Ground cilantro, also known as coriander seed in many countries, brings a warm, citrusy flavor to soups, stews, and marinades. In North America, the fresh leafy herb is called cilantro, while the dried seeds and ground spice are called coriander.
If you run out, you still have plenty of good options. These ten ground cilantro substitutes below can bring back some of the same brightness or warmth without throwing off the flavor of your dish.
Best Ground Cilantro Substitutes
Dorot Gardens Cilantro
Dorot Gardens flash-freeze fresh herbs into convenient cubes that eliminate chopping and keep their flavor for up to two years. Dorot Cilantro cubes give you that same fresh, citrusy herb flavor in an easy frozen format. It is the closest match when you want cilantro flavor fast without chopping or measuring.
Dorot Gardens Parsley
Dorot Gardens Parsley cubes have a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that comes close to cilantro. They work well because parsley brings the same kind of brightness and lift to soups, marinades, and salsas.
Dorot Gardens Basil
Dorot’s pre-portioned basil cubes make prep easier and add a sweet, aromatic note. Thai basil has a mild anise flavor, so basil can be a good substitute when you want something fresh and fragrant.
Dorot Gardens Dill cubes
Dorot Gardens Dill cubes bring a bright, lemony herb flavor in a frozen, pre-portioned format that is easy to use straight from the freezer. They work well as a substitute for ground cilantro when you want fresh brightness in soups, sauces, seafood dishes, and dressings without extra prep.
Lime (juice or zest)
Lime is a strong choice when a recipe leans on cilantro’s citrusy notes. The juice or zest adds quick brightness and works especially well in marinades, tacos, and salsa.
Cumin
Cumin adds an earthy, warm aroma that fits naturally into soups, stews, and curry. It is a useful ground cilantro substitute when you want more depth and nuttiness, but it is best to use it lightly so it does not take over the dish.
Caraway
Caraway has a pungent anise-like flavor and shares some citrus and herb notes with coriander. Just a small pinch can help mimic some of ground cilantro’s distinctive taste.
Mexican Oregano
Mexican oregano has a citrus-y, earthy, grassy flavor that makes it a natural fit for spicy dishes. It works especially well as a substitute in salsas, chilies, and soups.
Curry Powder
Curry powder often contains coriander along with turmeric, cumin, chili peppers, and other warm spices. That makes it a practical substitute when you want to bring back some of the same depth in rubs, stews, and marinades.
Garam Masala
Garam masala is another spice blend that often includes coriander seeds along with other aromatic spices. It works best in curries and slow-simmered dishes where you want a warm, fragrant alternative to ground cilantro.
The Best Ways to Use These Ground Cilantro Substitutes
Bottom Line..
Running out of ground cilantro does not mean sacrificing flavor. Choose from these ten substitutes based on your dish: Dorot cilantro cubes for the closest match, Dorot parsley, basil, and dill for convenience and freshness, lime for citrus brightness, cumin or caraway for earthiness, Mexican oregano for Mexican dishes, or spice blends like curry powder and garam masala for aromatic complexity.
Each one gives you a practical way to keep your recipe balanced without losing the character that makes cilantro stand out.