10 Best Substitutes for Coriander and Cilantro

1. Italian parsley (flat-leaf parsley)

Italian parsley and cilantro are nearly identical in appearance.Furthermore, they are comparable in flavor, with a peppery taste and traces of lemony overtones. The only difference between parsley and cilantro is a tiny bitterness in the overall flavor. Italian parsley is also great for your health, being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

2. Thai basil

Thai basil has a licorice-like flavor that is somewhat sweet with a tinge of tartness that distinguishes it from other herbs. This distinctiveness, however, is one of several qualities that make basil an excellent substitute for fresh cilantro. Apart from the typical peppery flavor, it imparts a pleasant scent to your cuisine, with prominent lemonish and herbaceous undertones. Thai basil also has antioxidant, antiviral, and antibacterial properties.

3. Mint

Mint is used in numerous dishes in South Asian nations to replace cilantro. This tradition has expanded around the world, and mint is generally regarded as one of the best cilantro substitutes in many recipes due to its refreshing flavor and aroma. Mint is also high in nutrients and can help relieve indigestion.

4. Dill

Dill has a pleasant flavor with a lemony undertone and grassy taste. However, since it has a stronger flavor than cilantro, you may want to use it in judicious amounts. Dill also contains nutrients that help lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and may help prevent heart disease

5. Papalo

Papalo is commonly used in Mexican cuisine and has a flavor similar to cilantro and cucumber. The flavor of papalo is rather strong, however, and should be used with caution. You can use approximately a third of a spoonful of papalo for every spoonful of cilantro. Studies have shown that papalo may help with high blood pressure, stomach issues, and liver imbalances.

6. Oregano

Fresh oregano, like fresh cilantro, is versatile and works well with ingredients, including lamb, chicken, shellfish, eggplants, and potatoes. Fresh oregano also has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, which can help protect against disease and promote digestive health. 

7. Celery leaves

Celery leaves, which are similar to cilantro leaves, taste spicy and have a strong flavor that can add freshness to a dish in much the same way as cilantro.

8. Tarragon

When combined with other herbs, such as garlic, basil, and fennel, tarragon tastes very similar to cilantro. Tarragon has also been shown to boost blood sugar levels and is good heart health.

9. Vietnamese coriander

Vietnamese coriander, also called Vietnamese mint, tastes similar to cilantro but has a more peppery and lemony quality. 

10. Culantro

Culantro is a plant with tall green spear-like leaves that have serrated edges. It smells like cilantro but has a stronger taste. It is widely used in various Caribbean nations as an all-purpose spice condiment.