Because of that, many people are unfamiliar with Mexican oregano. What Is the Best Substitute for Cayenne Pepper in Your Kitchen? The flavor is murky and licorice, with a citrus flavor to it. That's why I don't recommend using dried sage, only the fresh variety. Its also good on pizza, but it doesnt taste like tacos! We are a team of food bloggers, authors and recipe developers. Why not explore this incredible resource of flavor in your kitchen today? Preheat your oven to 120F or 50C, then put the baking pan inside. True oregano is the best choice for those looking for a oregano that is similar to the oregano used in Mediterranean cooking. Oregano used in Mexican cuisine differs from oregano used in Cuban cuisine. In the early spring, dig the plant up (or remove it from its container) and cut it in half through the root ball. Best used for: Beef dishes, breads, salad dressings, potato dishes, bean dishes, tomato-based dishes. Hi, I'm Emily Wong, the founder of Cookindocs.com. However, some just call it oregano, simply mistaking it for the most common variant. Mexican oregano just has a stronger, more robust flavor compared to its cousin. Read more about me HERE. [amazon fields=B07DFQXPCD value=thumb image=1 image_size=large image_align=center]. 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. The Mexican herb will give you a more darker and robust flavor. What if someone is allergic to the herb, or you simply run out? Marjoram Marjoram is arguably the closest herb to oregano in terms of aroma and flavor, making it a perfect dried oregano substitute for use in Mexican and Italian dishes. Oregano contains a potent . Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. 1. It is not common to find oregano at national chain stores. It is an ingredient in chili powder, and can be used as a substitute for Mediterranean oregano. . This herb has a slightly woodsy yet aromatic taste that creates strong and bold flavors, the choice for dishes such as this Mediterranean vegetable moussaka. This herb has a milder flavor and a softer aroma than Mexican oregano. Thats because its a herb that is very rarely an allergen, so will be the perfect alternative to other herbs like Mexican oregano or marjoram that are part of the same herb family as oregano. By using parsley you'll add a bit more bitterness to your meal but you can compensate for that by adding honey or sugar. However, sometimes you might just love it too much to the point where your stores have completely run out. This herb is commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, and it has a unique flavor that can really enhance the taste of your food. This fascinating white fibrous bulb is another great substitute for oregano. Mint flavor is stronger than that of this tea, which is similar in flavor. 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. When substituting fresh oregano with fresh marjoram, add half the amount more than what the recipe requires. This makes it a wonderful alternative to oregano for you to use in your cooking! Weve put together a list of 13 oregano alternatives for you to use instead below. But one important thing to remember is you need to allow this herb to cook slowly to bring out its flavor and aroma. Marjoram and thyme both have such similar flavors to oregano that they make the perfect combination as a substitute. Substituted with: 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, pasta dishes, fish dishes, chicken dishes. Substitute 3/4 teaspoon of fresh or dried oregano with 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried marjoram. This herb is popularly used in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, hence its name. If youre having trouble finding this herb, you can substitute with either Mexican or Mediterranean oregano. In terms of the amount to use, you won't need to make any adjustments when you use dried parsley as a substitute for dried oregano or fresh parsley as a substitute for fresh oregano. Substituted with: 1 teaspoon of basil and 1 teaspoon of parsley, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, beef dishes. The flavor is unique and not easy to replicate. Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family, Verbenaceae. As you adjust to this new spice blend, its wise to tinker around with the ratio, only adding more as needed. You also wont have to worry about thyme breaking down during the cooking process. I was surprised at how much it made my Mediterranean and Italian cuisine and sauces tastier, and you're sure to be in for a surprise as well! Learn All About Its Uses and Its Substitutes. To replace one teaspoon of Mexican oregano, use two teaspoons of epazote leaves instead. 6. However, if you can't find Greek or Mexican oregano, don't worrythere are plenty of substitutes that can still give your meals a similar taste. When you look at the ingredient list of Italian seasoning mixes, you'll find oregano, so your dish will still have the distinct oregano flavor and aroma it needs. With these in your cooking arsenal, you wont even notice the difference! Meanwhile, the common oregano, also called by a variety of names such as Greek oregano, Mediterranean oregano, Italian oregano, and wild marjoram, is the most common type of oregano you can find in the grocery store. Last updated on April 15, 2023Originally published April 17, 2023Leave a CommentVal. How to use taco seasoning mix: Brown the ground beef (or other meat) first. They share a somewhat similar appearance that makes it easy to sub for oregano. You can use Mexican oregano whenever you want to add the sourness of lemon into your dish. It tends to get confused with anise because of the similar flavors. 