Best Cilantro Substitutes
What Can I Use Instead of Cilantro in a Recipe?
Use the same amount as the original. Parsley is milder and lacks cilantro's distinctive flavor; use equal amounts as a neutral herb replacement. Best when the cilantro taste is not essential.
Looking for the best Cilantro substitute? You're in the right place. We've rounded up 3 reliable Cilantro replacements that work in cooking and baking — ranked and explained so you can pick the right one for your recipe. Great for when you want to save money at the store or keep things plant-based. The top pick is Parsley — it's the closest match for most recipes. Parsley is milder and lacks cilantro's distinctive flavor; use equal amounts as a neutral herb replacement. Best when the cilantro taste is not essential.
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Get ratios for Cilantro →All Cilantro Substitutes (3 options)
Use 1 tbsp dried per 1 cup fresh. Much milder flavor — dried cilantro loses character. Better than nothing in cooked dishes.
1:1 swap. Adds anise-like freshness. Works particularly well in Thai and Vietnamese dishes where cilantro's citrus note is expected.
Parsley is milder and lacks cilantro's distinctive flavor; use equal amounts as a neutral herb replacement. Best when the cilantro taste is not essential.
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Tips for Substituting Cilantro
For most recipes, Parsley is the best starting point. Parsley is milder and lacks cilantro's distinctive flavor; use equal amounts as a neutral herb replacement. Best when the cilantro taste is not essential. Going plant-based? Fresh Thai basil is a vegan-friendly option that work well in most recipes. Watching your grocery budget? Dried cilantro is the most wallet-friendly swap and does a solid job in most uses. If you're unsure which Cilantro substitute to use, think about why the original is in the recipe: flavor, texture, moisture, or binding? Choose the substitute that best matches that function.
Common Questions About Cilantro Substitutes
The best substitute for Cilantro is Parsley. Use the same amount. Parsley is milder and lacks cilantro's distinctive flavor; use equal amounts as a neutral herb replacement. Best when the cilantro taste is not essential.
This guide lists 3 Cilantro alternatives. The best one depends on your recipe, dietary needs, and what you have on hand — check the substitution cards above for details on each.
Fresh Thai basil is a great plant-based alternative to Cilantro. 1:1 swap. Adds anise-like freshness. Works particularly well in Thai and Vietnamese dishes where cilantro's citrus note is expected.
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