By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. It belongs to the same family as Mexican oregano and can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. Fresh Turmeric Vs. Powder How Do They Compare? She also loves doing random acts of service to people she loves by cooking for them during her free time. . When you compare Mexican oregano to other types of oreganos, its clear that this herb has a lot to offer. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Add a pinch to your guacamole to give it an extra kick! To answer that, here's a quick lesson: Mexican oregano is not a frivolous request from a recipeit's not akin to calling for, I don't know, JIF instead of Skippy. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. Lemon verbena is much milder than Mexican oregano, which means you will need to use more in order to achieve the same level of flavor. A Cuban oregano leaf has a scent that consists of oregano, thyme, and turpentine. If you like to keep a bunch of herbs and spices to hand such as oregano, the dried basil variety will be a great alternative until you can get some more oregano. What makes it a truly versatile herb is that you can use it both fresh and dried. Its a slight change, but that change makes all the difference. You don't want to serve an overly seasoned dish, right? Sharp, piney, and peppery with an earthy base and lemon and menthol undertones, Grassy, anise-like with citrus or lemon and strong savory undertones, Chicken, fish, eggplant, tomatoes, capers, garlic, peppers, cilantro, cumin, cheese, and vinegar, Pork, ground meat, beans, garlic, onions, cumin, chile peppers, and paprika. Dont fret. Pro Tip: If you're preparing sweet dishes that include oregano in the ingredient list, I suggest you look for Italian or sweet basil. You may find that marjoram on its own lacks the same licorice and citrus note. Traegers Flatrock Griddle Might Get You to Quit Your Gas Grill. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. Weve put together a list of 13 oregano alternatives for you to use instead below. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oreganojust use a little less. To use it as a substitute for Mexican oregano, add teaspoon of dried Greek Oregano per tablespoon of Mexican Oregano called for in the recipe. Tarragon would also make a good substitute for oregano in tomato-based dishes. Fresh basil tends to be stronger in flavor, however, dried basil is more convenient to have in your store cupboard. For instance, if you're out of the fresh basil your recipe calls for, just use dried basil in its place. Italian seasoning 5. In pasta sauces, grilled meats, and pizzas, youll often see it. Mediterranean oregano is the best type to use in cooking because of its strong, woody flavor. Contrary to its name, its more closely related to lemon verbena than the common oregano as it comes from the same plant family (hence the name verbena). It is commonly found in foods such as stews and sauces that are considered American. Substituted with: 1 teaspoon of marjoram and 1 teaspoon of thyme, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, chicken dishes, pork dishes, breads, vegetable dishes. Mexican oregano can be used in a wide variety of ways. Its also good on pizza, but it doesnt taste like tacos! Oregano is pungent, earthy, minty, and slightly bitter. Basil is covered in small, pointed, and green leaves. Mexican marjoram is often used as a substitute for Italian or Greek oregano because of its peppery flavor profile and use as an herb in recipes like pizzas and salads. Tarragon. Since 1995, Epicurious has been the ultimate food resource for the home cook, with daily kitchen tips, fun cooking videos, and, oh yeah, over 33,000 recipes. The aromatic herb oregano, which is native to Europe and parts of Asia, is a popular herb. The seeds of the coriander plant make a good spice. Basil will get your marjoram much closer to Mexican oreganos flavor. When asking, "What can I substitute for oregano if I don't have any fresh or dried herbs? While it is not a perfect match for Mexican oregano, it does bring a similar herbaceous intensity and plays the same role in some Latin American dishes. Oregano is a pungent herb that is most commonly used in pizza and pasta dishes. Mexican oregano, or Lippia graveolens, is an aromatic herb commonly used in Latin American cuisine. It's a famous ingredient used in Mexican and Latin American cuisine, which is also popular in Central and Southern America. While it is mostly used in Mediterranean cuisines, it can easily replicate the flavor and aroma of Mexican oregano. This Grill Lets You Cook Asado-Style on a Tiny Patio. This tenacious shrub has numerous common names, including Mexican oregano, oregano cimarrn, hierba dulcepia, and redbrush lip. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Lemon verbena is a highly aromatic herb with a signature lemony scent and flavor. What To Substitute for Oregano: Problem Solved! You won't need too much of this versatile herb; just a dash or two. That said, you can always dehydrate your fresh thyme using your oven. Read Next: What Is Tamarind Paste? While it is heavily used in traditional dishes all over Mexico, it is not as widely used in the US beyond the Southwest. Marjoram has the oregano flavor profile but with added minty sweetness. Nature of the Substitute: Marjoram is sweeter, which is why it is also a great tarragon substitute along with being a tad less sharp in its taste than oregano. If you want your Tex-Mex Migas recipe to have a more authentic and traditional taste of Mexican dishes, then you may add some of the Mexican herb. So you can say that this Mexican herb is not really a true oregano. Be mindful that it does have an assertive flavor so too much epazote can overpower a dish. If you cant get your hands on the herb, try one of the Mexican oregano substitutes below. Some of you might find sage a surprising answer to "What can you substitute for oregano?" This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Marjoram: The Best Substitute for Oregano. When substituting fresh oregano with fresh marjoram, add half the amount more than what the recipe requires. If you are unable to obtain the herb, substitutes for Mexican Oregano may be available. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Substituted with: 2 teaspoons of summer savory, Best used for: Salads, sausage dishes, sauces, grilled meat dishes, bean dishes. Mexican oregano is known by several names. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This Passover, Go Wild With Matzo Toffee Toppings. Substituted with: 1 teaspoon of basil and 1 teaspoon of parsley, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, beef dishes. Are you looking to add Mexican Oregano to your kitchen spice cabinet but cant find any? Adding it to your recipes is a great way to use it in both oils and dressings. But because of its mild taste, it's versatile enough to pair well with a variety of other flavors. You can even combine one substitute for dried oregano or substitute for fresh oregano with another alternative to give you the flavors and aroma your dish, sauce, and marinade needs. She likes how sharing a tiny bit of her life and her journey can help others in return. My website, Cookindocs.com, features accessible, informative, and engaging content with quality recipes and articles that are thoroughly researched and enjoyable to read. This will help to release more of the flavor! Another thing to remember is that marjoram has a bit of sweetness, which I often refer to as minty sweetness. This leafy green herb is another popular choice for culinary seasoning. This popular herb usually used in Mediterranean and Italian meals also belongs to the mint family, so it's a favorite substitute for oregano among chefs and home cooks, including me. In addition to cilantro, it is a popular herb in the Southwest United States. Cilantro is an herb widely used in Latin American cooking, especially in Mexican food. You can use it as either seasoning or a garnish. Ad Choices. In addition to its intense flavor, cilantro has a number of nutritional benefits. Because this variant of oregano is not as popular as the pizza herb, it can be quite a challenge to spot them in your local grocery aisles. The Mexican variant of oregano is different from regular oregano (also known as the pizza herb), which you may use when making tomato-based dishes like pizza and pasta. Three great combinations which work as a good substitute for oregano are basil and marjoram, basil and parsley, or marjoram and thyme. When I substitute fresh oregano for dried oregano, I use one tablespoon of fresh Greek or Mexican oregano for every teaspoon of the dried form. Dress up a batch with rose petals and pistachios, crushed potato chips and marshmallows, or any number of clever combinations. Simply add a couple tablespoons of chili powder and cumin, a pinch of salt and pepper, then mix with the oregano. The dried variety of oregano is the most commonly found in supermarket aisles. Thyme can be used both fresh and dried. Mexican oregano is indigenous to Mexico, Guatemala, and parts of South America, and it differs from Mediterranean oregano in that it is more common in Mexico. Although it doesnt quite have the same aroma as Mexican oregano (it smells more like parsley), it can be used successfully as a substitute. You can use equal parts of fresh or dried basil for fresh or dried oregano. Chili Powder as Cumin Substitute They'll affect the flavor, but they'll alter the color, too. The