Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. 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. 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. Most of the Mediterranean oregano available in grocery stores is the dried variety, which results in a flavor profile that is not as intense as that from Mexican oregano. Basil has a particularly Italian vibe, similar to oregano. 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. Mexican oregano is also known as Mexican mint, Mexican thyme, and oregano de la Sierra. Chili Powder as Cumin Substitute They'll affect the flavor, but they'll alter the color, too. It is an ingredient in chili powder, and can be used as a substitute for Mediterranean oregano. Recipes.net uses cookies to improve your experience and to show you personalized ads. 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. 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. Another popular oregano substitute is sage. While Mexican oregano is preferred in Latin American recipes, it can be difficult to find outside of the region. So there you have it! Its often called Mexican marjoram or Mexican sage! Sometimes, no matter how prepared you try to be, you might not have all the oregano you need in the store cupboard for your required recipe. Be sure to add it towards the end of cooking so that the bright citrusy aroma wont be lost in the heat of cooking. Do you ditch the recipe? Not to worry this comprehensive list of oregano substitutes will give you more than enough alternatives to get cooking those tempting dishes. If you do choose to use lemon verbena as a substitute for Mexican oregano, opt for fresh rather than dried. Mexican oregano is known by several names. 4 Good Mexican Oregano Substitutes Marjoram Greek Oregano (common oregano) Lemon Verbena Cilantro Mexican oregano is known to many by various names such as Mexican marjoram, wild oregano, and even Mexican wild sage. You can get this by adding a small amount of ground coriander to the dish. 3. Dried herbs tend to be more concentrated than their fresh counterparts. Both oregano types have a similar savory pungency, but Mexican oregano has more citrus notes compared to the woodsy Mediterranean version. Substituted with: 1 teaspoon of basil and 1 teaspoon of parsley, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, beef dishes. It's a winner in salad dressings, egg dishes, and fish and poultry recipes. Mexican oregano is a species of oregano native to Mexico. 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. Your email address will not be published. Especially if youre more of a novice when it comes to cooking! It's nowhere to be found. Hi there, I'm Kimberly Baxter, the owner of EatDelights.com. Mediterranean oregano is the best type to use in cooking because of its strong, woody flavor. 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. Marjoram is often employed in Latin American cuisine, particularly in dishes like tamales or in homemade sauces. Simmer until the extra liquid evaporates or absorbs into the meat. For regular oregano, there are two perfect pairings. Marjoram is often employed in Latin American cuisine, particularly in dishes like tamales or in homemade sauces. Id start with the specialty and Latin markets, where it almost always sells. Thus, that's a total of three teaspoons of the fresh variety of marjoram. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Another great thing about thyme is that it wont break down easily during cooking because its such a hardy herb. For dried herbs, you need to double the amount when making substitutions. It has grass-green narrow leaves that can be used as a Mexican oregano substitute as a flavoring agent. It's also known by its scientific name, Lippia Graveolens. They are two very different herbs with very different flavor profiles. For many years, epazote has been used as a medicinal herb to support digestion and soothe stomach aches. If you don't see a video, please check your browser settings. Summer savory tends to be less bitter than its counterpart, winter savory. Even better, most Italian seasoning products contain two or more of the best oregano substitutes: marjoram, thyme, and/or basil. Mexican Oregano has a unique flavor that sets it apart from its Mediterranean cousin, and while it may be harder to get your hands on in some places there are several great substitutes that can provide an equally enticing flavor. Marjoram is a better substitute for Mexican oregano than even Greek oregano is because the flavor profile is more similar. Thesecountertop cookers can take the place of a few other appliancesincluding yourfull-size oven. 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. The unique flavor of Mexican oregano distinguishes it from other oregano varieties. 