Coriander is a popular herb that has a unique flavor. Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to find.
This can be frustrating for those who love coriander and use it in many recipes.
In this article, we will provide a list of substitutes for coriander. These substitutes will give you the same flavor or very close to it.
So don’t worry if you can’t find coriander – there are plenty of other options available!
Substitutes for Coriander
- Turmeric
- Herb Mixes
- Tarragon
- Dill
- Cilantro
- Oregano
- Basil
- Parsley
- Caraway
- Garam Masala
- Curry
- Cumin
Turmeric
Turmeric can be used as a substitute for coriander in many cases. It has a very similar flavor profile, with a slightly earthy taste and a hint of citrus.
Additionally, turmeric is a great source of antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also less likely to cause an allergic reaction than coriander.
When using turmeric as a substitute for coriander, it is important to keep in mind that it is more potent than coriander, so you will need to use less of it.
Additionally, turmeric will give your dish a yellow hue.
Herb Mixes
There are many reasons why you might want to use an herb mix as a substitute for coriander.
Perhaps you’re out of coriander and don’t have time to run to the store, or maybe you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Either way, several herb mixes make great substitutes for coriander. One of my personal favorites is a mix of parsley, basil, and oregano.
This mix has a similar flavor to coriander but is a bit milder.
It’s also very versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes.
Tarragon
If a recipe calls for coriander and you don’t have any, tarragon makes a good substitute. Both herbs have a similar anise flavor.
Tarragon is a little milder than coriander, so you may want to use it a bit more if you want the same flavor profile in your dish.
In addition, tarragon has a slightly sweeter flavor than coriander, so it may change the flavor of your dish slightly if you use it as a substitute.
Dill
Dill and coriander are both herbs that belong to the carrot family. They have very different tastes, with dill being more pungent and earthy, while coriander is citrusy and slightly sweet.
However, they can be used interchangeably in many recipes.
Dill is a common ingredient in pickles, potato salad, and coleslaw. It also pairs well with fish, poultry, and vegetables.
Coriander, on the other hand, is often used in curries, stews, and sauces. It is also a popular garnish for tacos and other Mexican dishes.
While dill and coriander have different flavor profiles, they can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
The only exception is when the herb is being used as a garnish.
Cilantro
Cilantro is often used as a substitute for coriander. While the two herbs are similar in appearance, cilantro has a softer flavor that is more suited to delicate dishes.
Cilantro is also less pungent than coriander, making it a better choice for those who do not enjoy the strong flavor of coriander.
Cilantro is best used in recipes that call for fresh herbs, as it does not have the same flavor when dried. Its pairs well with fish, chicken, and rice dishes. It can also be used in soups and stews to add a touch of flavor.
Cilantro is an easy herb to grow and can be found fresh year-round in most grocery stores.
However, if you cannot find fresh cilantro, you can use dried cilantro instead.
Oregano
Oregano and coriander are two herbs that are often used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine.
They have a similar flavor profile, with a pungent, earthy taste that is slightly citrusy and slightly sweet.
However, they are not interchangeable, and there are some cases where one is a better substitute for the other.
In general, oregano is a better substitute for coriander in dishes where the herb is cooked, while coriander is a better substitute for oregano in dishes where the herb is used raw.
This is because oregano’s flavor becomes milder when it is cooked, while coriander’s flavor becomes more pronounced.
Oregano is also a good substitute for cumin in dishes where cumin is used as a spice, as it has a similar flavor profile.
Basil
While basil and coriander have some similarities in taste, they also have distinct flavors that can make a dish either delicious or unpalatable.
When substituting basil for coriander, it is important to consider how the two herbs will interact with other ingredients in the recipe.
For example, basil has a strong flavor that can quickly overwhelm other delicate ingredients.
As such, it is best used as a substitute for coriander in recipes where the latter herb is used sparingly.
In addition, basil is less pungent than coriander, so it may not be suitable for dishes that rely on the latter herb’s distinct flavor.
When substituting basil for coriander, it is also important to take into account the different colors of the two herbs.
Basil leaves are green, while coriander leaves are brownish-green. This color difference may be noticeable in certain dishes, so it is important to consider whether or not the color of the finished dish will be acceptable.
Parsley
Parsley and coriander have a similar taste and can be used as a replacement for each other in a lot of recipes.
There are a few benefits to using parsley as a substitute for coriander.
First, parsley is more widely available than coriander.
You can find it fresh in most grocery stores or you can grow it yourself.
Second, parsley has a slightly milder flavor than coriander, so it won’t overpower other flavors in the dish.
Finally, parsley is less pungent than coriander, so it won’t leave your kitchen smelling like an Indian restaurant.
When substituting parsley for coriander, you will want to use about half as much since parsley is less potent.
This substitution is suitable for dishes like curries, soup, stews, and rice dishes.
It’s also a good choice for people who are sensitive to the strong flavor of coriander.
Caraway
Caraway and coriander are both members of the Apiaceae family, which also includes cumin and dill.
Caraway has a stronger, more pungent flavor than coriander, so it should be used sparingly.
It can be used in place of coriander in baked goods, such as gingerbread or spice cake.
Keep in mind that caraway will change the flavor of the dish, so it may not be suitable for all recipes.
When substituting caraway for coriander, taste the dish as you go and adjust the other spices accordingly.
Garam Masala
Garam Masala is a blend of spices that are commonly used in Indian cooking.
It typically includes cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper.
While each recipe for garam masala varies slightly, this spice blend is often used as a substitute for coriander.
It has a similar flavor profile to coriander, making it a suitable substitute in many recipes.
When substituting garam masala for coriander, it is important to keep in mind that the spice blend is more potent than coriander.
As a result, you may need to use less garam masala than the recipe calls for. Additionally, garam masala will likely change the color of your dish.
Curry
When it comes to spice substitutes, curry powder is a great option for those who don’t enjoy the taste of coriander.
Not only does curry powder add a similar depth of flavor to dishes, but it also has several health benefits.
Curry powder is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to improve cognitive function.
However, you may want to adjust the number of other spices in the recipe when using this substitute accordingly.
Cumin
Cumin has a strong, earthy flavor with hints of bitterness, while coriander has a sweeter, more citrusy flavor.
As a result, cumin is often used as a substitute for coriander in recipes that call for this spice.
When used in this way, cumin can help to boost the flavor of a dish without changing its overall taste.
Additionally, cumin is also a good substitute for coriander in cases where this spice is not available.
Conclusion
While coriander is a versatile and flavorful spice, it can be difficult to find in some parts of the world.
There are several options available if you’re looking for a substitute for coriander. So go ahead and experiment with different spices until you find one that you like.
And who knows, you may even discover a new favorite in the process!