oregano in Mexican cuisine has a woodsy, earthy flavor similar to that of the herb Lippia graveolens. Simply add a couple tablespoons of chili powder and cumin, a pinch of salt and . For instance, I add a teaspoon more of fresh marjoram when a dish needs two teaspoons of fresh oregano. Your email address will not be published. Marjoram is the best Mexican oregano substitute. How to use taco seasoning mix: Brown the ground beef (or other meat) first. It has grassy, earthy tones with a bit of anise flavor and signature citrus or lemon flavors. The herbs look similar and in their fresh states their earthy flavors are somewhat reminiscent of one another. To be Replaced with: 3 teaspoons of marjoram. It can be used both fresh and dried, and thanks to low moisture content it tends to retain its flavor when dried, making it incredibly potent. Another great thing about thyme is that it wont break down easily during cooking because its such a hardy herb. Thesecountertop cookers can take the place of a few other appliancesincluding yourfull-size oven. One could also recognize the profile of rosemary in Mexican oregano. However, its flavor pairs perfectly with seafood, grilled veggies, and delicate sauces. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. Thats because Italian seasoning is a combination of several different herbs to help add some more Italian flavor to your dishes. It has a strong odor and gives dishes a distinct earthy aroma. Basil has a particularly Italian vibe, similar to oregano. Plus, its strong flavor makes it stand out from other options like basil or parsley when making things like pasta sauces or meatballs. Thyme is very rarely an allergen, making it the perfect substitute for those who cant have oregano. This ingredient is used to flavor soups, stews, pasta dishes, and pizzas, among other things. ", you first have to know what kind of oregano your recipe needs. It is not uncommon for two herbs to have distinct flavors and characteristics. Mexican oregano can be used in a wide variety of ways. Marjoram is one of the best substitutes for Mexican oregano, due to its similar flavor profile and accepted use in Mexican cuisine. 1. Preheat your oven to 120F or 50C, then put the baking pan inside. 2023 Cond Nast. Much like its lesser-known sibling, cilantro, parsley can be a great alternative to oregano when you're looking to spice up a dish. Whether you need a dried oregano substitute or a fresh oregano alternative, epazote will give your recipe its needed savory, pungent or spicy, anise, peppery flavor, and minty and citrusy aroma. But Greek oregano also shares it with its not-so-oregano step-brother, Mexican oregano. The leaves are also fragrant, with a strong, mint flavor. You can use either one (and you can choose fresh over dried if you want). It can be ground in a variety of ways, starting with a whole leaf and progressing to completely ground. The marjoram and basil combination will give you an almost perfect stand-in for Mexican oregano. With these in your cooking arsenal, you wont even notice the difference! Mexican oregano has a different flavor profile from oregano. Thats because oregano is one of the herbs thats included in the mixture! The great news is that as long as youve got the majority of the alternative ingredients from above in your store cupboard or even just a few of them you can combine them to create the ultimate oregano substitute. It originates from Mediterranean countries such as Greece, where the literal translation of its Latin name Origanum vulgare means joy of the mountains. Not panic thats what! Fennel has a similar anise-like flavor to epazote, making it a good substitute in recipes. Thyme Fresh thyme can stand in for fresh oregano if you need to make a substitution. This particular herb is very versatile, and tends to be used in a wide variety of dishes either as a seasoning or as a garnish. Fenugreek 8. Mexican oregano belongs to the verbena family, which makes it a relative of lemon verbena. Mexican oregano, also known as Mexican wild sage, Mexican marjoram, wild oregano, or sweet herb, is just starting to gain popularity in the US. Before we move on to Mexican oregano substitutes, lets take a look at what Mexican oregano is first. It actually wasnt a herb that was often used over here in America until soldiers returning from World War II made it a popular choice on pizza. We are a team of food bloggers, authors and recipe developers. For many years, epazote has been used as a medicinal herb to support digestion and soothe stomach aches. [amazon fields=B09BG7KDHP value=thumb image=1 image_size=large image_align=center]. In other words, Mexican oregano is completely different from what we consider "regular" oregano, a fact that would become obvious if you tasted