Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for cilantro
Best swap for cilantro: Coriander leaves. Same thing, different name. Use it 1:1.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Cilantro?
Cilantro and Coriander Leaves are the same ingredient under different names, so swap one for the other 1:1. Another option is Parsley, 1:1; no citrus note, but similar freshness and color. The table below also lists Culantro, Flat-Leaf Parsley with A Squeeze of Lime and Thai Basil, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Coriander leaves | Same thing, different name. Use it 1:1. |
| Parsley | 1:1; no citrus note, but similar freshness and color |
| Culantro | use about half; the same aroma compound in a much stronger leaf, common in Caribbean and Latin American cooking |
| Flat-leaf parsley with a squeeze of lime | 1:1 parsley plus a squeeze of lime at the end; the lime restores the citrus note parsley lacks |
| Thai basil | 1:1 in South-East Asian dishes; anise rather than citrus, but it plays the same fresh finishing role |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Read the full guide: Cilantro substitute in sauce: parsley 1:1 plus lime
Buying more? Storage times for cilantro