What Is Cilantro and How Can I Use It?
Cilantro rewards a little know-how: how to choose it, cook it, store it, and substitute in a pinch. Browse 1,920 recipes to cook with it.
What is cilantro?
The leaves are variously referred to as coriander leaves , Chinese parsley , cilantro (in America, from the Spanish for the plant).
The leaves have a different taste from the seeds, with citrus overtones. Some perceive an unpleasant "soapy" taste or a rank smell and avoid the leaves. The flavours have also been compared to those of the stink bug, and similar chemical groups are involved (aldehydes).
The fresh leaves are an ingredient in many South Asian foods (particularly chutneys), in Chinese dishes and in Mexican dishes, particularly in salsa and guacamole and as a garnish.
Chopped coriander leaves are a garnish on cooked dishes such as dal and curries. As heat diminishes their flavor quickly, coriander leaves are often used raw or added to the dish immediately before serving.
Fruit
The seeds have a lemony citrus flavour when crushed, due to terpenes linalool and pinene. It is described as warm, nutty, spicy, and orange-flavored. It is commonly found both as whole dried seeds and in ground form. Seeds can be roasted or heated on a dry pan briefly before grinding to enhance and alter the aroma. Ground coriander seed loses flavor quickly in storage and is best ground fresh.
Roots
Coriander roots have a deeper, more intense flavor than the leaves. They are used in a variety of Asian cuisines. They are commonly used in Thai dishes, including soups and curry pastes.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/4 cup (4g)Where found
Cilantro is usually found in the produce section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.
Food group
Cilantro is a member of the Vegetables and Vegetable Products US Department of Agriculture nutritional food group.
How much does cilantro weigh?
| Amount | Weight |
|---|---|
| 0.25 cup | 4 grams |
| 9 sprigs | 20 grams |
Related
Vegetables and Vegetable Products
| In Chinese: | 胡荽叶 | |
| British (UK) term: | ||
| en français: | feuilles de coriandre | |
| en español: | hojas de cilantro |
Recipes using cilantro
There are 1920 recipes that contain this ingredient.
Guacamole Ole
This easy party-perfect appetizer teams the flavors of Mexican and California cuisine in a lively dip.
Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Watercress Pesto
These delicious yet nutritious sweet potato gnocchi is coated with refreshing and tangy watercress pesto. It's a dish that's packed with flavor and fills you up with all the goodness and yumminess.
Always Loved Vegetarian Chili
Vegetarian Chili with bulgur and vegetables--Vegetarian chili: hot satisfying dish for fans of meatless mains.
Meatball Chili Stew
Tex-Mex meatball chili stew with crushed tortilla chip-bound meatballs simmered in picante sauce, tomatoes, and kidney beans. Topped with cilantro and more tortilla chips for crunch.
Dahi Bhalley
India is known for its delicious recipes. When it comes to food, there are umpteen kinds of dishes available throughout the length and breadth of the country. On the occasion of festivals such as Diwali, Dusshera and Holi, people relish on delightful delicacies. Especially in Holi, people indulge themselves in smearing color on each other, teasing their loved ones and relishing on scrumptious recipes like Gujia, Namak Pare, Kheer and Dahi Bhalle. In most of the North Indian homes, Dahi Bhalle is a must to make recipe. Made of Curd and Urad Dal pakode, Dahi Bhalle is liked by most of the people. Check out the article and get to know how to make Dahi Bhalle.
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka, cubes of Indian paneer marinated in spiced yogurt with tandoori spices, chaat masala, ginger, and garlic, then pan-fried golden and served with peppers and onions. A vegetarian Indian classic.
Guacamole with Yoghurt
An extra creamy rendition of guacamole with a touch of yoghurt for a bit of extra tang.
Hummus Guacamole
Hummus guacamole: a Mediterranean-Mexican mash-up dip with avocado, hummus, tomato, scallion, and green chiles. Vegan, high-fiber, ready in 15 minutes. Serve with pita wedges.
My Perfect Hummus (Vegan)
Vegan hummus made with chickpeas, fresh cilantro, lemon, and a kick of hot sauce. A 4-ingredient, no-tahini blender hummus ready in 10 minutes for crackers, sandwiches, and veggie dippers.
Gnocchi in Creamy Red Salsa
An easy "al forno" (from the oven) baked gnocchi recipe with a spicy rosé gnocchi sauce and Manchego cheese. On the table in 20 minutes, simple and delicious.
Vegetable Spaghetti Sauce
This delicious spaghetti sauce is loaded with heart healthy ingredients. After trying this sauce, you will always skip the store-bought ones.
Vegetable Nachos (Improved)
A delicious one-dish meal has lots of great flavors and textures, even picky-eaters can't stop asking for more.
Spicy Guacamole
Spicy homemade guacamole mashed with ripe avocado, fresh lime, cilantro, and garlic, then kicked up with chopped green chilies. Bright, fresh, and ready for a bowl of tortilla chips.
Mexican Hot Dog
This delicious Mexican Hot dog is topped with homemade or stor-bought salsa, a bit pickled jalapeno pepper rings, and sprinkled with some Mexican cheese if you like.
Best Black Bean Chili
Black bean chili built on home-ground spices and dried ancho chile. Vegetarian, vegan-adaptable, with toasted cumin and homemade chili powder. Serve over melted cheese with creme fraiche and roasted poblanos.
Best Black Bean Chili
Black bean chili built on home-ground spices and dried ancho chile. Vegetarian, vegan-adaptable, with toasted cumin and homemade chili powder. Serve over melted cheese with creme fraiche and roasted poblanos.
Chicken Satay with Coconut Marinade
Chicken satay marinated in a fragrant coconut-turmeric paste with garlic, shallots, and cumin, then grilled on skewers until charred and juicy. Golden Southeast Asian skewers made for peanut sauce.
Avocado Gazpacho Soup
Cold avocado gazpacho soup with cucumber, cilantro, lime, and a splash of hot sauce. Mexican-style chilled summer soup, no cooking required.
Avocado Gazpacho Soup
Cold avocado gazpacho soup with cucumber, cilantro, lime, and a splash of hot sauce. Mexican-style chilled summer soup, no cooking required.
Aluwala Roti
Aluwala roti: whole wheat flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potato, onion, and cilantro, then griddle-fried in ghee until golden. The Sri Lankan potato paratha for breakfast or lunch.
Bhel Puri
This is the most commonly sold chaat in the streets of Mumbai. Almost every street has its own friendly bhelwala with his inimitable blends of chutneys and masalas. Bhel is a delectable combination of papadis, puffed rice, sev, onions, potatoes, raw mango and chutneys. The proportions of the various chutneys can be changed to adjust to your personal preferences. Toast the puffed rice to make bhel crisp before using it to make bhel. If you store the puffed rice, sev and papadi and refrigerate or freeze the chutneys, you can rustle up a heavy snack in a jiffy for your hungry kids returning from school.
Lemon-Pepper Glazed Udon Noodles with Snow Peas & Coconut
A modern Asian twist brings this pasta salad to new heights. Udon noodles with crunchy snow peas glazed with a lemon-pepper coconut dressing and bursting with fresh basil and cilantro.
Beets, Chorizo & Pomegranate Braise with Cilantro Salsa
This delicious and well-balanced one pot meal will for sure satisfy everyone around the dinner table with all the yumminess and goodness.
Loaded Vegetable & Quinoa Salad with Miso Orange Dressing
A wide variety of fresh vegetables and quinoa are tossed with a salty and sweet miso orange dressing. Serve it as a refreshingly nutritious side dish or a vegetarian/vegan main course.