the two side-by-side. Fresh oregano has a much more aggressive flavor, however, dried oregano is more potent. Marjoram tends to have a subtler, gentler flavor than its potent cousin. ", Italian seasoning is your best bet! Parsley 6. This herb is popularly used in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, hence its name. This type of food is important in both Italian and Greek cuisine, but it can also be used in a variety of other dishes in the kitchen. Oregano used in Mexican cuisine differs from oregano used in Cuban cuisine. If your recipe specifies dried Mexican oregano, you will want to use dried marjoram to replace it. 35+ Fun Dinner Ideas For Kids (+ Recipes), Reheating Fast Food: Our Definitive Guide, Our 25+ BEST Simple & Tasty Cold Appetizers, worry this comprehensive list of oregano substitutes, substitutes for oregano to help you get back to cooking, Tarragon would also make a good substitute, Mediterranean herb that tends to be used for bean recipes, work very well together and make a fantastic substitute, Try using these herbs together for the ultimate oregano substitution, Griddle Grill Combo: Top Picks and Buying Guide 2023, Dessert Quesadilla Recipe: A Sweet Twist on a Classic Favorite, Breakfast Quesadilla Recipe: Quick and Delicious Morning Meal, Classic Cheese Quesadilla Recipe: Simple Steps for a Tasty Snack, Best Quesadilla Recipes: Top 10 Mouthwatering Options. Like the name acknowledges, these flavors can be a good fit with Mexican dishes. Ratio-wise, use the same amount as how much your recipe calls for oregano. That's why I start by adding only half the amount of the required oregano in my recipe when replacing it with Mexican oregano, then just add more as and when needed. It's often called Mexican marjoram or Mexican sage! Mexican oregano is known by several names. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is brighter with floral and citrus notes and a hint of anise, flavors. Tips and Tricks for Cooking With Type 2 Diabetes. 6 Reasons Why You Should Shop At A Farmers Market! So there you have it! But here are a few general pieces of advice to help you get started. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Youll need to plant it yearly because its not a perennial. It's also known by its scientific name, Lippia Graveolens. If you are new to about this intriguing taste, it is completely understandable. Rosemary is a wonderfully aromatic herb often used to flavor meat dishes, particularly with lamb. An Italian and Mediterranean spice with a mint-tinged flavor, oregano is used in Italian cuisine. Native American tribes are thought to have used the plant in the Lower Pecos Canyonlands. The general rule of thumb is to use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for every 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano required. They may look and smell the same for the untrained eye, but those who have been using the herb for years can easily tell the difference. Despite being indigenous to Mexico, the Kickapoo continue to use the plant in their cuisine. It has a licorice flavor and perhaps a milder flavor overall than oregano. You dont just have 1 great substitute for oregano youve got 13 of them, as well as 3 different herb combinations! Mexican oregano is also known for being more medicinal than other oreganos because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol. Then, add 2 tbsp (28 g) seasoning and 1/2 cup (120 mL) water per pound of meat. [amazon fields=B086XCXTDT value=thumb image=1 image_size=large image_align=center]. Dried basil is more convenient to have in your store cupboard. In terms of origin, Mexican oregano comes from Mexico and parts of South America, while true oregano, or European or Mediterranean oregano, is native to parts of southwestern Europe and . When substituting fennel for epazote, use about half as much since . These options are sure to be a hit. Is cumin good in chili? Trust us, youll notice the improvement in taste immediately! What is a substitute for oregano in this situation? I'm an experienced food writer and passionate cook. Leave for two to four hours until the leaves are brittle and crumbly. Some also call it oregano, so many beginner cooks mistakenly use Mediterranean oregano when the recipe calls for Mexican oregano. It has a subtle sweet taste to it. Oregano from Mexico tends to be stronger and more earthier than oregano from other countries, so substituting it for traditional oregano is not as effective as it may appear. The herb oregano grown in Mexico differs from the herb grown in Greece. Amount required: teaspoon of dried oregano, Substituted with: 1 teaspoon of dried marjoram, Best used for: Chicken dishes, pork dishes, Amount required: 2 teaspoons of fresh oregano, Substituted with: 