The 3 Best Substitutes for Coriander

Coriander is a small pod about the size of a peppercorn. It's surprisingly the seed of the cilantro plant, although they taste very different. Across the pond, the spice coriander, the seed of the plant, and the herb cilantro, the leaves of the plant, are referred to as coriander.

What Does Coriander Taste Like?

Since coriander is the seed of the cilantro plant, cilantro haters might be wary. But luckily, the flavor of coriander couldn't be more different than cilantro. If you're unfamiliar with coriander, you may have already had it in curry powder or rubs for meat.

It's often found in spice blends, so while you may not be able to pick coriander out of a blend, you'd notice if it wasn't there. On its own, coriander has a slightly nutty, almost citrus-like flavor. It's similar to other warming spices like cinnamon or nutmeg but has a fresher, more sharp finish. Coriander is unique because it's a warming spice that's at home in garam masala but also pairs well with lemon and fresh herbs.

Why Look for Coriander Substitutes?

If you're here, you probably have a recipe or dish in mind that calls for coriander. Maybe you started cooking and realized you don't have any on hand. Maybe you or someone in your household doesn't like or is allergic to coriander. Or perhaps you're just looking to experiment with different flavors. No matter the reason, no coriander shouldn't stop you from making all your favorite dishes.

Get the recipe: Authentic and Easy Shrimp Curry

Best Coriander Substitutes

Cumin

Cumin and coriander are the peanut butter and jelly of your spice cabinet – the perfect pair. In many recipes, especially Indian dishes, cumin and coriander are often used together. In recipes like dahl, coriander is paired with cumin and other spices, so it's easy to double the cumin instead of coriander. This is also the case in many rice dishes from across the world, where coriander and cumin are used to perfume the rice.

If you're a fan of Moroccan cooking, try making your own Ras El Hanout, a spice blend that features both cumin and coriander, but can easily be made with cumin substituted for coriander.

Caraway

Coriander has a slight astringency that caraway shares. Caraway is the perfect substitute when recipes call for whole coriander, like pickling spice or brine for meat. Caraway and coriander are most famously paired up in Tunisian harissa paste, a spiced condiment perfect for meats, veggies, and more. Ground caraway can be used for ground coriander in a pinch, but the flavor profile will be different. When ground, use half as much caraway as coriander.

Fennel

Coriander and fennel share a similar earthiness and slight citrus note. Fennel has a more intense licorice-type flavor, so use half as much fennel as coriander when substituting. Whole fennel seeds are also a good swap for whole coriander in recipes that call for whole spices. Fennel and coriander also love lamb, so if you're making kofta kebabs for dinner, swap out the coriander for fennel, and it'll still be a crowd-pleaser.

Tips for Using Coriander Substitutes Effectively

• When you diverge from a recipe, it's important to remember that the end result won't be exactly the same as a non-substituted version. As long as you manage your expectations, things will still be delicious.
• Deciding which swap to use depends on the flavor profile of the dish you're making. Think about what you want the final dish to taste like and what cuisine or part of the world you're exploring. Some swaps will be better than others, depending on what else is in the dish.

Related:

• What is Cilantro?
• What Is Curry Powder?
• These 7 Simple Herbs Make Everyday Meals Feel Special