Coriander seeds have been treasured from India and China to the Middle East since early history. Coriander seeds have even been found in old Sanskrit writings and early Egyptian tombs.
Coriander seeds have a mild flavor, so don't hesitate to use these liberally. They blend beautifully with garlic and chili and pair well with lamb, sausages and other pork dishes, curries, and vegetables. The seeds are used whole for pickling and in drinks, ground coriander for baking and soups and add a flavor similar to rubbed sage, caraway, and lemon.
Best Coriander Substitute
Coriander seed is a fairly versatile spice and while it's tough to find an exact replacement, these spice hacks will help you in a time of need. Coriander seeds are often described as tasting earthy, nutty and peppery and slightly lemony. If a recipe calls for coriander seeds and you don't have them or your ground coriander seeds have been on your shelf for way too long, we've got some great coriander replacements for you.
These are some of the best coriander substitutes:
Best Spices to Use:
Cumin
Masala Curry Powder
Garam Masala
Or Mix These Spices:
Equal parts cumin and oregano
Spices to Use in a Pinch:
Caraway Seeds
Dried Oregano
Best Bet: Caraway Seeds
Caraway seeds are in same family as coriander and will give a similar earthy, anise flavor to any dish. Caraway seeds are used in rye bread, potato salad and find their way in Indian spice blends and dishes. Caraway seeds are particularly aromatic and should be used sparingly. Replace the coriander in your recipe with an equal amount of caraway seeds.
Second Option: Cumin Seeds
Like coriander, cumin is not hard to find. Cumin will lack the lemony citrus notes as coriander, but can provide a similar earthy flavor. Replace the coriander in your recipe with 3/4 part of cumin- and if you can find it, opt for black cumin, which are smaller and have a sweeter aroma.
Try Blends: Curry Powder & Garam Masala
Curry powder heavily features coriander as an ingredient but will also have other spices. If you are cooking an Indian dish, curry powder or other Indian spices may be an acceptable coriander substitute. A few tips: if your recipe includes some of the other ingredients in curry powder, avoid doubling up on them. Most curry powders will also include turmeric powder, which will add a bright yellow to the food you are cooking- so be warned!
Garam masala is another Indian spice blend that heavily features coriander. However the same warnings apply: like curry powder, garam masala contains other spices that may alter your dish.
