The 8 Best Substitutes for Coriander Root

Finding the right substitute for coriander root can be difficult, especially if you don’t have access to an international market.

I have compiled a list of the 8 best substitutes so that you can continue creating delicious dishes that are packed with flavor.

What is Coriander Root?

Coriander root is the underground stem of the coriander plant, a member of the parsley family.

It has a unique pungent and earthy flavor that separates it from other herbs in its family.

Coriander root is often used as an essential ingredient in Thai curries and soups, as well as for marinades or pickles.

Its texture is similar to that of ginger root but with a slightly sweeter taste.

It can also be found fresh at many Asian grocery stores or online.

When cooked, coriander root imparts an intense aroma and flavor to any dish, making it a popular addition to many cuisines around the world.

The 8 Best Substitutes for Coriander Root

Coriander root is an essential ingredient in many dishes, but it can be difficult to find.

Fortunately, there are a few great substitutes that can be used if you don’t have access to the real thing.

Here are 8 of the best coriander root substitutes:

1. Mashed-up coriander stems

If you don’t have coriander root on hand, one of the best substitutes is mashed-up coriander stems.

The flavor will be slightly different than fresh roots, but still very flavorful and aromatic.

Simply take a handful of fresh coriander stalks and mash them up with a mortar and pestle or use a food processor to get a paste-like consistency.

You can then add this mixture directly into soups, curries, stir fries or any other dish that calls for coriander root!

2. Caraway seeds

Caraway seeds are a great substitute for coriander root, as they share many of the same flavor notes.

Caraway has an earthy, sweet taste with hints of citrus and licorice.

It’s also milder than coriander root, so you can use more without overpowering your dish.

When substituting caraway seeds for coriander root, start by using half the amount called for in your recipe and add more to taste if needed.

3. Parsley stems

Coriander root has a distinct flavor that’s hard to replicate.

Parsley stems are one of the closest substitutes, as they have a milder version of coriander’s warm and citrusy taste.

To use parsley stems in place of coriander root, simply mince them or grind them into a paste with the back of your knife or pestle.

You can also blend them into a powder form if desired.

Keep in mind that parsley stems won’t be quite as potent as fresh coriander root – so you may need to increase the amount used slightly when substituting it for recipes calling for coriander root.

4. Fennel seeds

Coriander root and fennel seeds have similar flavor notes.

The two are both pungent, slightly sweet, licorice-like flavors with a hint of aniseed aroma.

Fennel seeds can be used as a good substitute for coriander root in most recipes, but the texture will not be quite the same.

To get the closest match to coriander root’s texture, grind the fennel seeds into a powder before adding them to your recipe.

5. Celery seeds

Celery seed is a spice made from the dried seeds of the celery plant.

It has a slightly sweet flavor and can be used as an alternative to coriander root in many recipes.

Celery seed works well as an ingredient in curries, soups, stews, and marinades.

It can also be added to salads or used as a garnish for dishes such as hummus or guacamole.

When substituting celery seed for coriander root, use about half the amount called for in the recipe.

This is because celery seed has a stronger flavor than coriander root and you don’t want it to overpower your dish.

If you’re looking for more of an earthy taste when using celery seed, try adding some cumin or even some turmeric powder to give your dish that extra kick!

6. Cumin seeds

Cumin is a flowering plant in the family Apiaceae, native to southwestern Asia and the Mediterranean region.

Cumin seeds are used as a spice, either whole or ground into powder form.

They have an earthy flavor with hints of citrus and nuttiness.

Cumin seeds can be substituted for coriander root in many recipes that call for it.

The flavor will not be quite the same, but cumin has its own unique flavor profile that can still work well with certain dishes.

Ground cumin can also act as an effective substitute for fresh coriander root when making curries or other savory dishes.

Just remember to adjust your measurements accordingly – one teaspoon of ground cumin is equivalent to two teaspoons of freshly grated coriander root!

7. Fenugreek seeds

Fenugreek seeds, or methi, have a tangy, bitter flavor that is similar to coriander root.

They are also often used in Indian cuisine as an alternative to fresh coriander root.

Fenugreek seeds can be ground into a powder and used as a substitute for coriander root in curries and other dishes.

The powder has a strong aroma and taste that will add depth of flavor to your dish.

Fenugreek leaves (also known as kasuri methi) can also be used as a garnish or added directly to the dish for extra flavor.

8. Dill seeds

Dill is an annual herb in the celery family that grows up to three feet tall and has feathery, delicate leaves.

It is native to the Mediterranean region but can be found growing throughout many parts of the world today.

The dill plant produces small yellow flowers followed by seeds which are used for culinary purposes.

Dill seeds have a mild, sweet flavor with hints of citrus and aniseed making them a great substitute for coriander root in recipes such as curries and pickles.

To use dill seed as a coriander root substitute, simply grind the seeds into a powder using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder and add it to your recipe at the same measurement as you would use coriander root.