Since this oregano has a strong peppery flavor, I combine the marjoram with another popular herb: fresh or dried basil. 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. Mexican Oregano has a bit of a citrusy lemon flavor along with tones of licorice. You may also see it labeled as American or Greek oregano; these names refer specifically to the particular species of plant that was used for each variety (or mislabeled). The flavor tends to be sweeter than oregano and isnt as pungent. Emily's vision for Cookindocs.com is to create a community of food lovers who are passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing their experiences with others. But Greek oregano also shares it with its not-so-oregano step-brother, Mexican oregano. Use These Substitutes in Place of Mexican Oregano. When substituting fresh oregano with fresh marjoram, add half the amount more than what the recipe requires. If you dont have any fresh oregano on hand, sprinkle some dried Mexican oregano over your dish for an extra kick! Marjoram tends to have a subtler, gentler flavor than its potent cousin. ", Italian seasoning is your best bet! This particular herb tends to release more flavor for the longer that its cooked. Fresh Turmeric Vs. Powder How Do They Compare? This Grill Lets You Cook Asado-Style on a Tiny Patio. 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. Lemon verbena wont give you all of the flavors that you would get from Mexican oregano, but it will provide you with the citrus ones. It also adds extra zest to a marinade or sauce that requires oregano. 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. Their savory flavor profile will help balance the chili-based recipe's taste, aroma, and aftertaste. It originates from Mediterranean countries such as Greece, where the literal translation of its Latin name Origanum vulgare means joy of the mountains. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. This girl loves anything pasta and French cuisine though she just went through her Japanese and Korean cuisine phase. If you can't get your hands on the herb, try one of the Mexican oregano substitutes below. This leafy green herb is another popular choice for culinary seasoning. This information is collected to remember your preferences so as to personalize your browsing experience. You can substitute thyme for oregano, yes! Required fields are marked *. When substituting fresh oregano with fresh marjoram, add half the amount more than what the recipe requires. Read on to learn more. Id start with the specialty and Latin markets, where it almost always sells. You can use oregano in place of Mexican oregano, but the results will be slightly different. Dried oregano can work just as well as its fresh variety, and often will pack just as much of a punch as long as its used correctly. While oregano can be used for cooking in both dried and fresh varieties, the two distinctions have a marked difference in the strength of flavor. Before we move on to Mexican oregano substitutes, lets take a look at what Mexican oregano is first. The oregano in Mexican cuisine has a woodsy, earthy flavor similar to that of the herb Lippia graveolens. 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. Its better to be safe than sorry! Like oregano, marjoram has an herbal, woodsy flavor with a slightly sweet finish. Marjoram 2. Both being popular seasonings, its only natural that basil and parsley are a popular combination. Basil is covered in small, pointed, and green leaves. Basil and marjoram are two herbs that work very well together and make a fantastic substitute for oregano. A herb that resembles cilantro and can serve as a good substitute is the Italian parsley. Basil has a particularly Italian vibe, similar to oregano. Another thing to remember is that marjoram has a bit of sweetness, which I often refer to as minty sweetness. Preheat your oven to 120F or 50C, then put the baking pan inside. What makes it a truly versatile herb is that you can use it both fresh and dried. My top pick for an oregano substitute in chili recipes is, of course, marjoram, but if it isn't available, I use thyme, sage, or a combination of the two. Another great thing about thyme is that it wont break down easily during cooking because its such a hardy herb. Because of that, many people are unfamiliar with Mexican oregano. You can add it to soups and stews, meat rubs, marinades, salad dressings and guacamole. While it is not always easy to find, there are a few substitutes that can be used in a pinch. This herb is popularly used in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, hence its name. 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. Caribbean oregano is a member of the mint family. Its often called Mexican marjoram or Mexican sage! Mexican oregano pairs well with cumin, garlic, and tomatoes. So youll have more than enough flavor to bring your dishes to life! You can also add in a dash of ground coriander or any coriander substitute in your pantry. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Traegers Flatrock Griddle Might Get You to Quit Your Gas Grill. The flavor of Mexican oregano includes lemon and citrus notes as well as licorice notes. Mexican oregano is a herb thats long been used in Mexican cuisine. Sometimes to get the flavor just right, you might need more than one substitution. Mexican oregano is typically leggier with leaves that have jagged edges, while true oregano usually features smaller, more clustered leaves with smoother edges. If you havent got any oregano left in your store cupboard, dried Italian seasoning can make a good alternative. It is not common to find oregano at national chain stores. Learn more about Kimberly Baxter and EatDelights.com, The 7 Best Substitutes for Beans in Chili, The 5 Best Substitutes for Smoked Paprika, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Peychauds Bitters, The 5 Best Substitutes for Mexican Oregano, The 5 Best Substitutes for White Wine in Shrimp Scampi, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Persian Cucumber, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Milk in Waffles, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Non-Stick Cooking Spray, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Sea Salt Flakes. To dehydrate your fresh thyme using an oven, cover a baking pan with parchment paper and place the thyme on it, leaving enough space between the herbs. Tarragon is the go-to herb of choice for chicken dishes. It tends to get confused with anise because of the similar flavors. because of its overpowering scent and taste. Mexican oregano has a different flavor profile from oregano. Pro Tip: If you're preparing sweet dishes that include oregano in the ingredient list, I suggest you look for Italian or sweet basil. Mexican oregano is also known for being more medicinal than other oreganos because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol. Youll find it adds complexity to soups, stews, tomato sauces, grilled meats, breads, crackers and more. Basil tends to be used in a variety of different recipes, and can really make a dish come alive. Weve got 13 tasty substitutes for oregano to help you get back to cooking the food you love! Best for tomato-based dishes, chicken, fish, soup, and pasta. When asking, "What can I substitute for oregano? Some chefs prefer to supplement Greek oregano with other herbs like cloves for a better flavor profile. Substituted with: 2 teaspoons of summer savory, Best used for: Salads, sausage dishes, sauces, grilled meat dishes, bean dishes. But, you can also adjust depending on the level of flavor you want to achieve. All these three will help bring out the flavors of chili ingredients without making it too overpowering. Oregano is pungent, earthy, minty, and slightly bitter. An important factor to remember is that dried oregano must be used in a different quantity to its fresh variant. It can be eaten raw as long as it is sufficiently chilled. 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. This particular herb is suitable for use both dried and fresh, however, the fresher variety has a much more interesting flavor. Or perhaps youre like me and you live too far from the store to make a quick trip. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is brighter with floral and citrus notes and a hint of anise, flavors. And you will be left wondering: are there Mexican oregano substitutes I dont know about that I can use for cooking? Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. Cilantro Cilantro is the leaves of the coriander plant. 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. This particular herb is also associated with German cooking. Thus, that's a total of three teaspoons of the fresh variety of marjoram. Mexican oregano, or Lippia graveolens, is an aromatic herb commonly used in Latin American cuisine. . It also tends to be used for pickles and potato salads, but actually has a variety of uses. For many years, epazote has been used as a medicinal herb to support digestion and soothe stomach aches. Tex Mex paste is made with tomato puree or paste and a mixture of spices and seasonings often used in Mexican cooking. You can also use Mexican oregano to make your own taco seasoning. Place the herbs on a parchment paper-covered baking pan with enough space between them. Basil will get your marjoram much closer to Mexican oreganos flavor. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. There are ways around that. Did you know that oregano is often confused with marjoram? Cilantro is an herb widely used in Latin American cooking, especially in Mexican food. If youre looking for a more intense flavor, you can use Mexican oregano. It can be used anytime, during any season, and in two forms: fresh or dry. Simply follow these steps: Mesurement-wise, you won't need to make any adjustments when substituting thyme for oregano. Tarragon 10. But what if you only have dried parsley and want to use it as a fresh oregano substitute? The mint family (Lamiaceae) includes other names for Oregano, such as origanum, wild marjoram, and aromatic perennial herb. Consider using one of the following in place of