10 Greatest Oregano Substitutes

When was the last time you ate anything with oregano in it?

This Mediterranean herb’s unique taste is nearly irreplaceable in most meals, particularly tomato-centric recipes like pizza and spaghetti sauce.

But what if you’re allergic to oregano, or if you’re out and don’t have the time or patience to go out and get it?

At this point, I’m sure you’re pondering an alternative. That is the goal of this article: to provide you with the greatest alternatives for oregano in times of necessity.

What Is Oregano?

Oregano is a mint or Lamiaceae family herb.

It has a zesty, earthy flavor with a peppery edge and has been used for millennia to lend flavor to Mexican, Mediterranean, and Italian cuisines.

As a result of its therapeutic characteristics, oregano is also recognized for treating health disorders.

The plant is a powerful antibacterial agent high in phytonutrients (namely thymol and carvacrol) that aid in the fight against infections such as staph.

Additionally, it is high in antioxidants and helps to prevent cell damage. It is also high in manganese, fiber, vitamin K and E, iron, tryptophan, and calcium.

Apart from that, this plant is special in that it may be used both fresh and dried. Moreover, unlike other spices, oregano may be used at the start of a recipe without losing taste.

Yet, several of the oregano alternatives described below, such as basil, thyme, parsley, and others, behave just like oregano in terms of taste, usability, and fundamental advantages.

So let’s not waste any more time and get down to business.

However I must caution you that herb replacements are never a perfect substitute for the original.

It is more or less appropriate depending on the meal. Yet, the dry variety is the closest thing to fresh oregano.

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Substitutes For Oregano

1. Basil

Basil, fresh or dried, might be used in place of oregano. Moreover, they are a culinary herb from the Lamiaceae family.

Careful! There are several varieties of basil, and they are utilized in a variety of dishes. Sweet basil, Thai basil, cinnamon basil, lettuce basil, and bush or Greek basil are all available.

We choose Bush or Greek basil for our purposes, and they work well in Mediterranean cuisine.

With undertones of mint, anise, and pepper, the sweet and salty taste is excellent for topping whole or thinly sliced leaves atop Mediterranean pizza and pasta.

Basil may be blended into sauces and soups, garnished over avocado toast, or chopped into a salad; any way, it adds an oregano flavor.

Whether using fresh or dried oregano, use equal quantities of both.

2. Fresh Thyme

When it comes to seasoning soups, sauces, and braises, thyme is a fundamental herb that you’ll immediately identify or choose from your spice cabinet.

This herb, like oregano, belongs to the mint family. Nevertheless, to have a more authentic oregano taste, use FRESH thyme leaves instead.

Fresh thyme, like lavender and rosemary, has a strong, concentrated herbal taste with crisp earth floral undertones. It is often used in potatoes, rice dishes, vegetables, and even fresh bread.

Thyme is more than just an afterthought ingredient for adding unique flavor without overpowering your dishes; it offers a slew of therapeutic qualities.

Nonetheless, it is better suited as a garnish in place of oregano. We also don’t advocate substituting dry thyme for dried oregano since they have a stronger taste.

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3. Italian Seasoning

Do you recall Italian seasoning?

If you are unfamiliar with it, it is a combination of ground herbs such as oregano, rosemary, and thyme, as well as additional spices such as garlic powder, sage, and coriander.

As a result, it will work as a substitute for oregano since it tastes like a combination of all of the aforementioned herbs and spices.

Italian seasoning is savory, earthy, and subtly sweet, but it is best used in Italian-style dishes. Use dried Italian seasoning instead.

4. Dried Marjoram

Marjoram, often known as sweet marjoram, is another fragrant plant from the mint family that has been cultivated for ages across the Mediterranean, Western Asia, and North Africa.

Marjoram is related to oregano. Nonetheless, they have more complex taste notes. It is sweeter and more delicate, missing the spicy overtones of oreganos.

Marjoram may be sprinkled over pizza, fresh salad, and used in minced meat compositions such as meatballs, sausages, or bolognese.

