Alternative to cilantro???

[eileen cooney]

Hello
It's going to be a hot NYE here in Melbourne Australia .... 36 DEG
I'm making spicy mango salad for my next door neighbors pool party ..... what can I use as an alternative if I can`t find cilantro at my local shops?

Thanks
E

[Silversage]

Cilantro is the leaf of the coriander plant. In some countries it's called coriander or chinese parsley. Perhaps you can find it under one of those names?

[CraigC]

Not sure if this would be any easier to find, but culantro will work. Just be cautious as it has a much stronger flavor, so use less.

Craig

[GB]

You can leave it out if you can't find it. Cilantro has a very unique flavor that really does not have anything that makes a good substitute. Many people do not like cilantro anyway. They say it tastes like soap to them. People either love it or hate it. If you really had to sub something then parsley would work in your salsa. It will not give it the same flavor, but the color will be right.

[Dumpandstir]

I wonder if Taragon would be a good substitute. It has a slight liquorice flavor that might compliment the fruit in the salsa. Just a thought.

[CWS4322]

Originally Posted by Dumpandstir

I wonder if Taragon would be a good substitute. It has a slight liquorice flavor that might compliment the fruit in the salsa. Just a thought.

Because tarragon is "licorice", I'd try it, I use it for zucchini slaw. Or, parsley, basil, mint, or thyme might work. When I can't (don't have) fresh dill, I often use mint. Fresh cilantro, on the other hand, is an herb I really hate not being able to have. If you use one of the mint family herbs (thyme, mint), you might want to add some lemon or lime zest, just for fun, and a splish of vodka, with the fruit.

[Steve Kroll]

It's a pretty common herb. I'm almost 100% certain you have it in Australia, where it's most likely called by one of its other names: Coriander (the leaves, not the seeds) or Chinese Parsley.

There is no substitute for the flavor.

[ChefJune]

I avoid cilantro because to me it tastes like soap. so in its place, sometimes I use flat leaf parsley, tarragon, thyme or marjoram. No, none of these tastes like cilantro (thank goodness! ) but I like the way they taste in the various recipes... In Mango Salsa, I often use a combo of tarragon and parsley.

Hope this helps.

[salt and pepper]

Chef June says flat leaf parsley! I agree.

[slett]

I like cilantro. My wife does not. Fresh parsley is always good in just about everything. A good compromise.