Cilantro is a leafy, green herb that some people do not like.
Cilantro is a leafy herb that is commonly used in Latin and Asian cuisines. It has a very distinct flavor that stands out in dishes. Some people do not like the flavor of cilantro; they describe it as pungent and "soapy." If you are not a fan of the herb, there is another herb that you can use as a substitute -- parsley.
More on Cilantro
Cilantro is the name given to the leaves of the annual herb Coriandrum sativum. It belongs to the same family of plants as carrots, fennel, parsley and even poisonous plants such as hemlock. Coriander is the term used to describe the seeds of the same plant, although coriander does not taste much like cilantro. Cilantro may also be referred to as coriander leaves, Mexican parsley or Chinese parsley. Cilantro has a slightly citrusy taste and is a very powerful herb, so not much is needed in order to impart flavor to a recipe.
Parsley as a Substitution
Parsley is a suitable substitute for cilantro for those who do not like the flavor of the herb. It is similar in appearance to parsley and can give dishes the same vibrant green color, but it has a much milder flavor. Fresh flat-leaf parsley is preferable to curly-leaf parsley as a substitute for fresh cilantro because it more closely resembles fresh cilantro and has a slightly stronger flavor.
Substitute Parsley
You should finely chop fresh parsley before adding it to a recipe as a substitute for fresh cilantro. You can sprinkle it on top of curries, salads or stir-fries to provide the color garnish that cilantro normally gives. You can also incorporate chopped parsley directly into a dish, such as guacamole or a meat marinade. If desired, add some fresh lemon or lime zest for that extra citrus note that cilantro would give.
Other Substitution Ideas
You can substitute other herbs, such as fresh basil or oregano, for cilantro in some recipes, but be aware that these herbs will change the flavor of the dish, perhaps significantly. If you enjoy the flavor of cilantro and want to use an herb that has an even stronger cilantro-like taste, then look for a herb called culantro. Its scientific name is Eryngium foetidum and it is in the same family as cilantro, but is much stronger. Coriander root is also a stronger substitute. Culantro and coriander root are rarely seen in the United States, but some ethnic and specialty markets may carry them.
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