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Best Cilantro Substitutes for People Who Taste Soap

Asked Apr 05, 2023 by Larry K.

Hi,

I love your recipes, but many of them use cilantro. My wife cannot tolerate the taste of cilantro as she says it tastes “soapy” to her (much to my dismay as I love it). Can you recommend any substitute for it? I’ve tried subbing basil and parsley with some success, but is there anything else I can try?

Thanks,

Larry

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COMMENTS

  • Clifford V.

    July 3, 2023

    My Mom hates cilantro, which explains why I never had it until I was an adult, so when I was making something from your books, I used chopped parsley and chopped mint, since it was summer and we planted it next to my house. It, of course, isn't the exact same, but it added a lot of flavor and I though it was a great substitute.

    • Lynn ClarkMilk Street Staff

      July 6, 2023

      Hi Clifford -

      Sounds like a great substitute! We agree that in most cases, green, leafy herbs can be substituted for each other.

      We also find that some people who have an aversion to fresh cilantro do just fine with ground coriander. Cilantro is made from the leaves and stem of the coriander plant, whereas coriander is the seed of the plant.

      Best,

      The Milk Street Cooking Team