Get ready to elevate your cooking game with our curated selection of mouth-watering cilantro recipes! Whether you’re looking to add a burst of fresh flavor or a pop of color to your next meal, this beloved and budget-friendly herb is sure to please. But first, let’s set the record straight – while coriander and cilantro may seem like interchangeable terms, they actually refer to different parts of the same plant.
Coriander refers to the dried seeds, while cilantro refers to the bright green stem and characteristic three-clover leaves used fresh. With its versatility and wide range of uses, it’s no wonder that cilantro has become a staple ingredient in many global cuisines. From Asian-inspired dishes like Banh Mi to Mexican favorites like Charro Beans, we’ve got you covered with our favorite cilantro recipes that will take your cooking to the next level.
Cilantro Pesto
Italian pesto is a beloved condiment that typically combines basil and parsley, but cilantro proves to be an excellent substitute. In fact, fresh cilantro bunches often come at a lower price point than their basil counterparts, making it an attractive option for this particular recipe which relies heavily on the herb.
To further streamline assembly, you can even incorporate the stems of the cilantro into your blending process.
Once combined with garlic and olive oil, this sauce is ready to elevate a variety of dishes including pasta, polenta, meats, or vegetables. With its impressive versatility, the possibilities are truly endless.
Texas Caviar
This vibrant appetizer is an instant hit, requiring just 30 minutes to prepare. While traditional black bean and corn salsas are popular, Texans bring their own flair by substituting black beans for the creamy goodness of black-eyed peas. The result is a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors, achieved through a thoughtful balance of dried spices, pungent vinegar, and an abundance of fresh cilantro.
Enjoy it with crunchy tortilla chips, crispy crostini, or as a topping for your favorite greens.
Cilantro Coconut Rice
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with this mouthwatering recipe, where the harmonious union of lime and coconut takes center stage. The crowning glory is the use of coconut milk to cook the rice, imbuing it with a rich, creamy quality that’s subtly enhanced by notes of nutty sweetness. This delectable base provides the perfect backdrop for a zesty lime and cilantro mixture, expertly stirred in when the rice is still warm.
The result is a culinary symphony that will leave you craving more. Moreover, the versatility of this dish knows no borders – feel free to add aromatic garlic and ginger to create a seamless pairing with an Asian-inspired curry.
Cilantro Pineapple Margarita
When exploring the world of tropical dishes, why not venture into the vibrant culture of the Caribbean mainland? A unique concept emerges when combining cilantro with fruit – a notion that’s already proven successful in salsas. It’s only natural to assume that a pineapple and cilantro fusion in cocktail form would be equally as delightful.
The harmonious blend of cilantro, lime, and pineapple creates a refreshing flavor profile that’s both bright and complex, leaving you wanting more.
Should pineapples be out of season, feel free to substitute with pears or watermelon, resulting in an equally captivating concoction.
Cilantro Chutney
In Indian cuisine, chutneys serve as flavorful dipping sauces that add depth and variety to meals. These sweet, sour, and spicy condiments are an integral part of the country’s culinary tradition, often served alongside flatbreads or naan. A typical Indian meal may feature a trio of chutneys, offering a symphony of flavors to complement each bite.
One such delightful chutney is Cilantro Chutney, which cleverly utilizes every last leaf from your cilantro bunch, eliminating the need for tedious de-stemming. This refreshing and cooling condiment is perfect for elevating samosas, dosas, rice dishes, or even tempering spicy meat dishes.
Chilaquiles Verdes
In the heart of Mexico, a beloved morning meal awaits – Chilaquiles, a scrumptious fusion of nachos and Migas from the Lone Star State. This delightful dish brings together crunchy tortilla chips smothered in spicy salsa verde, topped with an assortment of delectable ingredients: golden fried eggs, succulent chicken, crumbly cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves for added zest.
What’s more, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a breeze to serve up a stunning and satisfying Mexican breakfast. With its bold flavors, hearty portion size, and tangy kick, Chilaquiles Verdes is poised to dethrone traditional favorites like burritos, tacos, or huevos rancheros as the new crown jewel of your morning meal routine.
Chicken Stew With Coriander, Cilantro, And Chard
When you’re faced with a handful of wilting cilantro on the verge of going bad, don’t toss it just yet. Instead, consider whipping up a hearty Chicken Stew With Coriander, Cilantro, and Chard. This recipe makes perfect use of fresh cilantro – yes, even the stems! It also incorporates coriander seeds for an added depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the cilantro’s bright, citrusy taste. And the best part?
