Ask the chef

Ingredient substitute

What can you use instead of cilantro?

Culantro (recao), Flat-leaf parsley + lime zest and Thai basil are the easiest swaps. Below: 4 options with the right amount to use, what changes in the dish and which diets they suit.

The quick answer

Culantro (recao). Use the same amount. Stronger flavor, traditional substitute.

Adjust: Use 3/4 amount for cilantro intensity.

  1. Culantro (recao)

    Drop-in swap

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Stronger flavor, traditional substitute.

    Flavor
    Similar but stronger.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Use 3/4 amount for cilantro intensity.
    Best for
    Latin American, Caribbean

    vegan

  2. Flat-leaf parsley + lime zest

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Parsley for bulk, lime for citrus notes.

    Flavor
    Similar green brightness.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Mix 3 parts parsley + 1 tsp lime zest per cup cilantro.
    Best for
    Salsa, Curries, Garnish

    vegan

  3. Thai basil

    Small adjustment

    Use the same amount (ratio 1:1)

    Anise notes, similar green freshness.

    Flavor
    Anise + green.
    Texture
    Same.
    Moisture
    Same.
    Adjust
    Different flavor — works contextually.
    Best for
    Asian cooking

    vegan

  4. Dried cilantro

    Changes flavor or texture

    Use ⅓ of the amount (ratio 1:3)

    Much weaker. Fresh always preferred.

    Flavor
    Less aromatic.
    Texture
    Dried flakes.
    Moisture
    None.
    Adjust
    Use 3x amount. Fresh is dramatically better.
    Best for
    In a pinch, Long-cooking stews

    vegan

Common questions

What is the best substitute for cilantro?

Culantro (recao) is the closest swap. Use the same amount. Stronger flavor, traditional substitute.

What is a vegan substitute for cilantro?

Good vegan options are Culantro (recao), Flat-leaf parsley + lime zest, Thai basil and Dried cilantro.

How much should I use instead of cilantro?

It depends on the swap. Culantro (recao): Use the same amount. Flat-leaf parsley + lime zest: Use the same amount. Thai basil: Use the same amount.

Recipes that use cilantro

Scale it to your recipe

Enter the amount you need and the substitution tool works out the exact quantity. Or ask the chef how the swap will change your dish.

Open the substitution toolAsk the chef