A coriander root substitute, also known as cilantro root, could come in handy while cooking if it isn't an ingredient you keep on hand. It has an earthy and pungent taste that adds a unique depth of flavor to different dishes. Instead of leaving it out completely, try one of these easy alternatives!
Cilantro Root Substitute
While coriander root adds a distinct and delightful aroma to dishes, it can be challenging to find in certain regions or during certain seasons. Luckily, there are a few alternatives that will infuse your recipes with a similar depth of flavor!
Most of these substitutes are readily available herbs and spices you could have sitting in your kitchen cupboard. Just take a look at the list below and see what you can come up with!
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What Is Coriander Root?
Coriander root is a lesser-known gem in the culinary world. Coriander leaves (cilantro) are the more commonly-known ingredient, while the roots of the plant have a very distinct flavor that can equally elevate recipes.
The roots of the plant have an earthy, pungent flavor with subtle hints of citrus, ginger, and cilantro. This makes it an essential component in Thai, Vietnamese, and other Southeast Asian cuisines!
1. Coriander Stems (Mashed)
If you don't have coriander root on hand, but you do have stems (like on a bunch of cilantro), they will offer the most similar flavor substitution. However, you'll have to mash them first!
This works best if you are making a marinade, soup, stew, or sauce. Anything liquid where the mashed stems can be dispersed.
Use a mortar and pestle or food processor to mash 3 stems for every 1 root into a paste-like consistency. Then, use the coriander stem paste as a 1:1 substitute.
2. Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds are not the best flavor substitute for coriander root, but they will work in a pinch. They have a somewhat citrusy, nutty, earthy flavor that is best suited for soups, stews, curries, marinades, and sauces.
You can use the seeds whole or ground. Start with half the amount that the recipe called for coriander root and add more as needed.
3. Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds have a very similar flavor profile to cilantro roots. They're pungent, earthy, and have a faint licorice taste.
You should grind the seeds up for the best results, though you can use whole seeds in a pinch if you don't mind the texture.
When using caraway seeds in place of coriander root, start with half the amount. Taste and add more as needed.
4. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are a decent substitute for cilantro root, though they will typically affect the texture of the recipe. They share a similar pungent, licorice-like flavor that adds a lovely depth to certain dishes.
To more easily conceal fennel seeds, you can grind them down into a powder. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for coriander root.
5. Fenugreek Seeds
Fenugreek seeds, also known as 'methi', have a bitter, tangy flavor that shares many similarities with coriander root. You can grind the seeds into a powder and use them as a 1:1 substitute.
You can also use fenugreek leaves, called 'kasuri methi', as a garnish or to add additional flavor to your recipe.
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6. Curry Powder
Curry powder is made with a blend of herbs and spices that usually includes coriander. It has a warm, earthy flavor that can really make a significant difference in a dish.
Because of its very distinct flavor and the presence of many other herbs and spices, you should start with half the amount of curry powder. Give it a taste and add more if you think it needs it.
7. Basil
Basil has a very distinct taste, but if your recipe needs an herbal flavor, it can be a great substitute. Thai basil, in particular, works well because it has that subtle licorice essence that is not as pronounced in other basil varieties.
You can use the fresh basil leaves as a flavorful garnish or chop them up and add them to soups or marinades.
8. Parsley
Parsley has a similar-yet-milder flavor than coriander root. You can use the leaves as a garnish or to add flavor directly to soups, stews, sauces, and more.
The stems can also be mashed into a paste and used in place of coriander root! As with coriander stems, you will want to use 3 stems to replace one root.
9. Dill Seeds
Dill seeds have a mild citrusy flavor that goes well in place of coriander root in recipes like pickles, curries, and marinades. You'll need to grind the seeds into powder to release their full flavor potential.
Once you've ground down the dill seeds, they can be used as an equal replacement for coriander root.
Table 1: Quick Reference Chart
| Coriander root substitute | Amount | Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Coriander Stems (Mashed) | 1 root | For every root required, use approximately three stems. If the stems are longer, use less. |
| Cumin Seeds | ½ tablespoon | Cumin seeds can be used to substitute coriander root in dishes that require a warm flavor, such as curry. Use half the amount called for and add more as needed. |
| Caraway Seeds | 1 tablespoon | If you don’t have cumin, caraway seeds can be used as a substitute because of their similar flavor to coriander, but this should be a last resort. |
| Fennel Seeds | 1 tablespoon | A great option if a slightly sweet flavor is desired in your dishes. Grind the seeds down for the best results and use them as a 1:1 substitution. |
| Fenugreek Seeds | 1 tablespoon | They are slightly more bitter than coriander root but will add a similar earthy tone to your dishes. |
| Curry Powder | ½ tablespoon | Curry powder usually contains coriander and can be used to add that flavor to your dishes, but this should not be a first choice due to the many other flavors present. |
| Basil | 1 tablespoon | It does not offer an exact flavor profile match but can work as an excellent filler for an herbal flavor in dishes. |
| Parsley | 1 tablespoon | Fresh parsley has a similar flavor to coriander but is milder. It can be used in fresh salads, marinades, or garnish. Consider using flat-leaf parsley for a closer match to the coriander's flavor. |
| Dill Seed | 1 tablespoon | While the flavors are different, dill seed can add a complementary herbal note to your dish. |
Tips For Selecting A Cilantro Root Substitute
When selecting the best cilantro root substitutes in cooking, it's essential to consider the flavor profiles and how they blend with the other ingredients in your recipe. Here are a few tips:
- Coriander Seeds: While coriander seeds lack the fresh flavor of cilantro root, they have a similarly warm and spicy flavor profile. They're best used in soups, stews, and curry recipes.
- Coriander (cilantro) Stems: You can use the stems of the cilantro plant instead of the root. The stems have a similar flavor but are less intense than the roots. Chop them finely and use them like you would use the root.
- Parsley: Parsley has a lighter, less intense flavor but can be a good substitute in recipes that call for cilantro root. However, parsley is better used as a garnish rather than an ingredient to be cooked, as it loses flavor when heated.
- Celery: Finely chopped celery can be an alternative for recipes that call for the texture rather than the flavor of cilantro root. Celery can stand up to the heat better than parsley.
Remember, none of these will perfectly replicate the unique flavor of cilantro root, but they can fill in adequately in a pinch. The best cilantro root substitute will largely depend on the specific dish you're preparing.
If you need a coriander root substitute, you can't go wrong with any of these easy alternatives! Each one can add a distinct flavor profile to your dish in a pinch!
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📖 Recipe Card
Coriander Root Substitute
Ingredients
- 3 coriander stems (mashed)
- ½ tablespoon cumin seeds
- 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
Instructions
- Use 3 coriander stems (mashed) to replace 1 coriander root.
- Use ½ tablespoon cumin seeds in place of 1 tablespoon of coriander root, and add more as needed.
- You can use 1 tablespoon fennel seeds in place of 1 tablespoon of coriander root. Grind the fennel seeds down for the best results.
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