10 Ways To Use Cilantro In The Kitchen
Cilantro is an incredibly versatile herb that can spice up dishes across many cuisines. Its bright, citrusy flavor pairs especially well with Latin and Asian dishes. Read on for 10 great ways to incorporate fresh cilantro into your cooking.
- Pico de Gallo - No pico de gallo is complete without a generous handful of chopped cilantro. The herb gives the fresh tomato salsa a flavor punch.
- Guacamole - Just like pico, guacamole can always use more cilantro. Mix in finely chopped leaves or stir in whole sprigs for flavor and color contrast.
- Salads - Wake up a boring green salad by sprinkling on some chopped cilantro or make a bright cilantro slaw with shredded cabbage.
- Tacos & Burritos - Cilantro is the perfect topper for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more Tex-Mex dishes. Sprinkle liberally!
- Curries & Stir Fries - East Asian and Indian dishes love cilantro. Add it at the end for a fresh burst of flavor. Caution: for some, cilantro tastes soapy - add judiciously if serving to cilantro haters!
- Marinades & Rubs - Blend cilantro, garlic and citrus to create a delicious meat or fish marinade. Or mix with oil and spices to make an Indian-style rub.
- Chutneys & Sauces - Cilantro chutney is popular in Indian cooking. Blend cilantro, mint, garlic, jalapeño and yogurt for a quick dipping sauce. You can also add cilantro to pesto or chimichurri.
- Soups & Stocks Add cilantro at the very end to finish soups and stocks. It adds welcomed freshness but can get slimy and lose flavor if boiled for too long.
- Eggs - Stir chopped cilantro into scrambled eggs or fold into an omelet with cheese. You can also top poached eggs with a cilantro pesto.
- Baked Goods - Cilantros bright flavor works well baked into cornbread, biscuits and other savory baked goods. Or use ground coriander seeds for cookies and cakes.
Don't relegate cilantro solely to garnishing plates! Use these ideas to incorporate it into main and side dishes from breakfast through dinner.