It also works nicely with egg, cheese, or tomato dishes, as well as soups, stews, and sauces. Moderate consumption of marjoram may improve blood circulation, act as a nerve and heart tonic, and other benefits.

But, for the oregano substitution, any of these meals should be Mexican-inspired.

5. Tarragon

Tarragon adds a dynamic flavor kick to any oregano dish, whether it’s a tomato-based dish or a plate of mixed greens dressing.

Tarragon is a culinary herb used in both dishes and drinks, with a characteristic taste of sweet aniseed and subtle vanilla.

In addition, consuming this plant helps avoid digestive issues, alleviate a lack of appetite, improve sleep, postpone toothache, and many other benefits.

6. Dill

Dill is an annual plant of the Apiaceae family of celery.

The taste of this fresh herb is vegetal, grassy, and somewhat acidic, with anise undertones. It also has a bitter flavor, making it an excellent substitute for oregano.

Although oregano is well-known for its strong scent and flavor, dill may be even more potent.

In most recipes, the unique flavor of dill jumps out. As a result, the herb is used sparingly so that it does not overshadow the meal.

7. Parsley

Parsley is a Mediterranean native blooming plant. Nonetheless, parsley tastes more like oregano, particularly if you enjoy oregano in tomato-based meals.

French curly-leaf and Italian flat-leaf are the two most frequent.

They have also been utilized to treat ailments such as high blood pressure, allergies, and inflammatory disorders throughout the years.

They both have a distinct peppery flavor with a hint of earthiness.

Salads and pesto may be made using parsley and basil, as well as fishcakes, salsas, burgers, soups, meatballs, stews, sauces, and marinades.

It goes well with watercress and walnuts in a fresh herb sauce.

8. Bay Leaf

In many cultures, bay leaf is an evergreen of the Lauraceae family that is used to impart unique taste and aroma to slow-cooked foods like as soups, stews, braises, and pts.

You may use this herb in place of oregano in whole, crushed, or dried form.

Substitute 1 tablespoon crushed bay leaf for 1 tablespoon dry oregano.

But, before eating, the leaves are normally removed from the dish.

Bay leaf has several traditional medical purposes apart from longing for them in lieu of oregano.

Bay leaf, for example, may be used to treat rheumatism, skin rashes, and earache.

They are high in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins A and C. They also include enzymes, which aid digestion by breaking down and digesting food more quickly.

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9. Fenugreek

In the same family as soy, fenugreek is another plant that may be used in place of oregano. It’s also very adaptable.

I’ve seen numerous experienced cooks employ Fenugreek as a seasoning component in a broad range of Indian dishes.

The leaves, seeds, twigs, and roots may be used fresh or dried.

The subtle aroma and sweet, nutty taste complement any sauces, soups, curries, or vegetable meals.

It tastes buttery in your tongue when eaten uncooked.

But, when combined with additional substances, the combination will even delight your taste senses.

Curiously, consuming a significant quantity of fenugreek boosts stamina, controls blood cholesterol and high blood pressure, heals wounds, soothes allergies, and many other benefits.

10. Ajwain Leaves (carom)

Carom or ajwain leaves may also be used in place of oregano in several recipes. It is related to oregano and has almost the same mint taste signature.

They are often seen in Indian cuisine. Its fragrant and spicy taste enhances practically any oregano dish, whether in curries or chutneys.

Carom and marjoram may be combined to make a substitute. It will bring you closer to oregano and improve your taste. Instead, you may just switch Carom for oregano.

Conclusion

All of the oregano alternatives we’ve explored so far are largely from the Lauraceae family and have a similar flavor and scent.

While some may pack a stronger punch than oregano.

But, the idea is to attempt something new. Discover which one adds more flavor to your food in the absence of oregano.

You can’t just fold your arms.

Oregano is one-of-a-kind, but it is not irreplaceable. The fragrance and tastes are the key features of this substance. And the majority of these replacements have that minty fragrance.

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