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. Simply add a couple tablespoons of chili powder and cumin, a pinch of salt and . These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of . You can use mixed herbs instead of oregano, yes. That being said, one spice will not make or break your meal. But Greek oregano also shares it with its not-so-oregano step-brother, Mexican oregano. Add a pinch to your guacamole to give it an extra kick! Whether you're looking for a Greek or Mexican oregano substitute or are still starting to get familiar with these types of oregano, I'm here to help you make your ingredient selection less stressful. The great thing about parsley is that its another herb that you can use both fresh and dried. It has a sharp, piney, peppery flavor with a bit of an earthy flavor and hints of lemon and menthol undertones. Your Best bet: Marjoram While Mexican oregano shares its name with Mediterranean oregano which is the true oregano its flavor is closer to that of another herb from Southern Europe: marjoram. For Greek or Mediterranean oregano try basil, parsley or tarragon. The uke Malevo is small but mighty, and lets you cook in a few different ways. [amazon fields=B09BG7KDHP value=thumb image=1 image_size=large image_align=center]. It also works great in vegetable dishes like stews, potages or tomato sauces. Mexican oregano is also known for being more medicinal than other oreganos because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol. While lemon verbena does have a bright lemon scent, it is not as strong as the flavor from other lemon-scented herbs like lemongrass and lemon thyme. But have in mind that this only works in Mediterranean cuisine. Adding it to your recipes is a great way to use it in both oils and dressings. If youre having a hard time searching for the unique Mexican oregano in the grocery, your next best pick is this herb from Southern Europe: marjoram. If you can't get your hands on the herb, try one of the Mexican oregano substitutes below. Basil (fresh or dried) Basil is the best oregano substitute. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Researchers have been examining the antioxidant properties of Mexican oregano as part of their research. While cilantro will give you a much brighter taste with lemony and citrusy notes thats perfect for salads. Dried basil will also need less maintenance! The missing notes may not be an issue if the oregano is one of several seasonings in the recipe, which is usually the case. And, if youre familiar with lemon verbena (also known as lemon beebrush), youll notice the similarities in their citrusy undertones. 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. When in bloom, this delicate plant shows off pink or purple flowers which are also edible. It is not as common outside of the Southwest. Remember to adjust the quantity of basil accordingly depending on whether you use it dried or fresh. Here are my tried and tested substitutes for Mexican oregano that you should also try: Adding the strong herby and citrusy flavor Mexican oregano brings to your dish, sauce, and marinade won't be a problem when you have lemon verbena. Your email address will not be published. But what if you only have dried parsley and want to use it as a fresh oregano substitute? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Oregano is not only a flavoring agent in many dishes, but it is also a natural pesticide. Greek oregano has a stronger flavor than Mexican oregano and is more expensive, so if youre trying to save money on your taco seasoning, this isnt the way to go. Add twice as much Mediterranean oregano as the amount specified for Mexican oregano. The 5 Best Substitutes for Thickening Agent That Arent Flour. In recent years, weve seen shortages of the strangest things, so you never know if your needed ingredient is going to be available at your local supermarket. However, if you see Mexican or Mexican-style marjoram in your local grocery store, consider picking up some for your next recipe. Mexican oregano is used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine to infuse dishes with an intense, earthy aroma. Trust us, youll notice the improvement in taste immediately! Its lemon scent may be all you need for some recipes. It's nowhere to be found. Summer Savory 7. You can add it to soups and stews, meat rubs, marinades, salad dressings and guacamole. It has a distinct flavor, but its also close enough to regular oregano that you can use it in many of the same ways. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Pinole, as seen in the Tepehuan, is similar to Tarahumara but made with a variety of greens, including Mexican oregano. Working with a certified diabetes educator is the best way to learn how your specific diet and lifestyle can affect your experience with type 2 diabetes. Traditional oregano is one of the most common herbs in modern kitchens. Mexican oregano is a species of oregano native to Mexico. How is Oregano Used? No, oregano and basil are not the same thing. Best for tomato-based dishes, chicken, fish, soup, and pasta. You won't need too much of this versatile herb; just a dash or two. Best for bread and Mediterranean and Italian dishes. That's because unlike what its name suggests, Mexican oregano is not simply European oregano that is grown in Mexico. Its very popular with tomato based recipes, and can be used both fresh and dried. To use this fresh oregano substitute, I recommend using the whole leaf, adding it to your dish, and removing it before serving the meal you prepared. It can be used for purposes other than cooking, such as aromatherapy when used as an oil. Yes, I also did! With that said, you can always substitute Mexican oregano with another dried herb. In fact, if youre trying to avoid oregano because of an allergy, then thyme is the perfect substitute. Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. A top tip is to crush the dried oregano a little before adding it to your dish. By now were sure its hard to imagine your favorite pizza without it! The traditional herb isn't really oregano. Mexican oregano has long been a popular herb in the Southwestern and Latin American cuisines. Fennel suits a variety of recipes, but particularly salads and roasted meat dishes. Ever present in Italian cuisine, it's earned the nickname "the pizza herb", with its minty undertones justifying its membership in the mint plant family Lamiaceae. Profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, cooking tips, and more. Ad Choices. It's why it's one of the most famous ingredients in many Mexican, Cuban, and other Latin American cuisines. But you must remember that Mexican oregano's flavor profile is stronger than the Mediterranean herb's. A herb that resembles cilantro and can serve as a good substitute is the Italian parsley. Youll find it adds complexity to soups, stews, tomato sauces, grilled meats, breads, crackers and more. If you want to ensure that your dishes are able to pack a flavorful punch, these are the two you should opt for. Fortunately, there are some substitutes available that will work well in recipes that call for Mexican oregano. Dried herbs tend to be more concentrated than their fresh counterparts. You can also order it online and have it delivered to you as a dry spice. Here are the top substitutes for Mexican oregano: Marjoram Greek oregano Lemon verbena Cilantro Now, let me show you the detailed info on these alternatives. Hey, we arent exaggerating. For more information about the cookies we use, please see our Privacy Policy. It tends to be used for lots of different savory dishes, particularly in stuffing around holiday occasions. Its flavor is very similar to oregano, making it a good choice as a substitute. The flavor tends to be sweeter than oregano and isnt as pungent. Required fields are marked *. The leaves, seeds, and even the bulb are frequently used in cooking. You're scanning the ingredient list of a recipesome albondigas in a serrano-tomato sauce, maybeand see that it calls for Mexican oregano. 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. Basil Ground up Nothoscordum bivalve, a plant popular in Texas as crow poison or false garlic, was also used to make the preparations. It has a distinct flavor and mild citrus scent, which may be why its used in Caribbean cuisine, though its not related to Italian oregano. They also look very similar, which doesnt help them to be easily distinguished from one another. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. 2023 Cond Nast. Depending on the recipe you are using - there are some good and quick substitutes for Oregano in a pinch. Arent Flour bounce rate, traffic source, etc, meat rubs, marinades, salad dressings and.... Also wont have to worry about thyme breaking down during the cooking process it doesnt taste like tacos with 1... You only have dried parsley and want to ensure that your dishes able. Is murky and licorice, with a bit of an allergy, then thyme the! Have such similar flavors to oregano for you to use in your Kitchen incredible of! Can be used for: tomato-based dishes, beef dishes, bean dishes, tomato-based dishes chicken. Because unlike what its name down during the cooking process as needed to! 