Cilantro

Coriandrum sativum Herb

Cilantro Herb

At a Glance

  • Category Herb

The Forktionary Angle

"The polarizing yet powerful herb, capable of transforming dishes with its vibrant, fresh, and complex aroma."

Definition

A fragrant herb with bright, citrusy, and slightly peppery notes, essential in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines.

Optimal Usage Add fresh at the end of cooking for best flavor.
Storage Tip Store stems in water, covered loosely with plastic, in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Water Content ~92.2%

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Cilantro are:

Bright fresh citrusy peppery slightly soapy (for some)

Chef’s Secret

If you're one of the 'soapy' cilantro tasters, try crushing the leaves before adding them; this can sometimes break down the compounds responsible for the soapy taste.

Best Substitutes

Flat-leaf Parsley

less citrusy
Ratio 1:1

Mint

different profile
Ratio 1:1

Culantro

stronger
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for bright green, perky leaves without yellowing or wilting.

Recipes Using Cilantro

Equipment Dietary Fruit Curries

Awesome Thai Chicken Coconut Curry

Experience a taste explosion with this authentic Thai Chicken Coconut Curry! This recipe unlocks the incredible flavor of coconut milk and vibrant curry paste. Don't skimp – every ingredient contributes to the magic! Discover the surprisingly affordable secret ingredient: fish sauce (easily found in the Asian food aisle). Prepare for a culinary adventure that's as delicious as it is easy. Get ready to be amazed!

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Cuisine Mexican Time To Make Main Dish

Vegan Taco Soup

This vibrant and flavorful Vegan Taco Soup is a game-changer! Perfect for a cozy night in or a large gathering, this recipe is incredibly easy to customize. Enjoy it as a hearty vegan meal, or add your favorite dairy toppings for a delicious twist. Inspired by a family recipe and adapted for vegan diets, this soup is packed with corn, beans, and zesty spices – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Easily halved for smaller portions. Get ready for a fiesta in your bowl!

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3 Steps Or Less Preparation Beef Easy

Trash Bag Taco Salad

This crowd-pleasing Trash Bag Taco Salad is perfect for potlucks, camping trips, or summer picnics! Quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, this make-ahead recipe requires minimal prep and cleanup. The secret? A sturdy plastic bag does the mixing for you! Get ready for rave reviews – this one disappears fast!

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Free Of Something Course Appetizers Presentation

5 Minute Thai Shrimp Satay

Ready in just 5 minutes, this incredibly easy Thai Shrimp Satay recipe will wow your friends and family! Impress them with restaurant-quality flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. This lightning-fast recipe, inspired by Kraft's What's Cooking book, is perfect for a weeknight meal or a quick appetizer. Get ready for succulent shrimp and a creamy peanut sauce that's simply irresistible!

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Easy Time To Make Beef Soups Stews

Best Albondigas Soup

This award-winning albondigas soup recipe, passed down from my mother-in-law, is a family favorite! It's rich, flavorful, and honestly, better than any restaurant I've tried. Tender meatballs simmered in a vibrant broth with fresh vegetables – get ready for a taste of comfort food perfection. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour.

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Main Ingredient North American Main Ingredient Peppers

No Copycats Here Homemade Chicken Tortilla Soup

Tired of bland or overly spicy store-bought tortilla soup mixes? This homemade recipe is a game-changer! Developed to satisfy even the pickiest soup critics (yes, even husbands who *hate* tortilla soup!), this vibrant and healthy soup is bursting with flavor. Perfect for a chilly evening or any time you crave a comforting, delicious, and authentic Mexican meal. Get ready to experience the best chicken tortilla soup you've ever tasted!

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Copycat Preparation Meat Occasion

Applebees Chicken Fajita Rollup

Recreate the craveable Applebee's Chicken Fajita Rollup at home! This copycat recipe features tender grilled chipotle chicken, melted Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, crisp lettuce, and fresh pico de gallo, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. Served with a creamy, zesty Mexi-ranch dipping sauce for the perfect flavor explosion. Get ready for a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen!

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Avocado Savory Occasion Course

Avacado Garlic Dip

This creamy Avocado Garlic Dip is a game-changer! Inspired by a simple guacamole mishap (with a *lot* of garlic!), this recipe delivers a bold garlic flavor without the heavy cream cheese or mayo. It's healthy, vibrant, and perfect for dipping chips, veggies, or spreading on sandwiches. Get ready for an explosion of fresh avocado and pungent garlic goodness!