Mexican oregano: Marjoram is one of the best substitutes for Mexican oregano, due to its similar flavor profile and accepted use in Mexican cuisine. It has a licorice taste to it. Dried Herbs for Fresh The easiest and most common substitution in the world of herbs is to simply use dried rather than fresh herbs. Lets explore these options and find out how they can help us create the same kind of complexity wed expect with Mexican Oregano. Its even considered to be more potent in flavor than oregano! Its very popular with tomato based recipes, and can be used both fresh and dried. With a bit of experimentation and exploration into flavors, you should be able to find the perfect substitute for your next Latin American dish. In conclusion, if youre unable to find Mexican oregano near you, there are several alternatives that can be used as effective substitutes. It is not uncommon for two herbs to have distinct flavors and characteristics. It is different from the familiar Mediterranean oregano in its flavor and its aroma; it has a slight citrus-like scent with a hint of licorice. While marjoram does have a similar flavor to that of Mexican oregano, the characteristics are not exactly the same. Hence, make sure you use twice as much of the oregano your recipe needs when using it as a fresh or dried Mexican oregano substitute. You can also order it online and have it delivered to you as a dry spice. Marjoram has the closest flavor profile with the Mexican herb. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. Its a slight change, but that change makes all the difference. It has a gorgeous earthy flavor and aroma similar to oregano. Keep in mind that marjoram, oregano, and Mexican oregano get much of their flavor from the same compound: thymol. Mexican oregano is milder than Greek oregano and can be used interchangeably with it, but if youre going to make tacos or Mexican food, youll want to use the real thing. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". 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. Fresh sage has well-balanced eucalyptus and citrus notes that enhance the flavor of several ingredients, especially vegetables, and turkeys, as well as how oregano does. You can find the video in the post above. For more information about the cookies we use, please see our Privacy Policy. This oregano, unlike other oreganos, is high in antioxidants and has a woodsy, earthy flavor. You can also create your own mixed herbs using other herbs in your cupboard if you find that an easier solution. Best for beans, burritos, chilies, salsas, stews, soups, tamales, and vegetable, fish, and meat dishes. Here are the best substitutes for oregano, so you can keep cooking delicious meals without missing a beat. For instance, I use half a teaspoon of Mexican oregano for every teaspoon of Greek oregano. Weve put together a list to get you through your cooking crisis and to help you unleash your inner Anthony Bourdain. Like most herbs, oregano is super easy to grow, and you can grow it outside in your vegetable garden, in an herb bed, or even indoors as a potted plant. What can you use as a fresh or dried oregano substitute? What Is the Best Substitute for Cayenne Pepper in Your Kitchen? It's a winner in salad dressings, egg dishes, and fish and poultry recipes. Substituted with: 1 teaspoons of fennel, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, salad dressings, soups, roasted meat dishes. Dill is one of the herbs that can lose flavor the longer its cooked, so youd be best adding it as late as possible. In addition to Cuban oregano, there are many other varieties of the plant, including Mexican mint, Spanish (or French) thyme, and Indian borage. If you are new to about this intriguing taste, it is completely understandable. It's often called Mexican marjoram or Mexican sage! She's also a former member of a publication who she now mentors from time to time. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. No, oregano and basil are not the same thing. The flavor is unique and not easy to replicate. That being said, one spice will not make or break your meal. Fresh oregano has a much more aggressive flavor, however, dried oregano is more potent. This will help to release more of the flavor! This aromatic herb has an earthy flavor and is used both dried and fresh for cooking. This tenacious shrub has numerous common names, including Mexican oregano, oregano cimarrn, hierba dulcepia, and redbrush lip. It has a licorice flavor and perhaps a milder flavor overall than oregano. We tested eleven popular models to find the best. Parsley is another fantastic Mediterranean vegetable that has made its way onto our culinary palate. 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. Slightly different wild marjoram, add half the amount more than what the recipe requires she just went her... I combine the marjoram with another popular herb: fresh or dried basil a... Mentors from time to time oregano also shares it with its not-so-oregano step-brother, Mexican oregano, other! 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