¿Qué es Recao?
Also known as Culantro or Mexican Coriander, it's an herb with a stronger, more pungent flavor than cilantro, essential in Caribbean and Latin American cuisines.
"Unlike cilantro, which bruises easily and loses flavor quickly when heated, Recao is robust and holds its flavor well through long cooking times."
¿A qué sabe Recao?
Pungent, fresh, strong cilantro-like, earthy, garlicky
- Taste
- Pungent, herbaceous, cilantro-like (stronger), earthy, slightly citrusy
- Texture
- Firm, somewhat leathery leaves
- Aroma
- Intense, pungent, distinctly cilantro-like
- Acidity
- Low
Technical Metrics
Aromatic Compounds
Aliphatic aldehydes
Heat Stability
Retains flavor well when cooked
Typical Shelf Life
1-2 weeks (refrigerated)
Información Nutricional
Per 1/4 cup (10g) choppedEl Secreto del Chef
Because of its strong flavor and heat stability, add culantro early in the cooking process to infuse dishes deeply, unlike cilantro which is often added at the end.
Sustitutos y Proporciones de Recao
El mejor sustituto para Recao es Cilantro (Coriander Leaf), usado en una proporción de 1:3 (recao:cilantro). Use more cilantro to approximate flavor, but it will be milder and less stable when cooked.
| Sustituto | Proporción | Mejor para |
|---|---|---|
| Cilantro (Coriander Leaf) Mejor | 1:3 (recao:cilantro) | Use more cilantro to approximate flavor, but it will be milder and less stable when cooked. |
| Parsley + Cumin | 1:1 (parsley) + pinch cumin | Milder, but can provide some green freshness and earthy depth. |
| Vietnamese Coriander (Rau Ram) | 1:1 | Similar pungent, herbaceous notes, but with a peppery/spicy kick. |
| Arugula | 1:2 | Less similar, but provides a peppery, green, slightly bitter note for freshness in a pinch. |
Cómo Elegir y Almacenar Recao
- Look for fresh, vibrant green leaves without wilting or yellowing.
- Often found in Latin American or Asian markets.
¿Con Qué Combina Bien Recao?
- Sofrito
- stews
- soups
- rice and beans
- ceviche
- grilled meats.
Preguntas frecuentes
¿A qué sabe Recao?
Pungent, fresh, strong cilantro-like, earthy, garlicky Intense, pungent, distinctly cilantro-like
¿Cuál es un buen sustituto para Recao?
El mejor sustituto es Cilantro (Coriander Leaf) (1:3 (recao:cilantro)). Use more cilantro to approximate flavor, but it will be milder and less stable when cooked.
¿Cómo eliges y almacenas Recao?
Look for fresh, vibrant green leaves without wilting or yellowing. Often found in Latin American or Asian markets.