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

3 Steps Or Less Easy Dietary Vegetables

Spanish Corn

Elevate your next Spanish-themed dinner with this vibrant and flavorful corn dish! Inspired by a home-cooked meal, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with authentic tastes. Perfect as a side dish, it complements any Spanish entree beautifully. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant recipe.

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4 Hours Or Less Time To Make Preparation 4 Hours Or Less

A Taste Of Africa Kenyan Chicken Curry

Embark on a culinary journey to Kenya with this vibrant and flavorful chicken curry! Inspired by Swahili cuisine—a fusion of East African and Middle Eastern flavors—this recipe delivers a rich, fragrant curry without overpowering heat. The chicken is marinated in a blend of aromatic spices including paprika, coriander, and turmeric, then cooked to perfection. A creamy sauce, simmered with fragrant spices and a touch of honey, complements the tender chicken beautifully. Serve over fluffy basmati rice for a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. Easily adaptable to your spice preference and dietary needs – even includes a shrimp upgrade!

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Vegetarian Cuisine Course Main Ingredient

Add A Little Interest With Persian Couscous

Quick, vibrant, and flavorful! This Persian couscous recipe is a weeknight dinner hero. Perfect for busy cooks, this colorful dish boasts delightful textures and is ready in under 20 minutes. Serve it as a vibrant side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Inspired by Alison & Simon Holst's easy vegetarian cookbook, this recipe is a family favorite – even picky eaters will love it!

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Cuban Healthy 2 15 Minutes Or Less Holiday Event

Adobo Marinade

Ignite your taste buds with this vibrant Adobo Marinade! Perfect for chicken, beef, pork, tempeh, and fish, this 5-minute marinade delivers incredible flavor. Infuse your proteins with the rich, savory notes of adobo for unbelievably juicy and tender results. Easy to make and incredibly versatile, this marinade is your secret weapon for weeknight dinners and special occasions.

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60 Minutes Or Less Brown Rice Meat 60 Minutes Or Less

Almost Core Chicken Biryani

Experience the rich, aromatic flavors of India with this Almost Core Chicken Biryani recipe! A slightly altered version from Food & Wine, this dish features tender chicken and fluffy basmati rice infused with fragrant spices. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Asian Preparation Easy Time To Make

Aloo Keema Potato And Mince Curry

This vibrant Aloo Keema recipe is a quick and satisfying weeknight meal! Tender potatoes and flavorful minced meat simmered in a rich blend of aromatic spices. Perfect served with rice, naan, or pita bread. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Preparation Vegetables Peruvian Course

Andes Style Papas Rellenas

Experience the vibrant flavors of Peru and Colombia with this authentic Papas Rellenas recipe! These crispy, deep-fried stuffed potatoes are filled with a savory blend of seasoned ground beef, olives, and hard-boiled eggs. Learn how to create the perfect potato dough, master the flavorful meat filling, and achieve that golden-brown, irresistible crust. This recipe offers a delicious twist with the option to include yuca for extra texture. Serve with a zesty aji or sarza criolla sauce for a complete culinary journey!

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30 Minutes Or Less Preparation Course Vegetarian

Aromatic Vegetable Fried Rice Su Cai Chao Fan

Unlock the secret to unbelievably flavorful fried rice! This Aromatic Vegetable Fried Rice (Su Cai Chao Fan) recipe starts with a key step: tossing cooked rice in peanut oil for a nutty base. Then, we build layers of flavor with vibrant vegetables stir-fried to perfection in sesame and peanut oil. For an extra touch of authenticity, make your own simple vegetable stock (recipe #424266 – minimal effort, maximum flavor!), or use a store-bought broth. Get ready for a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Time To Make Poultry Preparation Low In Something

Asian Style Turkey Burgers

Experience a flavor explosion with Chef Bobo's Asian Style Turkey Burgers! This recipe delivers juicy, savory turkey patties infused with aromatic ginger, garlic, and cilantro, perfectly complemented by a zesty orange-soy glaze. A quick and easy weeknight meal, perfect for burger lovers seeking an exciting Asian twist.

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Time To Make Dinner Party Course Sauces

Asian Lime Sauce For Grilling And Dipping

Elevate your grilling game with this vibrant Asian Lime Sauce! Perfect for brushing onto ribs during grilling for an explosion of juicy, tangy flavor, or serve it on the side as a delicious dipping sauce. This quick and easy recipe, inspired by a magazine favorite, adds a zesty twist to any grilled meat.

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30 Minutes Or Less Dinner Party Cuisine Dips

Authentic Mexican Guacamole

Craving authentic Mexican flavor? This Tijuana-style guacamole recipe, passed down from a family friend, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Learn the secret to perfectly ripe avocados and whip up this easy, fresh dip in just minutes. It's so good, it'll disappear at your next family get-together! Get ready for the most flavorful guacamole you've ever tasted.

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Main Dish Eggs Dairy Preparation Mexican

Avocado Quesadillas

Craveable Central Market-Style Avocado Quesadillas! This recipe elevates the classic quesadilla with a vibrant avocado mixture and a creamy cilantro-lime sour cream. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun appetizer.

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Onions Course Main Ingredient No Cook

Avocado Tomato Corn Salad Salsa

Beat the heat with this refreshing Avocado Tomato Corn Salad Salsa! Ready in 10 minutes, this vibrant recipe is perfect as a salad, salsa, or topping for your favorite protein. Frozen corn keeps it delightfully cool, ideal for summer days. Customize the spice level – mild or fiery with jalapeño or chipotle peppers! Parsley works great if you don't have cilantro. Serve it in wraps, over greens, or alongside grilled fish, chicken, or meat. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Equipment Low Protein Salads Independence Day

Awesome Asian Slaw

This vibrant and refreshing Asian slaw is the perfect side dish for your next summer barbecue or grilled feast! Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this slaw features a delicious, tangy dressing that complements any protein. Make it ahead of time and enjoy this beautiful and healthy side dish all week long.

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Vietnamese 4 Hours Or Less Preparation Lunch

Banh Mi Vietnamese Sandwiches Bnh Mi

Experience the taste of Vietnam with this incredible Banh Mi recipe! These homemade sandwiches rival the best from any Vietnamese shop. Using sourdough bread adds a delightful tang, and leftover Asian-flavored meats are perfectly welcome. Create a flavorful masterpiece with quick-pickled veggies and perfectly grilled protein. Get ready for an explosion of fresh herbs, crunchy textures, and savory deliciousness in every bite!

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Beginner Cook Time To Make Inexpensive Main Ingredient

Barbecue Cashew Chicken Pizza With French Fried Onions

Get ready for a flavor explosion! This BBQ Cashew Chicken Pizza takes your taste buds on a wild ride with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and the irresistible crunch of French fried onions. Inspired by Pillsbury, this recipe is a unique twist on classic pizza, perfect for a fun weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing party dish. Prepare for a pizza experience unlike any other!

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Side Dishes Course Vegetables Dietary

Batatas Con Huevos Mexican Comfort Food

A comforting and flavorful Mexican twist on eggs in a nest! Instead of bread, perfectly roasted sweet potatoes cradle fluffy eggs, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Inspired by a sushi chef's genius improvisation, this recipe is easy to follow and perfect for a weekend brunch or a weeknight dinner. Get ready for a taste of Mexican comfort food heaven!

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Beginner Cook Course Dietary Soups Stews

Beef Fajita Soup

Warm up with this sizzling Beef Fajita Soup! A hearty and flavorful recipe that's perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering. This recipe features tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and zesty spices, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth. Get ready for a taste explosion that will leave everyone wanting more!

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