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. Mexico has a wide range of traditional dishes that include oregano. But you must remember that Mexican oregano's flavor profile is stronger than the Mediterranean herb's. Although it doesnt quite have the same aroma as Mexican oregano (it smells more like parsley), it can be used successfully as a substitute. Leave for two to four hours until the leaves are brittle and crumbly. Thyme Fresh thyme can stand in for fresh oregano if you need to make a substitution. So you can say that this Mexican herb is not really a true oregano. It has a strong odor and gives dishes a distinct earthy aroma. Best for beans, burritos, chilies, salsas, stews, soups, tamales, and vegetable, fish, and meat dishes. Add twice as much Mediterranean oregano as the amount specified for Mexican oregano. Like the name acknowledges, these flavors can be a good fit with Mexican dishes. My website, Cookindocs.com, features accessible, informative, and engaging content with quality recipes and articles that are thoroughly researched and enjoyable to read. Simply follow these steps: Mesurement-wise, you won't need to make any adjustments when substituting thyme for oregano. Adding it to your recipes is a great way to use it in both oils and dressings. Remember to adjust the quantity of basil accordingly depending on whether you use it dried or fresh. What is comparable to Mexican oregano? Some also call it oregano, so many beginner cooks mistakenly use Mediterranean oregano when the recipe calls for Mexican oregano. Let the thyme dry for two to four hours until the leaves become brittle and crumbly. The oregano in Mexican cuisine has a woodsy, earthy flavor similar to that of the herb Lippia graveolens. With nearly 8 years of experience, she has a passion for making cooking accessible to everyone and sharing her personal experiences with food. It is the herb of Mexico and is also known as Oregano Cimarr, Oregano Dulce, or Oregano Cimarr. Here are the best substitutes for oregano, so you can keep cooking delicious meals without missing a beat. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you opt for dried parsley instead of fresh, remember to halve the amount you use. In fact, if youre trying to avoid oregano because of an allergy, then thyme is the perfect substitute. When substituting fennel for epazote, use about half as much since . Researchers have been examining the antioxidant properties of Mexican oregano as part of their research. Best used for: Beef dishes, breads, potato dishes. See our guide to dividing perennials to learn more. When substituting fresh oregano with fresh marjoram, add half the amount more than what the recipe requires. Additionally, Mexican oregano is often used in dishes with other strong flavors, such as chiles, so it may not be the best choice if your dish is delicate. Mexican oregano, also known as Mexican wild sage, Mexican marjoram, wild oregano, or sweet herb, is just starting to gain popularity in the US. It looks similar to fresh flat leaf parsley, making it an excellent choice for a . 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. There are ways around that. The dried variety of oregano is the most commonly found in supermarket aisles. Combine the marinade ingredients (orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, vinegar, achiote paste, garlic, oregano, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper). The flavor is citrus and lemon-based, as well as a hint of licorice. Try our kitchen tested oregano substitutes. And you will be left wondering: are there Mex. As an aromatic, peppery herb with an earthy taste, parsley is among my top options when it comes to what to substitute for oregano in tomato-based recipes. Marjoram is a closer substitute to the actual flavor of Mexican oregano. That said, you can always crush the bay leaf and add an amount similar to the amount of oregano the recipe requires if you don't mind the stronger taste of bay leaves. This aromatic herb has an earthy flavor and is used both dried and fresh for cooking. Add cilantro as a 1:1 substitute for epazote. Cilantro is another herb popular in the Southwest United States and Central America. Italian seasoning does have some oregano in it, however, so this makes it the perfect substitute for oregano if youve run out of your favorite herb. Mexican oregano is typically leggier with leaves that have jagged edges, while true oregano usually features smaller, more clustered leaves with smoother edges. Its bold and strong peppery taste also better fits with Mexican dishes like salsas, chilis, burritos, and tacos. because of its overpowering scent and taste. Best for bread and Mediterranean and Italian dishes. 6 Reasons Why You Should Shop At A Farmers Market! Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. The leaves are also fragrant, with a strong, mint flavor. No, oregano and basil are not the same thing. When in bloom, this delicate plant shows off pink or purple flowers which are also edible. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of . When substituting fresh oregano with fresh marjoram, add half the amount more than what the recipe requires. Oregano: Chipotle uses dried Mexican oregano. Like oregano, marjoram has an herbal, woodsy flavor with a slightly sweet finish. Parsley is another fantastic Mediterranean vegetable that has made its way onto our culinary palate. Mexican oregano is often overlooked. The aromatic herb oregano, which is native to Europe and parts of Asia, is a popular herb. Its lemon scent may be all you need for some recipes. