SaurabhCoriander is one of the most popular seasonings worldwide. You can use it in many recipes from stir-fries to baked ones and even different salads and sauces.
Some people, however, might not like the strong flavor of this seasoning. Or maybe you run out of it exactly when you need to season one of your favorite recipes. If that is the case, we put together the best guide of coriander alternatives to save your dishes.
The first substitute for coriander is definitely cumin. But you will notice that there are others on the market as well. Keep reading to find the best coriander alternative for your recipes.
Substitutes for Coriander
The following seasonings could be great substitutes for coriander. But they might change the flavor of your food. In terms of quantity, use as much of a substitute as you like according to the taste you want to obtain.
1. Cumin
Cumin is the best substitute for coriander. It is also the one that you might find easily in most stores. You can use cumin in dishes like stews, soups, and even to season meat or barbecue. It is very rich in flavor and comes in the form of a dried Cuminum plant.
However, cumin will not taste exactly like coriander. It has a nutty, spicy flavor, resembling the earthly taste of coriander. Use as much cumin as you would use coriander and your meals will taste great.
2. Curry
Curry powder is a mix of different spices and many times you will find it with coriander in it. Since it contains other spices as well, you can expect this substitute to be richer in flavor than plain coriander. Besides coriander, this powder can also contain ginger, turmeric, and chili.
Curry powder also makes your food taste sweeter, so you might want to use less than coriander. Use curry instead of coriander in dishes such as stews, curries or marinates.
3. Garam Masala
Garam Masala might not be one of the most common substitutes. However, it is definitely a good choice for most of your dishes.
Just like curry, this is a combination of different spices so you can expect it to be richer in flavor than coriander. Among these spices, you might find cumin, coriander, cloves, turmeric, and peppercorn as well as others.
Garam Masala is spicy so your food will also be spicy once you add this seasoning. You can add this seasoning to stews, soups, or any other cooked dishes as long as you taste your food along the way so you avoid making it too spicy.
4. Caraway
You can use caraway instead of coriander in the same amount. And in the same dishes without being concerned about changing the flavor of the food.
The taste of caraway is very similar to the taste of coriander. You can find caraway seeds or grounded seeds. Both versions work great as a coriander alternative. A fun fact about caraway is that you can use it in desserts as well, not only in baked foods.
5. Parsley
Parsely is also an easy-to-find substitute for coriander. You can get the best taste by using dried parsley in the same amount you would use coriander.
The flavor of parsley is slightly more earthly and it is more intense in cold dishes such as salads. But you can use it successfully to replace coriander in soups, stews, and stir-fries as well.
6. Basil
Basil can also be an alternative to coriander as long as you go for the dried version. Using fresh basil will not only provide a very similar flavor to coriander but will also taste amazing in salads, soups, and stews.
If you use fresh basil, it is crucial to add it in the last 2 minutes of the cooking process so it keeps its fresh texture and flavor. When you use dried basil, use it in the same amount you would use coriander.
7. Oregano
Oregano goes great on Italian dishes including pasta or pizza. However, you can lso use it to replace coriander in many other dishes from cold ones to cooked ones.
Oregano has a stronger earthly flavor. It can be even sweeter than coriander without being spicy at all. If you like the flavor of oregano you can use it on a 1:1 ratio instead of coriander.
If you find it too intense you will have to use less of it, especially in cold dishes where the taste tends to be even more pregnant.
8. Cilantro
Cilantro is actually the fresh leaves of coriander so you can always use it as a substitute. The citrus taste of cilantro will give your food an interesting flavor but it will not go as good in all dishes.
You want to use cilantro mostly in salads and cold dishes so you can enjoy its taste. You can use fresh or dried leaves according to your taste. Taste your food as you are cooking it to decide if you need to add more of this seasoning.
9. Dill
Dill can be quite different from coriander but still a successful alternative. You can find dill both fresh and dried and the version you choose is completely up to your taste. You will notice that dill doesn’t only have a sweet, earthly flavor but it is also very green-tasting.
Any type of food will get a fresh taste once you add dill to it. The best way to use this seasoning is in salads or omelets but it will taste great in certain soups as well.
10. Tarragon
Tarragon might be more difficult to find compared to cilantro or coriander but if you do find it, know that it is a great substitute for both of those. It tastes like licorice and has a sweet, earthly flavor and smell that complements all dishes calling for coriander.
You can use it in cooked dishes, salads, or on top of pasta. If you like the flavor of tarragon you can use it in the same amount you would use coriander or even more.
11. Herb mixes
You will find different herb mixes that have coriander in a dry form. If you don’t have coriander in your house, using one of these mixes can help you save your recipe.
You can even make a mix from herbs like the ones above. Mix dill with tarragon, oregano, and parsley to obtain an interesting flavor for your dish.
12. Turmeric
Turmeric might not look like coriander but it can add an earthly flavor to all your baked dishes. You can use it in stir-fries, omelets, and even soups or stews and you will love the results.
Keep in mind that turmeric will give your food a yellowish color. If that doesn’t bother you, you can use turmeric plain or mix it with one of the other substitutes to make a great seasoning for your food.
FAQs
Are coriander and cumin the same spice?
No, coriander and cumin are two different spices. They give foods a different taste. However, they can both substitute for each other in a variety of recipes.
Cumin is more nutty and spicy in flavor compared to coriander. At the same time, coriander is sweeter and lighter in color than cumin. You will notice that cumin seeds are also smaller in size compared to coriander ones.
Final Thoughts
Even if coriander is a great seasoning for many dishes that doesn’t mean that you can’t obtain delicious foods without it.
Use one or more of the seasonings above and you will get a delicious dish. Some substitutes will even taste better than coriander so get ready to be creative in the kitchen.
