Oregano is a popular herb that is used in many dishes. It has a strong, pungent flavor that can be difficult to replace.
What happens when you don’t have any oregano, and you’re in the middle of cooking?
There are several substitutes for oregano that will give you the same flavor in your dish.
This article will discuss 15 different substitutes for oregano and how you can use them. We’ll also provide the ratios you need to use when substituting so that you get the same flavor every time!
Here they are…
Substitutes for Oregano
- Basil
- Fresh Thyme
- Dried Italian seasoning
- Dried Marjoram
- Parsely
- Tarragon
- Dill
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Bay leaves
- Fenugreek
- Ajwain Leaves
- Summer savory
- Fennel
- Dried Oregano
Basil
If you’re out of oregano and desperate to add a little flavor to your dish, don’t worry – basil is here to save the day!
This versatile herb can be used in a variety of dishes, and it’s a great substitute for oregano.
Basil is available fresh or dried, so you can use it in any recipe calling for oregano. Just use an equal ratio of basil to oregano.
It has a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of mint, which makes it a great choice for Mediterranean cuisine. It’s also perfect for giving your food an Italian vibe.
So next time you’re out of oregano, reach for the basil – your taste buds will thank you!
Fresh Thyme
Fresh thyme is a great substitute for oregano. They have a similar look and can be used for garnishing or in any recipe that calls for oregano.
The ratio is 1:1, so if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of oregano, use 1 tablespoon of Fresh Thyme.
Fresh Thyme has many benefits over oregano, including being lower in calories and fat and having more antioxidants.
It also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for those with sensitive stomachs.
So if you’re looking for a healthier alternative to oregano, Fresh Thyme is the way to go.
Dried Italian seasoning
Dried Italian seasoning is a great substitute for oregano. While thyme is also an Italian seasoning, it doesn’t have the same flavor profile as oregano. This means that you can use a higher ratio of dried Italian seasoning to oregano in your recipe.
Additionally, dried Italian seasoning has a longer shelf life than fresh oregano, so it’s a great pantry staple to have on hand.
When substituting dried Italian seasoning for oregano, keep in mind that you’ll need about three times as much of the dried herb to equal the same amount of fresh oregano.
With this substitution, you can easily make your favorite Italian recipes without having to worry about running out of oregano.
Dried Marjoram
This rare herb has a similar flavor to oregano, making it a good choice for recipes that call for this herb.
Marjoram works for cuisines that use oregano, such as Italian and Greek cuisine. When substituting it for oregano, use a ratio of 1:1. So, if the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of oregano, use 1 teaspoon of marjoram.
Dried marjoram is a good choice for oregano lovers looking for a rare herb to add to their collection.
Parsley
Parsley may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of oregano, but this common herb can actually be used as a delicious and effective substitute.
Parsley has a solid smell and taste, making it a perfect equal ratio replacement for oregano in any tomato-based dish.
Not to mention, the versatile green can also be used as a decoration, adding a touch of flair to any dish.
So next time you’re in the kitchen and find yourself out of oregano, don’t fret – reach for the parsley and get cooking!
Tarragon
Tarragon may not be the first flavor that comes to mind when you think of Italian cooking, but this bittersweet herb can actually be a great substitute for oregano.
When used in the right ratio, tarragon can give your recipe the same savory flavor without overwhelming the other ingredients.
It has the benefit of being a bit more tolerant to heat, so it’s a good choice for dishes that will be cooked for longer periods of time.
If you’re looking to add a little something extra to your next pasta dish, give tarragon a try. You might just be surprised at how well it complements the other flavors in your recipe.
Dill
Dill is a delicious herb that can be used as a substitute for oregano. It has a grassy flavor with hints of anise-like bitterness and a known fragrance.
It is also known to be a versatile herb, as it can be used in many dishes – soups, stews, salads, and sauces. It can also be used to make pickles.
When substituting dill for oregano, use less than you would oregano, as dill is more potent. All in all, it is a great substitute for oregano because it has a similar flavor profile and can be used in many of the same dishes.
Sage
Sage is an excellent oregano substitute. It is a bittersweet herb with a lemony flavor that reminds you of eucalyptus and citrus. It can be used in many dishes.
It is also known for its medicinal properties. It has been used to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. Sage can be used in place of oregano in any dish.