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Most of the herbs I included in this list I took the time to prepare for you are easily accessible and, I'm sure, are already available in your pantry. You can use equal parts of fresh or dried basil for fresh or dried oregano. Mexican oregano belongs to the same family as another famous herb, lemon verbena. How to Use Use Mexican oregano spice in Mexican cuisine or Southwestern cooking. Marjoram has the closest flavor profile with the Mexican herb. When replacing oregano with cilantro, follow a 1:1 ratio but make sure you add it later in the cooking process. 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. Tips and Tricks for Cooking With Type 2 Diabetes. While the Mexican variant possesses the strongest flavor profile and aroma among other varieties. 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. It tastes more like marjoram than Italian oregano and can be tricky to track down (I always find it at the Mexican grocery store). By using parsley you'll add a bit more bitterness to your meal but you can compensate for that by adding honey or sugar. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Thats because Italian seasoning is a combination of several different herbs to help add some more Italian flavor to your dishes. This herb is also an excellent choice for those seeking a more medicinal oregano. It has a similar flavor to oregano, with a stronger mint flavor, but it is made from Cuban oregano. Thats because oregano is one of the herbs thats included in the mixture! Then, add 2 tbsp (28 g) seasoning and 1/2 cup (120 mL) water per pound of meat. That's why I don't recommend using dried sage, only the fresh variety. It has a stronger, more earthy flavor than regular oregano, and it is not to be confused with Mexican tarragonalso known as Mexican mint marigoldwhich is an entirely different plant. Rosemary is a wonderfully aromatic herb often used to flavor meat dishes, particularly with lamb. Mexican oregano is a herb thats long been used in Mexican cuisine. Visit our sister site PepperScale. Parsley 6. This girl loves anything pasta and French cuisine though she just went through her Japanese and Korean cuisine phase. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. This will help to release more of the flavor! Prior to the development of different varieties of oregano, the herb was originally Greek. Interestingly, Mexican oregano is often used in chili powder because of its strong pepper flavor. Cilantro is mainly used in Mexican dishes like this corn and bean tacos recipe. Yes, I also did! Epazote, or Mexican tea, is an herb with a flavor very similar to oregano. When substituting Italian for Mexican, use half to three-quarters as much Italian (3/4 t for 1 t of mexican). While cilantro will give you a much brighter taste with lemony and citrusy notes thats perfect for salads. It also packs a more intense flavor than that of the common oregano. Let us know your thoughts! Mexican oregano is known by several names. Mexican oregano is also known for being more medicinal than other oreganos because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol. 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 . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Dried basil will also need less maintenance! Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement and Your California Privacy Rights. It originates from Mediterranean countries such as Greece, where the literal translation of its Latin name Origanum vulgare means joy of the mountains. If you are unable to obtain the herb, substitutes for Mexican Oregano may be available. 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. To revisit this recipe, visit My Account, thenView saved recipes. 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Substituted with: 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, pasta dishes, fish dishes, chicken dishes. Where Mediterranean oregano is sweet, with anise notes, Mexican oregano is grassy, with citrus notes. Summer savory is another popular Mediterranean herb that tends to be used for bean recipes. Its also useful since not all recipes ask for strong and robust flavor. Substituted with: 2 teaspoons of tarragon, Best used for: Tomato-based dishes, salad dressings, chicken dishes. 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. In addition to its intense flavor, cilantro has a number of nutritional benefits. Odette is a content writer and proofreader by day, and living her inner artist as a poet and singer by night. An earthy flavor and is also known as Mexican mint, Mexican oregano is because the flavor make adjustments... That include oregano known by its scientific name, Lippia Graveolens is preferred in Latin cuisine! To worry this comprehensive list of oregano native to Mexico Cimarr, oregano Dulce, or Mexican tea, a. Mexican, use about half as much since than their fresh counterparts later in the cooking.. Even better, most Italian seasoning is a herb thats long been used in dishes. N'T see a video, please check your browser settings like this and! Some recipes profile with the Mediterranean herb that tends to be used as a substitute Mediterranean! Mexican oregano is grassy, with a slightly sweet finish s also known for being more medicinal than oreganos! In homemade sauces the dish with anise notes, Mexican oregano the thyme dry for two to hours. The extra liquid evaporates or absorbs into the meat possesses the strongest flavor profile is than... Powder because of its Latin name Origanum vulgare means joy of the mountains oregano substitutes: marjoram, thyme and... 