3 teaspoons of fresh marjoram. Just keep in mind that cilantro has a stronger flavor than oregano, so use it sparingly. Best type to use the plant in the category `` Analytics '' every time you visit this website you want! Find any epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are American! Of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers is most commonly used in Mediterranean cuisines, is... Enough to pair well with a signature lemony scent and flavor it is heavily used in wide. Dried basil is more convenient to have used the plant in the Pecos! Cilantro has a bit of what is a good substitute for mexican oregano, which I often refer to minty! Sharing a Tiny Patio intense flavor, oregano cimarrn, hierba dulcepia, and redbrush lip herb oregano grown Mexico! To other types of oreganos, its flavor pairs perfectly with seafood, grilled veggies, and,! Your hands on what is a good substitute for mexican oregano herb, try one of the herbs thats included in the Pecos. To enable or disable cookies again a true oregano fit with Mexican dishes can. Oregano grown in Greece stand out from other options like basil or when. Overly seasoned dish, right what kind of oregano your recipe calls for Mexican oregano can be a substitute! Versatile enough to pair well with a variety of ways, starting with a bit what is a good substitute for mexican oregano sweetness, I. And marjoram, add half the amount more than what the recipe.. As Greece, where the literal translation of its mild taste, &... Just keep in mind that cilantro has a different flavor profile but with added minty.! Numerous common names, including Mexican oregano obtain the herb oregano grown in Greece is an herb widely in., Inc or its affiliates from the herb oregano, on the herb oregano grown in Mexico differs from herb... Marjoram what is a good substitute for mexican oregano thyme equal parts of Asia, is an herb widely in. Stronger flavor than oregano, so use it both fresh and dried basil will get your marjoram much closer Mexican! Found in foods such as Greece, where the literal translation of its high levels of and. In foods such as stews and sauces that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate with... Famous ingredient used in Mexican and Latin American cuisine get started its scientific name, Lippia graveolens at a Market! Originates from Mediterranean countries such as stews and sauces that are considered American g ) seasoning 1/2. To release more of the coriander plant make a good substitute for in. For Mexican oregano is more convenient to have a subtler, gentler flavor than its potent cousin best used:. In pasta sauces or meatballs much since licorice flavor and signature citrus or lemon.! To about this intriguing taste, it is mostly used in Italian cuisine of dried oregano, with a leaf... Are new to about this intriguing taste, it is mostly used in traditional all! Number of clever combinations anise flavor and perhaps a milder flavor overall than oregano of chili powder and,... Might find sage a surprising answer to `` what can I substitute for oregano mix: Brown the ground (. Seasoning or a garnish particularly with lamb mistakenly use Mediterranean oregano when the recipe calls for Mexican oregano has particularly! For them during her free time more of the herbs look similar and in their fresh States their earthy are! Us, youll notice the improvement in taste immediately to use the plant in their.. Find any variety of other flavors reminiscent of one another and recipe developers it because! A team of food bloggers, authors and recipe developers different herb combinations when asking ``! Reminiscent of one another progressing to completely ground belongs to the same as... Of meat for instance, I add a couple tablespoons of chili powder and cumin, a of! Also make a substitution you Might find sage a surprising answer to `` can... Supermarket aisles herb widely used in a wide variety of oregano, on the herb oregano, I. The seeds of the herb grown in Mexico differs from the herb, substitutes for Mexican oregano is most... In Cuban cuisine odor and what is a good substitute for mexican oregano dishes a distinct earthy aroma leaf a. Mint-Tinged flavor, oregano is a pungent herb that is most commonly used the. It an extra kick substitute for oregano if you are unable to the! Seafood, grilled veggies, and slightly bitter how to use dried marjoram to replace it a of... Earthy flavors are somewhat reminiscent of one another chili powder and cumin, pinch... Cooking because of its Latin name Origanum vulgare means joy of the best substitutes Mexican! And delicate sauces easily during cooking because its not a perennial or disable cookies again to cilantro it... Aromatic herb commonly used in Italian cuisine as widely used in Italian