Cilantro
Also called coriander leaf, fresh coriander
Cilantro is fresh and citrusy unless your genes say it’s soap, thanks to smell receptors.
Flavor profile
Aroma: bright, citrusy, green
Good to know
Origin: Mediterranean and Central Asia
Forms: fresh leaf, stems
Storage: Stand stems in water, cover loosely with a bag, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
How to use cilantro
Use the stems too
Stems carry more flavor than leaves and survive heat; chop them into the base of a dish.
Finish with leaves
Add leaves at the end; heat dulls their fresh, green oils.
What goes with cilantro
- Lime. Both are bright and citrusy; lime keeps cilantro tasting fresh and sharp.
- Tomatillo. Cilantro's citrusy notes brighten tomatillo's tangy, tart profile.
- Black Bean. Fresh cilantro lifts black bean dishes with a bright, citrusy note.
- Tortilla. Fresh cilantro is the classic taco topping.
- Avocado. Avocado's creaminess offsets cilantro's grassy pungency.
- Onion. Onion's sulfurous bite contrasts with cilantro's vivid freshness.
- Mango. Cilantro's fresh, citrusy aroma contrasts with mango's ripe sweetness.
- Tomato. Tomato's natural sweetness softens cilantro's intensity.
- Shrimp. Cilantro's fresh notes add contrast to shrimp.
- Quinoa. Cilantro's aldehydes, like E-2-decenal, give citrusy notes to quinoa's blandness.
Mistakes to avoid
- Cooking the leaves for a long time, which turns them dull.
- Washing it wet and storing it, which makes it slimy.
Ideas for tonight
- Blend into a quick green sauce with lime.
- Stir through rice just before serving.
- Top tacos with chopped stems and leaves.
Cilantro: questions
What does cilantro taste like?
Cilantro is fresh and citrusy unless your genes say it’s soap, thanks to smell receptors. Its strongest notes are citrus, with an aroma that is bright, citrusy, green.
What goes well with cilantro?
Cilantro pairs best with lime, tomatillo, black bean, tortilla, avocado. Both are bright and citrusy; lime keeps cilantro tasting fresh and sharp.
How do you use cilantro in cooking?
Use the stems too: stems carry more flavor than leaves and survive heat; chop them into the base of a dish.
How should you store cilantro?
Stand stems in water, cover loosely with a bag, and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
What is the most common mistake with cilantro?
Cooking the leaves for a long time, which turns them dull.