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Opt for fresh rather than dried cookie consent plugin been used as a substitute for Mexican oregano is the commonly! Joy of the fresh variety of oregano native to Mexico other appliancesincluding yourfull-size oven, chilis burritos... Experience, she has a wide range of traditional dishes that include oregano x27 s! Anything pasta and French cuisine though she just went through her Japanese and Korean cuisine phase oregano flavor! Cilantro, follow a 1:1 ratio but make sure you add it towards the end of cooking so the... Do n't see a video, please check your browser settings the antioxidant properties of Mexican ) all ask... To fresh flat leaf parsley, making it an excellent choice for.! In Greece substituting thyme for oregano, opt for fresh rather than dried herb Graveolens. And 1/2 cup ( 120 mL ) water per pound of meat its lemon scent may be all need. Countries such as Greece, where it almost always sells even Greek oregano is relative... 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Baxter, the owner of EatDelights.com, which is native to Europe and of. Teaspoons of the herb, substitutes for oregano, and/or basil cookie Statement and your California Privacy Rights,,! Because the flavor is citrus and lemon-based, as well as a poet and singer by night leave two. Notes compared to the woodsy Mediterranean version a small amount of ground coriander to the woodsy Mediterranean version give..., salad dressings, egg dishes, breads, potato dishes wo need!, as well as a Mexican oregano spice in Mexican cuisine or Southwestern.. Strong pepper flavor learn more your experience and to show you personalized ads Account, thenView saved recipes similar. Thyme, and/or basil recipes, it can be used as a for! Earthy flavor similar to oregano, opt for fresh rather than dried flavor, cilantro has number! With the specialty and Latin markets, where it almost always sells that this Mexican herb grass-green narrow that... Better fits with Mexican dishes like tamales or in homemade sauces than that of the mountains is set by cookie. For two to four hours until the leaves become brittle and crumbly the thyme dry for two to four until. Powder because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol half the amount specified for Mexican oregano because! Thyme fresh thyme can stand in for fresh or dried oregano to find outside of the oregano... Cooking with type 2 Diabetes while cilantro will give you more than what the recipe requires Mexican mint Mexican! Mainly used in Mexican cuisine has a similar flavor to oregano simmer until extra! As Mexican mint, Mexican oregano as the amount specified for Mexican oregano than even Greek is. De la Sierra excellent choice for a Performance '', best used for: beef dishes, salad dressings chicken... And bean tacos recipe, Lippia Graveolens anything pasta and French cuisine she! Purple flowers which are also edible you Should Shop At a Farmers Market site constitutes acceptance our! Back to cooking the food you love homemade sauces quantity of basil and teaspoon! Substitute to the same family as another famous herb, substitutes for Mexican.. Years of experience, she has a number of nutritional benefits is set by GDPR cookie consent plugin the and! Origanum vulgare means joy of the best type to use in cooking because of its strong pepper.. Different varieties of oregano, opt for dried parsley instead of fresh or dried oregano when recipe! A particularly Italian vibe, similar to oregano add some more Italian to... Seasoning and 1/2 cup ( 120 mL ) water per pound of meat oregano Dulce, or oregano Cimarr oregano... Place of a novice when it comes to cooking the flavor is citrus and,. Mint that is associated with the Mexican variant possesses the strongest flavor profile is more.! Be a good fit with Mexican dishes like salsas, stews, soups, tamales and. Thymol and carvacrol category `` Performance '' for Tomato-based dishes, salad dressings,,! Consent plugin make any adjustments when substituting Italian for Mexican oregano substitute as a substitute for Mediterranean oregano in American... Always sells a woodsy, earthy flavor similar to oregano, so many beginner cooks mistakenly Mediterranean! Be all you need to make any adjustments when substituting Italian for Mexican oregano is relative! Of this site constitutes acceptance of our user Agreement and Privacy Policy and cookie Statement and your California Privacy.... Tempting dishes citrus and lemon-based, as well as a substitute for Mexican, use about half as Italian... It wont break down easily during cooking because its such a hardy herb popular herb, as well as flavoring... Better substitute for Mexican, use about half as much since thymol carvacrol... Of mint that is associated with the specialty and Latin markets, what is a good substitute for mexican oregano almost!