Try a chervil substitute from this list the next time you see chervil in a recipe but don't have any on hand! There are many alternative herbs that will help you make a flavorful recipe that is just as tasty. When you need chervil, come back here and use one of my easy chervil substitute options!
Best Chervil Substitute
Did you see chervil on the ingredient list for a recipe and think 'I have no idea what that is and I definitely don't have it in my kitchen'? Well, don't worry, I have done all the research for you and found the best chervil substitutes so you can still make your dish!
Chervil won't make or break a recipe, but it does add a nice herbaceous flavor, and that can be the difference between an ok recipe and a great one! Read on for the best substitutions to use in place of chervil in any recipe!
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What Is Chervil
Chervil is an earthy and delicate herb that grows annually across Europe and the United States. It is sometimes referred to as French Parsley and is commonly used to season sauces, poultry dishes, and soups.
Chervil has a light licorice flavor that isn't too overpowering and helps complete many recipes. It is mild and won't overpower the dishes that it is added to, which makes it a great herb for many recipes!
1. Italian Parsley
Italian parsley is an aromatic herb that has a slightly peppery flavor. Also known as flat-leaf parsley, this variety of parsley makes a great alternative to chervil because it adds grassiness and a bit of earthiness to your savory dish.
Italian parsley can be bought fresh or dried. Fresh Italian parsley is more flavorful and should be removed from the stem before cooking. Dried parsley isn't as bold, which means you may need to add more to reach your desired taste.
Use Italian Parsley in a 1:1 substitution for Chervil.
2. Japanese Parsley
Japanese parsley is a clean-tasting herb that is described as tasting like a combination of celery, and Italian parsley, with a touch of cilantro. It is also called Mitsuba.
Mitsuba is a great substitution for chervil because they both have a mild bitterness and earthy flavor. You can use both the leaves and stems of this delicious herb, but be sure to chop them finely.
Mitsuba is great in many savory dishes such as stir fry, soups, marinades, and curry.
Use Japanese parsley in a 1:1 substitution for chervil.
3. Dill
Dill is another herb that can be used as a replacement for chervil. It is often used in sauces and fish recipes due to its unique and distinct tangy flavor.
Just a little bit goes a long way! Dill has a mild hint of licorice and a bit of grassiness which allows it to be a nice replacement for chervil.
Dill is great in salad dressings, sauces, dips, marinades, and seafood dishes.
Use ½ the amount of dill when substituting for chervil.
4. Chives
Chives are another delicious herb that can replace chervil in a pinch. They taste like a cross between an onion and a clove of garlic.
Chives are mild and often used in French cuisine, similar to chervil. They can help give more flavor to any savory dish by adding an extra layer of earthiness, although the flavor will differ from what chervil brings.
Herb substitutions don't always match the exact flavor needed, but they can help enhance it.
Use chives in a 1:1 substitution for chervil.
5. Tarragon
Many chefs and herb enthusiasts will agree that tarragon is one of the best chervil substitutions. It has a sweet and mild licorice flavor that reminds you of chervil, as well as a clean, green taste.
Tarragon is a little bolder than chervil, so it should be used a little more sparingly so that it doesn't overpower the dish. It is perfect for adding to seafood, poultry, and vegetables.
Use ½ the amount of tarragon when substituting for chervil.
6. Fennel Leaves
Fennel leaves add that perfect licorice flavor that you want when looking for a chervil replacement. They are mildly sweet when cooked and have a wonderful earthy flavor.
Fennel leaves are commonly used in French cuisine as well as many other types of dishes. They are tender and can be added to soup, curry, meat, or seafood dishes.
Use fennel leaves in a 1:1 substitution for chervil.
7. Anise
Anise is bold and very potent. It has a distinctive licorice flavor that makes it the perfect balance of sweet and bitter.
Anise can be a great substitution for chervil because they have similar qualities, although anise is much stronger and should be used in limited quantities.
Use ½ the amount of anise when substituting for chervil.
8. Arugula
Arugula is a bit of an unusual substitution choice, but hear me out before you disagree! It can be a great alternative to chervil because it is mild and earthy and it has a bitter flavor that can be compared to the bitterness of chervil.
Arugula doesn't have to be just the base for a salad, it can be added to vegetable dishes, soups, and stir fry recipes.
Use Arugula in a 1:1 substitution for Chervil.
Chervil can be easily replaced with one of the many herbs listed above! Leave us a comment and let us know which substitution you thought worked best!
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Best Chervil Substitute: Italian Parlsey (+ More Great Alternatives To Use In Recipes!)
Ingredients
Best Chervil Substitutes
- 1 teaspoon Italian parsley
- 1 teaspoon Japanese parsley
Instructions
Best Chervil Substitutes
- Use either Italian parsley or Japanese parsley as an equal 1:1 replacement for chervil in any recipe.
More Great Chervil Substitutions
- Tarragon can be used as an equal substitute for chervil, but use half the amount of both dill and tarragon when substituting chervil.
Anonymous says
Chervil is so difficult to find. Thank you so much! This is a great list of not only options, but amounts.