Substitute for Cilantro: Ratios and Best Uses

By The Recipes by Mom kitchen · Last checked October 21, 2026 · Not kitchen-tested; see how our recipes are made

The most common substitute for fresh cilantro is an equal amount of flat-leaf parsley with a little fresh lime juice or zest. This works well in many dishes, from salsa to rice, where cilantro’s fresh, green character is important.

Other herbs can stand in for cilantro, especially when the recipe’s flavor profile aligns with the substitute. For example, Thai basil is a good choice for curries, and mint works well in some salads and chutneys. For those who find cilantro has a soapy taste, a parsley-based substitute can provide a similar fresh, green quality without the specific flavor they dislike.

Substitutes for cilantro

Ratios are common kitchen equivalents; results vary by recipe, so try a swap in a forgiving recipe first.

Good to know

• If cilantro tastes soapy to you, parsley-based swaps keep a fresh green flavor without it

How to choose the right cilantro substitute

When replacing cilantro, consider the role it plays in the recipe. Is it a primary flavor or a bright green garnish? For dishes where cilantro is a key ingredient, like many salsas, a substitute that mimics its fresh quality is best. Flat-leaf parsley combined with lime is a popular choice because it provides a similar visual and herbaceous taste, even though it lacks cilantro’s distinct citrus notes.

If the cilantro is part of a complex sauce or curry, another aromatic herb might be a better fit. The goal is to complement the other ingredients. Culantro, an herb with a similar but much stronger flavor, can be used in smaller amounts in Latin and Caribbean cooking where its potent character is welcome.

Cilantro swaps by recipe type

Choosing a substitute often depends on the cuisine. Here are some suggestions based on common recipe types:

• Salsa, tacos, and rice: For these dishes, use an equal amount of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley mixed with a small amount of lime juice or zest. This combination provides the bright, fresh green element that cilantro typically offers.
• Curries and noodle dishes: In many Southeast Asian recipes, Thai basil can be substituted for cilantro in a one-for-one ratio. It brings its own distinct anise note which complements the other spices in these dishes.
• Salads and chutneys: Fresh mint is a good option here, but use less than the recipe calls for, as its cool flavor can be assertive. It works especially well in dishes where a refreshing quality is desired.

What to expect when you substitute

Using a substitute for cilantro will change the final flavor and aroma of your dish. No other herb tastes exactly like cilantro, so the goal is to complement the recipe rather than perfectly replicate it. Flat-leaf parsley provides a milder, more grassy flavor, and the addition of lime helps mimic the brightness of cilantro.

Using a different aromatic herb will introduce a new flavor profile. Thai basil adds a sweet anise note, while mint contributes a cool, fresh character. Culantro offers a much more intense version of cilantro’s flavor, so use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the dish. Always taste as you go and adjust the amount of the substitute herb to suit your preference.

Sources and method

• Substitution ratios: common equivalents from US university extension substitution tables and standard cookbooks, cross-checked by the editors

Last checked October 21, 2026.