Sage is also a great substitute for oregano in pasta sauces, as it will help to add a bit of depth to the sauce. Sage is also a good substitute for oregano in salads, as it will give the salad a bit of pizzazz. Sage is an excellent herb to use in any dish where you want to add a bit of flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a common herb that can be used as a delicious and fragrant substitute for oregano. It has a similar flavor to oregano, but it is also slightly sweeter and less pungent.
Rosemary also has many benefits including being rich in antioxidants and having anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to flavor meats, soups, stews, sauces, and vegetables.
It is also a popular ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes. When substituting Rosemary for oregano, use a similar measure.
Bay leaves
Bay leaves are a common ingredient in many slow-cooked recipes, as their flavor is released gradually when cooked over time.
They can be used as a replacement for oregano, either in dried or ground form. If using dried bay leaves, it is important to remember that they should be added early on in the cooking process, as their flavor will not be as pronounced if they are only added towards the end.
Bay leaves should also be removed before serving, as they can be bitter if eaten whole. Although they are not an exact replacement for oregano in terms of flavor, they can still provide a similar range of benefits to a dish.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek may not be a familiar ingredient to many, but this little seed is actually quite versatile. Fenugreek is a plant in the Fabaceae family, and its seeds are commonly used as a spice in Indian cuisine.
The Fenugreek plant is a semiarid crop, meaning it can thrive in regions with limited rainfall. Fenugreek seeds have a mild smell, and they impart a sweet nutty flavor when used in cooking.
In addition to being used as a spice, Fenugreek seeds can also be sprouted and used as a green vegetable. The leaves can be used fresh or dried, and they make an excellent replacement for oregano. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties, and the seeds have been used to treat digestive issues for centuries.
If you’re looking for a versatile spice with a unique flavor, Fenugreek is definitely worth trying.
Ajwain Leaves
Ajwain leaves, also known as carom, are a great substitute for oregano, especially if you have a family member who is allergic to the latter.
Both herbs have the same aroma and look, so you can mix them together without anyone noticing the difference.
Ajwain also has some health benefits that oregano doesn’t have. For instance, it can help relieve indigestion and flatulence.
So if you’re looking for a healthy and tasty oregano replacement, Ajwain is a great choice.
Summer savory
Summer savory may be a perfect choice when you have no oregano at hand. This herb is common in European cuisine, and it can be used fresh or dried.
When substituting summer savory for oregano, use an equal ratio. Keep in mind that summer savory is not as common as oregano, so you may need to adjust your recipe accordingly.
However, the benefits of using this herb may be worth the extra effort. Because it has a slightly spicy flavor that can add an interesting twist to traditional recipes.
So if you’re looking for something new to try, summer savory may be the perfect ingredient.
Fennel
Fennel may not be the first herb that comes to mind when you think of oregano, but this anise-flavored spice can actually make a great substitute in many recipes.
It has a similar Licorice taste as oregano, but it is milder and sweeter. Fennel seeds can be used as a replacement for oregano in meat dishes or salads.
If you are using them as a replacement, you should use about half as much as you would oregano since the flavor is more concentrated. You can also use fennel leaves as a replacement for oregano. The leafy fronds of the fennel plant have a more intense flavor than the seeds, so you should use them sparingly.
Overall, fennel is a versatile herb that can be used in many recipes that call for oregano.
Dried Oregano
Dried oregano is a great substitute for fresh oregano. It has a more intense flavor, so you need to use less of it.
Dried oregano is best for olive-oil dishes, meat marinades, and tomato-based sauces. It’s also a good choice for sprinkling on pizza and other Italian dishes.
One advantage of dried oregano over fresh is that it’s more shelf-stable; you can buy it in bulk and keep it on hand for when you need it.
Another advantage is that it’s easier to measure and use than fresh oregano, which can be tricky to chop finely enough.
If you do use fresh oregano, be sure to add it toward the end of cooking so that its flavor doesn’t get cooked out.
Summary
There are many substitutes for oregano, and the best one to use depends on what you’re looking for.
If you want a herb with a similar flavor, try fennel or summer savory. If you want a herb with the same aroma and look, but with different health benefits, try Ajwain leaves.
And if you want an oregano substitute that’s more shelf-stable and easier to use, try dried oregano. No matter what your needs are, there’s an oregano substitute that’s perfect for you.
So now that you know all about oregano substitutes, what will you try first? Let us know!