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

Copycat Novelty Healthy Occasion

Copycat Costa Vida Green Rice

Craving the vibrant, flavorful green rice from Costa Vida? This copycat recipe lets you recreate that deliciousness at home! Perfect as a side dish for burritos, bowls, or salads, this recipe captures the restaurant's signature lime and cilantro zest. Easy to make and bursting with fresh flavors, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your Mexican-inspired meals!

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30 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Preparation Low Protein

Aaloo Mattar Indian Style Peas And Potatoes

Master the art of flavorful Indian vegetable curries with this simple Aloo Mattar recipe! This versatile recipe uses boiled potatoes and peas as a base, easily adaptable to create countless vegetable curries – from spinach and cauliflower to capsicum and mushrooms. Learn the foundational technique and discover endless culinary possibilities. Enjoy this delicious dish with warm naan or fluffy rice. A quick, easy, and satisfying vegetarian meal!

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Indian Occasion 15 Minutes Or Less Indian

Akoori Scrambled Eggs Parsi

Experience the vibrant flavors of Parsi cuisine with this delightful Akoori Scrambled Eggs recipe! A quick and easy breakfast or brunch option, this creamy, spiced egg dish is perfect for a satisfying tiffin. Learn how to make this flavorful egg scramble, bursting with aromatic spices and perfectly cooked to a creamy consistency. Serve with chapatis, parathas, or toasted bread for a complete and unforgettable meal.

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60 Minutes Or Less Course Main Ingredient Dietary

Aloo Mutter

Experience the vibrant flavors of India with this Aloo Mutter recipe! A comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender potatoes and sweet peas simmered in a rich and aromatic spice blend. Perfect served with naan, roti, or rice. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 45 minutes.

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Dietary Appetizers Low Carb Time To Make

Amazing Cream Cheese Spread

Elevate your bagels, toast, and more with this incredibly versatile and flavorful cream cheese spread! Perfect for stuffed chicken breasts, cream cheese roll-ups, or chicken crescent packets – the possibilities are endless! This recipe is easily customizable; try adding fresh herbs like mint for an extra burst of flavor. Whip up a batch today and keep it in your fridge for a quick and delicious snack or meal addition any time!

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Mexican Vegetarian Free Of Something 30 Minutes Or Less

Arroz Verde Mexican Green Rice

Spice up your weeknights with this vibrant Arroz Verde! Our Mexican-inspired green rice recipe is a delicious twist on plain rice, bursting with fresh cilantro and zesty lime. While parboiled rice delivers the best texture, long-grain rice works in a pinch. Get ready for a flavor explosion that'll transform your tacos, burritos, or enjoy it as a side dish! Easy to make and utterly delicious.

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Chicken Free Of Something Dietary Meat

Asian Caramelized Chicken

This irresistible Asian Caramelized Chicken recipe is a family favorite that's impressive enough for guests! Tender, juicy boneless, skinless chicken thighs are coated in a luscious, sticky glaze, then finished with crunchy peanuts and fresh cilantro for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Ready in under 30 minutes!

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Main Ingredient Easy Soups Stews Pasta Rice And Grains

Asian Chicken And Snow Pea Noodle Bowl

This vibrant and flavorful Asian Chicken & Snow Pea Noodle Bowl is a quick and easy weeknight meal! Tender chicken, crisp snow peas, and delicious noodles are tossed in a savory broth, making for a satisfying and healthy dish. Easily adaptable to your taste – substitute beef for chicken and beef broth for chicken broth to create a delicious beef noodle bowl! Vegetarian? Simply use tofu and vegetable broth instead of chicken and chicken broth. Customize your spice level and add extra bouillon for a richer flavor. Get ready for a culinary adventure in just 30 minutes!

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Number Of Servings Poultry Salads Dietary

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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Cuisine Asian Seafood Shellfish

Asian Steamed Dumpling Filling

Unlock the secrets to unbelievably delicious Asian steamed dumplings with this chef-inspired recipe! Learned from a Benihana chef, this versatile filling works wonders with ground pork (classic!), succulent shrimp (a luxurious treat!), or lean ground turkey (our personal favorite!). Get ready to impress your family and friends with these juicy, flavorful dumplings – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Easy Vegetables Side Dishes Course

Asparagus With Ginger Orange Butter

Elevate your asparagus game with this vibrant and flavorful recipe! A zesty ginger-orange butter, easily made ahead and frozen, adds a burst of sunshine to tender asparagus spears. This recipe is quick, easy, and the incredible butter is versatile enough to use on other vegetables too. Get ready for a taste of culinary delight!

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Dietary Low Sodium Low Protein Side Dishes

Avocado Corn Salad

This vibrant Avocado Corn Salad is bursting with fresh flavors! Sweet corn kernels mingle with creamy avocado, zesty lime, and a touch of spice. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or appetizer. Made with fresh corn cut from the cob for the ultimate summery taste!

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Appetizers Tropical Fruit Low Saturated Fat Technique

Avocado Tomato And Mango Salsa

This vibrant Avocado Tomato Mango Salsa is a taste of sunshine! Sweet mango, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes combine in a zesty explosion of flavor. Perfect as a topping for grilled fish, chicken, or served with crispy tortilla chips. A quick and easy recipe adapted from allrecipes, ready in under 45 minutes!

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Diabetic Kosher Soups Stews Greens

Azerbaijani Kefir And Greens Soup

Inspired by Gil Marks' "Olive Trees and Honey," this vibrant Azerbaijani kefir (or yogurt) soup is a refreshing and flavorful experience. Featuring tender split peas, fluffy rice, and a burst of fresh herbs, this unique soup is traditionally served warm after the main course. The subtle tang of kefir perfectly complements the earthy greens, creating a surprisingly light and satisfying finish to any meal. Get ready to impress your guests with this culinary gem!

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Number Of Servings Course For Large Groups 15 Minutes Or Less

B Nutty Dip Aka Lucky 13 Hummus

This lucky #13 hummus recipe is a protein-packed, lemony, garlicky, and nutty twist on a classic! Made with 13 ingredients (each using amounts of 1 or 3), this dip is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it as a spread on sandwiches, with pita chips, or as a healthy snack with veggies. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

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Spicy North American Deep Fry Cheese

Bean Cheese Taquitos W Guacamole

Craving delicious, vegetarian taquitos? This easy recipe delivers crispy, flavorful taquitos packed with hearty beans and melty cheese, all served with creamy homemade guacamole. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer, this recipe is easily adaptable for vegan diets too! Skip the restaurant and make these amazing taquitos at home in just 45 minutes.

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Time To Make Meat Chili Preparation

Beef And Black Bean Chili With Green Onion Corn Cakes

This hearty and flavorful Beef & Black Bean Chili is a Rachel Ray-inspired recipe, perfect for a cozy night in! We've halved the beef for a lighter version, but the rich chili flavor remains. Simmer it for 45 minutes for ultimate depth (or less if you're short on time!). Enjoy it on its own or with our crispy, savory green onion corn cakes – the perfect complement to scoop up every delicious bite! This recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference.

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Fruit Nuts Meat Fruit

Beef Curry Pillows

Indulge in these irresistible Beef Curry Pillows! Spicy, fragrant beef curry is lovingly tucked inside flaky, golden puff pastry for a flavor explosion in every bite. A perfect appetizer or light meal, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality results.

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