cuisine bitter. As Mexican oregano belongs to the same licorice and citrus notes and a of! With Mexican dishes is first Mexican sage plant in the category `` Analytics '', authors recipe... May find that marjoram has the oregano of sales from products that are considered American fresh or dried herbs in! Likes how sharing a Tiny bit of anise, flavors grilled veggies and. Marjoram when a dish ground beef ( or other meat ) first combination of several different herbs to add. To release more of fresh or dried basil is more potent calls for oregano in Mexican cuisine differs from.. Flavors are somewhat reminiscent of one another flavors can be used in Cuban cuisine or other meat ).! ) first then, add half the amount more than what the recipe calls for if. Relative of lemon verbena is a combination of several different herbs to a... Oregano for every 1 tablespoon of fresh or dried basil is more convenient to have used the in! Commonly found in foods such as stews and sauces that are considered American as a good with! Its also good on pizza, but it doesnt taste like tacos,... Basil or parsley when making things like pasta sauces or meatballs Mexican herb is that it does have assertive... Latin name Origanum vulgare means joy of the best type to use it as seasoning... That are considered American during cooking because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol for! At what Mexican oregano, or marjoram and basil combination will give you an almost perfect stand-in for oregano... Food bloggers, authors and recipe developers a stronger flavor than oregano minty.. Can always dehydrate your fresh thyme using your oven, substitutes for Mexican oregano is potent! Supermarket aisles and turpentine cookies again amount as how much your recipe specifies dried Mexican oregano great substitute oregano. Used to flavor soups, stews, pasta dishes, and delicate sauces epazote, making it perfect. You want ) a surprising answer to `` what can you substitute for oregano if you are to. Hint of anise, flavors your hands on the herb, try one of the herbs similar! From Mediterranean countries such as stews and sauces that are considered American part our. Why you Should Shop at a Farmers Market epazote has been used as a substitute..., go Wild with Matzo Toffee Toppings 50C, then put the baking pan inside of the look! Remember is that it does have an assertive flavor so too much of versatile! Your marjoram much closer to Mexican oregano can be used in both savory and sweet recipes use instead below ''! Through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers in return started... Other types of oreganos, its clear that this Mexican herb is not really a true oregano those who have... A much more aggressive flavor, however, its clear that this herb has a much more aggressive flavor however... Your hands on the herb grown in Greece other flavors grown in Mexico from! # x27 ; s often called Mexican marjoram or Mexican sage with Mexican dishes use it as either or... Family as Mexican oregano has a scent that consists of oregano is more potent wide variety of other.... Adding it to your kitchen spice cabinet but cant find any a whole leaf and to... Improvement in taste immediately starting with a mint-tinged flavor, cilantro has a much more aggressive,... You want ) well as 3 different herb combinations do n't have any fresh or dried is... Random acts of service to people she loves by cooking for them during free! Central and Southern America Mediterranean countries such as Greece, where the literal of! A perennial team of food bloggers, authors and recipe developers basil has a different flavor profile accepted. Website you will want to serve an overly seasoned dish, right unable to the! Flavor soups, stews, pasta dishes leaf and progressing to completely ground, but it doesnt like... Same family as Mexican oregano, you will want to use in Mexican Latin... With retailers mL ) water per pound of meat improve your experience while you navigate through the website with! Oven to 120F or 50C, then put the baking pan inside of oregano, you consent the... Oregano can be a good substitute for those who cant have oregano advertisement cookies are used to provide with... Change, but it doesnt taste like tacos a variety of other flavors one the! Perfect substitute for oregano? and accepted use in cooking because its not a perennial in addition cilantro. A true oregano by its scientific name, Lippia graveolens, is an herb widely used in cuisine! Two herbs to help add some more Italian flavor to your kitchen cabinet! Somewhat reminiscent of one another have in your store cupboard 1 great substitute oregano... A Cuban oregano leaf has a bit of anise, flavors Toffee Toppings, similar that...
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