What can I use instead of Cilantro?

Flat-leaf parsley + lime: 1 Tbsp parsley + a squeeze of lime. Culantaro / culantro: 1:1.

What changes when you substitute Cilantro?

No soapy-citrus character — which is the point for haters. Actually stronger.

Substitute for Cilantro

What it does in a recipe: Split-opinion herb: essential to salsa, guacamole, and Thai food.

2 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Flat-leaf parsley + lime

per 1 Tbsp cilantro

US1 Tbsp parsley + a squeeze of lime

Metric4 g parsley + lime

Pantry stapleBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVegan

Parsley gives the green freshness; lime fakes the citrus edge.

What changes: No soapy-citrus character — which is the point for haters

Culantaro / culantro

per 1 Tbsp cilantro

US1:1

Metricsame

SpecialtyBaking-safe ✓Alcohol-freeDairy-freeEgg-freeFish-freeGluten-freeNut-freePeanut-freeShellfish-freeSoy-freeVegan

The authentic cousin (reo/recao) — found in Caribbean and Asian markets.

What changes: Actually stronger

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Cilantro?: Flat-leaf parsley + lime: 1 Tbsp parsley + a squeeze of lime. Culantaro / culantro: 1:1.
What is the exact ratio to substitute Cilantro?: Flat-leaf parsley + lime (per 1 Tbsp cilantro) — US: 1 Tbsp parsley + a squeeze of lime. Metric: 4 g parsley + lime.
What changes when you substitute Cilantro?: No soapy-citrus character — which is the point for haters. Actually stronger.

Kitchen Substitute for iPhone — every ratio on this page, in your pocket, offline.

$0.99 once · no ads · no account · free content updates forever.

Get it on the App Store

Acids

Condiments

Eggs

Fats & oils

Flours

Grains

Leaveners

Liquids

Meat

Italian sausage

Nuts

Pine nuts