Cilantro brings a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy flavor to dishes, but not everyone loves it. That’s why having these substitutes handy can be a lifesaver in the kitchen!

1.Dried Dill

Looking for a fresh twist on herbs? Dried dill is a great swap for dried cilantro, bringing a similar zest and flavor to the table.

Plus, it’s richer in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a healthier choice overall. This combo shines in yogurt-based sauces for salads and sides.

For that peppery cilantro kick, just add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Substitution tip: Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill in place of 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro. Give it a try and enjoy the benefits!

2.Cumin

Cumin and fresh cilantro are two very different spices, so cumin isn’t a direct substitute for cilantro.

Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor with a hint of nuttiness and citrus, while cilantro is bright, fresh, and slightly peppery.

That said, cumin can still complement dishes that call for cilantro by adding its own unique flavor layer. It won’t taste like cilantro, but it can add depth and complexity to your meal.

If you’re using cumin as a substitute, start with a little extra: add an extra ¼ teaspoon of cumin for every teaspoon of dried cilantro called for in the recipe.

It’s a great way to explore a new flavor dimension in your cooking!

3.Celery Leaves

Looking for a fresh twist on herbs? Celery leaves make a great backup option when cilantro isn’t around. They bring a milder, less pungent flavor with a fresh, herbaceous vibe.

While they won’t capture cilantro’s bright, citrusy zing, they can still add a nice touch to your dish. If you’re substituting, use a bit more celery leaves to make up for their softer taste.

The flavor will be different, but it’s a tasty alternative. Substitution tip: Use celery leaves and fresh cilantro in a 1:1 ratio for the best results.

4.Caraway Seeds

Caraway seeds bring a warm, earthy flavor with hints of citrus and a touch of anise, giving them a unique taste that’s a bit like cilantro.

While cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note to dishes, caraway seeds offer a deeper, complementary flavor that enhances the overall taste. The best part?

You can substitute caraway seeds for dried cilantro in a 1:1 ratio, making it easy to experiment with new flavors in your cooking.

5.Parsley

Looking for a fresh herb substitute? Parsley makes a great stand-in for cilantro thanks to its bright, slightly peppery taste.

While both herbs bring a vibrant green pop to dishes, parsley offers a milder, grassy flavor with a hint of spice, similar to cilantro’s freshness but without the citrusy undertones.

If you’re cooking something where that citrus note isn’t essential, parsley is a fantastic choice. Plus, it’s a good option for those who find cilantro’s flavor too intense or soapy. The best part?

You can swap fresh parsley for fresh cilantro at a 1:1 ratio. It’s an easy way to keep that fresh herbal flavor without missing a beat.

6.Mint

Mint and cilantro are both known for their fresh, bright flavors that add a burst of flavor to any dish. While they share some similarities, they each bring something unique to the table.

Mint has a sweeter taste and leaves a refreshing cooling sensation on the palate, making it a great choice for dishes where you want that extra freshness.

On the other hand, cilantro has a slightly bitter and tangy flavor with a more earthy note, giving it a bold and distinct character.

Whether you’re cooking up something traditional or experimenting with new flavors, both herbs are sure to elevate your meal.

And if you’re in a pinch, remember that parsley can be used as a 1:1 substitute for fresh mint–just adjust to taste!

7.Rau Rum

Rau ram, also known as Vietnamese coriander or laksa leaf, is a fantastic alternative to cilantro.

It brings a bright, citrusy flavor with a hint of peppery zing, making it perfect for dishes where you’d typically use cilantro for its fresh, aromatic qualities.

While it’s a great substitute, keep in mind that rau ram has its own unique taste, so it will give your dish a slightly different flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a cilantro substitute due to personal preference or allergies, rau ram is an excellent choice. For substitution, use freshly chopped rau ram and cilantro at a 1:1 ratio.

8.Thai Basil

Thai basil is a total game-changer for anyone who loves fresh herbs. It brings a slightly spicy kick along with hints of anise and licorice, adding depth to any dish.

This versatile herb shines in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine, popping up in everything from fragrant pho to rich curries and fresh salads.

Unlike cilantro, Thai basil can handle high heat, making it a go-to for cooking. Whether you’re substituting for cilantro or just mixing things up, Thai basil is a flavorful and sturdy choice.

Pro tip: Use fresh Thai basil and cilantro in a 1:1 ratio for a seamless swap.

9.Fresh Dill

Fresh dill is a fantastic stand-in when cilantro’s not on hand. Not only does it bring a unique and tasty flavor to the table, but it’s also a powerhouse of health benefits.

Packed with antioxidants, it helps reduce inflammation and supports better digestion. Plus, it’s a great source of vitamins A and C.

While dill has a different taste than cilantro, it can work wonders in a pinch. Just remember, it might not be perfect for every recipe.

When substituting, use half the amount of fresh chopped dill as you would cilantro. Don’t be shy about giving it a try in your cooking–it might just become your new go-to!

10.Papalo

Discover the unique flavor of papalo, a plant primarily grown in South America. With a taste that blends cilantro, arugula, and mint, it’s a fantastic alternative for those looking to mix things up.

Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, papalo is not only delicious but also nutritious. Use it to add freshness to tacos, soups, and any dish where you’d typically use cilantro.

For the perfect substitution, use about ⅓ of papalo leaves for each serving of fresh cilantro. Remember to use only the leaves for the best flavor.

Whether you’re enhancing a recipe or exploring new tastes, papalo is a great way to elevate your cooking.

11.Dried Parsley

Dried parsley brings a mild, fresh taste with a hint of grassiness, making it a great alternative when you don’t have fresh cilantro on hand.

It’s a versatile herb that’s easy to find and works well in many dishes without overpowering other flavors.

Here’s a handy ratio: use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every 1 tablespoon of fresh cilantro called for in your recipe.

12.Curry Powder

Curry powder is more than just a spice–it’s a flavor enhancer that adds warmth and depth to any dish.

Whether you’re cooking up a hearty stew or looking to add some zing to your roasted vegetables, curry powder brings a vibrant, aromatic flavor that elevates your dish to the next level.

And if you’re out of dried cilantro, don’t worry! Curry powder makes a fantastic substitute, offering a similar depth and warmth without any of the hassle.

Just add half the amount of curry powder when replacing cilantro in your recipes, and you’ll be amazed at how it transforms the flavor profile.

It’s a convenient solution that’s sure to save the day when you’re in a recipe pinch.

13.Coriander Seeds

Coriander seeds make a great stand-in for fresh cilantro. Both come from the same plant, Coriandrum sativum, which gives us cilantro leaves and coriander seeds.

While they share a similar flavor, coriander seeds are generally milder. To bring out their full flavor, try toasting and grinding them before use. For substituting, use a 1:1 ratio of coriander seeds to dried cilantro.