Cilantro
A bright, citrusy herb that finishes dishes from tacos to curries.
Also known as: coriander leaf, fresh coriander, Chinese parsley, dhania, Coriandrum sativum
Overview
Cilantro is the fresh leaf of the coriander plant, a bright, citrusy herb central to Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern cooking. Its clean, zesty flavor lifts finished dishes — scattered over tacos and curries, blended into salsas and chutneys, and stirred through rice and noodle bowls.
Heat dulls its delicate aroma, so cilantro is best added at the end or used raw. The tender stems carry plenty of flavor and can be chopped along with the leaves. Notably, some people perceive a soapy taste due to genetics, which is why this herb famously divides the table.
Culinary Uses
- Scattered fresh over tacos, curries, soups, and grain bowls.
- Blended into salsas, chutneys, and green sauces.
- Stirred into rice, noodles, and salads for brightness.
- Puréed with garlic and lime into marinades and dressings.
Flavor Profile
- Bright, citrusy, and fresh, with a clean herbal snap.
- The stems taste just as vibrant as the leaves.
- Some people perceive a soapy note due to genetics.
Storage
- Refrigerate stems-down in a jar of water, loosely covered, for over a week.
- Alternatively wrap in a damp towel inside a bag in the crisper.
- Freeze chopped cilantro in oil or water for cooked dishes.
Preparation
- Wash well and dry, as cilantro often carries grit.
- Chop leaves and tender stems together; discard only thick lower stems.
- Add at the very end of cooking to preserve its fresh aroma.
Nutrition
Cilantro is used in small amounts and is very low in calories.
It provides vitamin K and antioxidant plant compounds.
Supports bone health and blood clotting.
From carotenoids in the fresh leaves.
Aromatic compounds that help fight oxidation.
Present in modest supportive amounts.
Dietary Considerations
- Naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
- A fresh way to add flavor without extra salt.
- Genetically, a minority perceive it as soapy.
Nutrition information is educational and approximate; it varies by variety, portion, and preparation, and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Common Pairings
Recipes with Cilantro
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry
Tender chicken simmered with onion, ginger, warm spices, and a silky cream finish for a comforting curry with rich flavor.
Quick Ethiopian Chicken Curry Rice Bowls
A fragrant, mildly spiced chicken curry inspired by Ethiopian flavors, finished in under an hour and served over fluffy rice for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Malaysian Chicken Curry Laksa
A comforting bowl of noodles in a rich, spicy coconut curry broth topped with poached chicken, tofu puffs, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs, a Malaysian hawker favourite.
Pakistani Chicken Haleem
A hearty, slow-cooked porridge of wheat, barley, lentils, and shredded chicken, blended smooth and finished with fried onions, ginger, and garam masala for a nourishing, deeply savoury dish.
Pakistani Seekh Kebab
Smoky, spiced ground beef kebabs shaped onto skewers and char-grilled until juicy, seasoned with fresh herbs, green chili, and warm spices for a beloved Pakistani grill classic.
Pakistani Chicken Biryani
A celebrated layered rice dish of marinated chicken, aromatic basmati, and warm whole spices, finished with saffron milk and fried onions for a fragrant, festive centrepiece of Pakistani cooking.
North Indian Chana Masala
Chickpeas simmered in a robust, tangy tomato-onion masala with warm spices and a finishing squeeze of lemon — a hearty, naturally vegan North Indian staple that only gets better the next day.
Colombian Sancocho (Chicken & Root Vegetable Soup)
A soul-warming Colombian soup of chicken simmered with corn, cassava, plantain, and potatoes in a fragrant cilantro broth — a Sunday classic that eats like a full meal.
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