identity — not covered
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, salads, soups
Different flavor, similar texture.
Questions
7 questionsCan I use fennel fronds instead of tarragon?
Yes, fennel fronds are a good substitute for tarragon. They have a similar anise-like flavor and can be used in most recipes.
What's the difference between tarragon and fennel fronds?
Tarragon is an herb with anise-like flavor, while fennel fronds are the leafy part of fennel with similar flavor. Both have anise-like taste but different sources.
Can I use dill instead of tarragon?
Yes, dill can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar freshness and can be used in most recipes.
Why is tarragon so popular in French cooking?
Tarragon is popular because it adds anise-like flavor and is a key ingredient in many traditional French dishes and sauces.
What's the difference between fresh and dried tarragon?
Fresh tarragon has a more delicate flavor, while dried tarragon is more concentrated. Use 1/3 the amount of dried tarragon when substituting for fresh.
Can I use tarragon in sweet dishes?
Yes, tarragon pairs well with fruits and can be used in desserts, especially with citrus and berries.
How do I store fresh tarragon?
Store fresh tarragon in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels, or place the stems in a glass of water like flowers.
Tips for substituting tarragon
10 tips- Tarragon adds anise-like flavor to dishes
- Tarragon can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
- Tarragon pairs well with chicken, fish, and eggs
- Tarragon works well in French and Mediterranean cuisines
- Tarragon can be used to make béarnaise sauce and fines herbes
- Store tarragon in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels
- Tarragon has a distinctive anise-like flavor that's essential in French cooking
- It's best added at the end of cooking to preserve its delicate flavor
- Fresh tarragon is much more flavorful than dried
- Tarragon is a key ingredient in fines herbes and béarnaise sauce