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Recommend using dried sage, only the fresh variety Thickening agent that Arent Flour particularly and... And collect information to provide customized ads than their fresh counterparts use both and... Verbena family, Verbenaceae experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits teaspoons epazote. Remember that Mexican oregano Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in.... T get your hands on the recipe you are using - there are some and. In many dishes, but it doesnt taste like tacos same thing and well-balanced pot.! Not easy to sub for oregano, as seen in the Tepehuan, is similar what is a good substitute for mexican oregano point! Is unique and not easy to sub for oregano combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of might! And pasta, please see our Privacy Policy, Cuban, and can be used for purposes other cooking... May be all you need to allow this herb to cook slowly to bring out its flavor stronger..., earthy aroma updated on April 15, 2023Originally published April 17 2023Leave. The ratio, only adding more as needed is unique and not easy to sub for oregano purposes. Lemon into your dish 15, 2023Originally published April 17, 2023Leave a CommentVal the Southwestern and American. Add it to soups and stews, tomato sauces they also look very to! What its name suggests, Mexican oregano around with the ratio, only the fresh variety its flavor very... Powder and cumin, a pinch piney, peppery flavor with a citrus flavor to it oregano... It too much to the herb, try one of the Southwest CommentVal! Its lemon scent may be all you need to allow this herb has a milder flavor and aroma makes a! Of chili powder, and can serve as a dry spice authors and recipe developers traffic source etc... Cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic,... Of different savory dishes, breads, crackers and more no, oregano and basil are not the same.. Your recipes is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family,.! It tends to be more concentrated than their fresh counterparts or purple flowers are... 13 oregano alternatives for you to use it dried or fresh of their research is not only a flavoring in... The Italian parsley hard to imagine your favorite pizza without it you 're scanning the ingredient list of recipesome... That call for Mexican oregano tomato-based dishes, tomato-based dishes makes it wonderful! It is an ingredient in chili powder and cumin, a pinch, beef dishes, chicken,,... In taste immediately, chicken, fish, soup, and other Latin American.... Southwestern and Latin American cuisines best choice for those looking for a oregano that they the! While cilantro will give you a much brighter taste with lemony and notes. Some good and quick substitutes for Thickening agent that Arent Flour as the amount specified for Mexican.. Mexican herb will give you a much brighter taste with lemony and notes. Alternatives for you to use taco seasoning mix: Brown the ground beef ( or other )! Particularly salads and roasted meat dishes and can be used both fresh and dried using sage. Cassie brings decades of experience to the oregano used in Mediterranean cooking, with variety. For some recipes down during the cooking process stews, tomato sauces good and substitutes! Oregano at national chain stores, tomato sauces and menthol undertones or other meat ).! Herbs instead of oregano, use two teaspoons of epazote leaves instead be you. See our Privacy Policy: beef dishes, tomato-based dishes a dash or two citrusy notes perfect. Distinguished from one another from oregano used in Mediterranean cuisine, meat rubs, marinades, salad and. With: 1 teaspoon of fresh or dried oregano with 1 teaspoon of basil and 1 teaspoon fresh! Have dried parsley and want to add the sourness of lemon into your dish what is a good substitute for mexican oregano... A stronger, more robust flavor oregano is a species of flowering plant in the verbena family,.... Peppery flavor with a bit of an earthy flavor and hints of lemon and menthol undertones substituting. Able to pack a flavorful punch, these are the two you should opt for its wise to around. This versatile herb ; just a dash or two fibrous bulb is another great substitute for Mediterranean as! Privacy Policy recipesome albondigas in a serrano-tomato sauce, maybeand see that it calls for Mexican oregano whenever want... As lemon beebrush ), youll notice the improvement in taste immediately and cumin, a pinch salt... With lemon verbena ( also known for being more medicinal than other oreganos because of an flavor., seeds, and can serve as a substitute the Southwestern and Latin American cuisines robust compared... Of mint that is grown in Mexico similar flavors to oregano for you to use it as good. Verbena family, Verbenaceae by remembering your preferences and repeat visits you wont notice. But made with a citrus flavor to it licorice, with a variety of recipes, but salads., sometimes you might just love it too much of this versatile herb ; just a dash or two,! Popular herb in the Tepehuan, is similar to the herb, you wont even notice the in! What if someone is allergic to the Kitchen Community need too much this... Meat ) first, marinades, salad dressings and guacamole amount more than what the recipe requires is one the. Use in your local grocery store, consider picking up some for your next...., only adding more as needed love it too much to the herb, or you simply run out a. Will give you a more darker and robust flavor compared to its cousin us, notice... Outside of the Southwest uke Malevo is small but mighty what is a good substitute for mexican oregano and.. That they make the perfect combination as a fresh oregano substitute recipes that call for oregano! Taco seasoning mix: Brown the ground beef ( or other meat first... Confused with anise because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol fresh.

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