Quick Answer
There are several good substitutes for cilantro that can be used in pico de gallo or other Mexican dishes. Some of the most popular options include parsley, basil, mint, or a combination of these herbs. The key is to use a fresh, leafy green herb with a bright, citrusy flavor. Parsley is probably the closest match, but experiment with different herbs or mixes to find one you enjoy.
Substituting Herbs for Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander leaf, has a very distinctive taste that some love and others hate. Its flavor is bright, citrusy, and fresh. When a recipe calls for cilantro and you want to substitute, try using a blend of leafy green herbs that mimic that profile.
Here are some great cilantro substitute options for pico de gallo, salsa verde, guacamole, and more:
Parsley
Parsley is probably the closest match to cilantro in appearance and flavor. It has a fresh, herbaceous taste and adds a pop of green. Use an equivalent amount of Italian parsley leaves in place of cilantro. The flavor is not an exact match, but the brightness works well in Mexican dishes.
Basil
Sweet basil is another excellent cilantro substitute. The big, leafy herb has a similar freshness and citrusy note. Use fresh basil leaves in place of cilantro. Keep in mind that basil has a more pronounced flavor of its own, so start with 3/4 of the amount called for and adjust to taste.
Mint
For a cool, refreshing twist on cilantro flavor, use fresh mint leaves. Peppermint, spearmint, or other varieties will work. The mint gives that lively herbal flavor without the grassy cilantro taste. Use a 1:1 substitution and add the mint just before serving so it doesn’t overwhelm the dish.
Mix It Up
For best results, use a mix of different herbs in place of cilantro. This helps achieve a complex flavor rather than a direct 1:1 substitution. Try a combo of parsley, mint, and basil in equal parts. Or mix in other leafy herbs like tarragon, chervil, dill, or chives. Get creative with your herb blend!
Cilantro Substitutes for Common Dishes
Here are some specific recommendations for achieving great cilantro flavor substitutes in popular Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes:
Pico de Gallo
For pico de gallo salsa, try using a mix of parsley, mint, and basil instead of cilantro. The blend of bright flavors complements the fresh tomatoes, onions, jalapeño, and lime juice perfectly. Add the herbs just before serving to keep their flavor fresh.
Guacamole
In guacamole, substitute parsley or a parsley/mint mix for the cilantro. The cool, fresh flavors pair nicely with the avocado. Add some lime juice and onion for a great cilantro-free guacamole.
Salsa Verde
For tomatillo-based salsa verde, use Italian parsley or a mix of parsley and basil in place of cilantro. The other flavors like garlic, onion, jalapeño, and lime are still present, while the herbs provide a fresh finish.
Fajitas
When making steak, chicken, or shrimp fajitas, try garnishing with a basil/mint mix instead of cilantro. Those bold herbs stand up well to the seasoned meat and peppers. Add some at the end for fresh flavor.
Chimichurri Sauce
The classic Argentinian chimichurri salsa is normally loaded with cilantro. For a substitution, use flat-leaf parsley as the base herb. Then complement it with some mint, basil, oregano, and/or chives. That gives you the same fresh flavor without the cilantro.
Tips for Using Cilantro Substitutes
Here are some handy tips for getting the best results when substituting herbs for cilantro:
– Use fresh, in-season herbs. The flavors will be brighter.
– Chop the leaves finely to release their flavors.
– Add the herbs right before serving so they don’t wilt.
– Start with 3/4 of the amount called for then adjust.
– Use a combo of different herbs for more complexity.
– Lime juice and onion complement herbal flavors.
– Store leftovers without the herbs, then add them on before eating for maximum freshness.
– Buy a small bunch and use within 3-4 days for the best taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do some people hate the taste of cilantro?
It’s genetic! About 4-14% of people have a variation in their OR6A2 receptor gene that makes cilantro taste unpleasantly soapy to them. So while many love its bright flavor, cilantro tastes like soap or metal to those with the gene variant.
What herb is closest to cilantro?
Parsley has the closest taste and appearance to cilantro. Italian flat-leaf parsley mimics the flavor well, with its fresh, herbal notes. The curly parsley variety works too.
Can you use basil instead of cilantro?
Yes! Sweet basil makes a nice cilantro substitute. Its flavor is a bit more pronounced but has that citrusy, bright taste. Use about 3/4 the amount of basil leaves in place of cilantro.
Is cilantro and coriander the same thing?
Yes! Cilantro and coriander come from the same plant. Cilantro refers to the fresh leaves, while coriander refers to the dried seeds. They have distinctly different flavors when fresh vs. dried.
Should cilantro be refrigerated?
Yes, it’s best to refrigerate cilantro to keep it fresh for longer. Trim the stems, place in a cup of water, and cover loosely with a plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week stored this way.
The Best Cilantro Substitutes
While cilantro adds a unique flavor to Mexican dishes, there are many great-tasting substitutes available. For authentic pico de gallo, salsa verde, guacamole, and more try:
Substitute | Flavor Notes |
---|---|
Parsley | Herbaceous, fresh |
Basil | Bright, slightly sweet |
Mint | Cool, refreshing |
Parsley-Mint Blend | Well-rounded freshness |
For best results, use a combination of herbs and add them fresh right before serving. With these flavorful cilantro stand-ins, you can enjoy your favorite Mexican recipes regardless of cilantro taste preferences. ¡Buen provecho!
Conclusion
Cilantro is a staple ingredient in many Mexican, Tex-Mex, and Southwestern dishes like pico de gallo, salsa, guacamole, and more. However, some people find cilantro unpleasantly soapy due to a genetic variant. Luckily many fresh, flavorful herbs like parsley, basil, mint, and combinations can substitute for cilantro. The key is to use bright, leafy herbs that mimic cilantro’s citrusy flavor and aroma. Try mixing parsley, mint, and basil for a cilantro-free pico de gallo, swap in parsley for cilantro in guacamole, or add a parsley-basil blend to fajitas. With these tasty substitutes, you can still enjoy the fresh flavors of your favorite dishes even without cilantro.