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Time To Make Lettuces Greens Chicken

Asian Chicken Salad With Glazed Pecans

Craving a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal? This Asian Chicken Salad with Maple-Glazed Pecans is your answer! Packed with fresh veggies, juicy chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option!), and crunchy, sweet maple-glazed pecans, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or satisfying dinner. The irresistible maple pecans take only 5 minutes to make, and the entire salad comes together in a flash. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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15 Minutes Or Less Easy 3 Steps Or Less Preparation

Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta

This vibrant Avocado Chimichurri Bruschetta recipe is a vegetarian delight, ready in just 10 minutes! Creamy avocado is tossed with a zesty cilantro-parsley chimichurri sauce and piled high on toasted bread for a quick and flavorful appetizer or light meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party!

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Preparation Low Calorie Chicken Thighs Legs Crock Pot Slow Cooker

Crock Pot Chicken Chili

Warm up on chilly evenings with this hearty Crock Pot Chicken Chili! This recipe is perfect for slow cooking in your crockpot or for a quicker stovetop version (simmer for about 1 hour). Enjoy tender chicken, vibrant spices, and a rich, flavorful broth. Easily customizable to your spice preference!

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Asian Main Dish Cuisine Low In Something

Beef Patties With Thai Style Sauce

Spice up your midweek meal with these flavorful beef patties, elevated with a vibrant Thai-inspired sauce! This recipe, adapted from a supermarket classic, boasts incredible depth of flavor that improves even overnight. Using simple ingredients, you'll create juicy patties and a rich sauce, perfect served with rice and Asian greens. Ground chicken or ostrich can easily be substituted for the beef, making this a versatile and delicious dish for any night of the week.

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Dietary Meat Cuisine Dietary

Beef Wonton Samosas

Crispy, golden-brown Beef Wonton Samosas bursting with savory spiced beef and potatoes! This recipe offers a delicious twist on a classic, perfect for a party appetizer or a satisfying main course. Easily baked or fried for your convenience. Get ready for a flavor adventure!

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Vegetarian Sauces Preparation Time To Make

Bean And Corn Salsa

This surprisingly addictive bean and corn salsa will be the star of your next tailgate or barbecue! I initially doubted this chickpea-based salsa, but it's become a crowd favorite, always disappearing first. The best part? No refrigeration needed for the ingredients, making it the perfect make-ahead party snack. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, this recipe is a must-try!

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Fruit Meat Main Dish 30 Minutes Or Less

Apricot Chicken Stir Fry

Sweet and savory perfection! This Apricot Chicken Stir-Fry bursts with flavor, thanks to the delightful sweetness of dried apricots and the vibrant crunch of snow peas. A quick and easy weeknight meal, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks who crave delicious, healthy food. The tender chicken, aromatic ginger and garlic, and bright lemon juice create a harmonious blend of tastes and textures you won't forget. Get ready to experience a taste sensation!

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Cuisine Cuisine Asian Preparation

Udon Noodles With Spicy Shrimp

A fiery fusion of flavors! This recipe, inspired by Cooking Light and The Big Bowl Cookbook, delivers a vibrant and customizable noodle bowl. Enjoy succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty lime dressing, tossed with crisp bell peppers, and served over your choice of udon noodles or spaghetti. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's bursting with flavor!

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Preparation Beef Main Dish 30 Minutes Or Less

Best Ever Hamburgers

These award-winning hamburgers are a crowd-pleaser, combining the best elements from multiple recipes. Get ready for incredibly juicy patties bursting with flavor, thanks to a vibrant blend of roasted red peppers, garlic, and sundried tomatoes. The prep time is flexible (doesn't include chilling time), allowing you to customize your burger-making experience. Prepare for a taste sensation!

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Soups Stews Low Cholesterol Preparation Healthy 2

Another Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe

Tired of the same old tortilla soup? This recipe puts a fresh spin on a classic! I swapped out fresh jalapeño and tomato for a can of Rotel for ultimate convenience, but kept the rich, savory flavor you crave. Plus, I've added a generous amount of fresh cilantro (because who doesn't love cilantro?). Customize with your favorite toppings and get ready for a flavor explosion! This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal.

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