The longer this stew simmers, the more complex its flavors become, making it a delight to reheat and enjoy throughout the week.
Hot And Spicy Vegan Cilantro Pot Noodles
For those looking for a budget-friendly or plant-based alternative to traditional meat dishes, this hot and spicy vegan cilantro pot noodles recipe offers a flavorful and comforting option. With its versatility, you can customize the dish by adding your preferred vegetables, garlic, and cilantro amounts, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
This classic vinaigrette recipe gets a flavorful boost from the Southwest, where bold flavors of cilantro, mustard, and olive oil come together in perfect harmony. What’s more, this budget-friendly twist replaces white vinegar with balsamic vinegar, which cleverly complements the pungency of cilantro. The result is a versatile vinaigrette that can elevate not only salads, but also quinoa bowls, roasted vegetables, or even a pasta salad with a Southwestern flair.
The vibrant color adds an extra layer of visual appeal, making this recipe a true showstopper.
Steak And Chimichurri
Steak And Chimichurri, a celebrated Argentinian dish, effortlessly transitions from special occasion main course to casual gathering centerpiece. The recipe’s humble beginnings as a traditional parillada give way to a mouthwatering spectacle of tender flank steak strips, grilled to perfection.
The harmonious union of cilantro, parsley, onions, red wine vinegar, garlic, and dried spices in the Chimichurri sauce yields an intoxicating aroma that beautifully complements the bold, buttery flavors of the steak.
Moroccan Chermoula
Chermoula, a Moroccan marinade of great versatility, weaves together a rich tapestry of Middle Eastern and North African spices and aromas with the brightness of fresh cilantro, the zest of lemon juice, and the richness of oil. This complex flavor profile makes it an excellent accompaniment to fish, whether used as a marinade or as a sauce for fish and potato casseroles.
But its applications don’t stop there – it will also elevate any protein, making it a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire.
Persian Herb And Leek Frittata
The Persian Herb and Leek Frittata recipe showcases the versatility of cilantro as it takes center stage alongside earthy flavors. This celebratory dish is often served during the Persian New Year, offering a delightful balance between lightness and protein-packed satisfaction. The combination of three fresh herbs, including cilantro, adds an aromatic twist to the sautéed leeks and egg mixture.
Whether enjoyed with a crisp salad or paired with mezze, flatbread, and other small plates, this frittata is a treat for any occasion.
Guacamole
While guacamole’s universal appeal is undeniable, its true potential is unlocked when infused with the unmistakable essence of cilantro and the subtle kick of jalapeno. This harmonious blend not only honors the dish’s Mexican roots but also elevates its overall flavor profile. The herbaceous notes of cilantro meld seamlessly with the fiery heat of jalapeno, while the creamy richness of avocado and the tangy brightness of lime create a symphony of sensations that will leave you craving more.
Indian Cilantro Chicken Curry With Yogurt
The aromatic flavors of coriander and cilantro take center stage in this decadent and savory curry recipe, where the pungency of the former perfectly complements the freshness of the latter. To begin, a blend of coriander powder and other South Asian spices is combined with a yogurt marinade to tenderize the chicken, infusing it with an intoxicating aroma.
Meanwhile, the coconut-based gravy, richly flavored by dried coriander and whole fresh cilantro leaves, along with a medley of other spices, creates a sumptuous sauce that’s as easy to assemble as it is to devour.
Peruvian Seafood Stew With Cilantro Broth
A vibrant and mouthwatering stew awaits, teeming with plump pink shrimp, white fish filets, and an assortment of colorful vegetables suspended in a radiant green broth. The visual appeal is undeniable, but it’s the bold flavors that truly set this dish apart.
The secret to achieving such a deep and alluring hue lies in the generous use of cilantro.
By tossing bunches of the herb into the pot, stems and all, you can then blend them into a silky puree, releasing their essence and imbuing the broth with a profound depth of flavor.
Cucumber And Cilantro Salad
Simplicity can often lead to culinary greatness, as evidenced by a refreshing cucumber and cilantro salad that showcases each ingredient’s unique flavor and texture. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to be enjoyed immediately, with a satisfying crunch, or allowed to marinate in lime juice, which adds a delightful tanginess and nearly pickles the onions and cucumbers.
This straightforward recipe allows each component to shine, making it a perfect example of how less can often mean more in cooking.
Pico De Gallo
Charro Beans
Charro Beans are a staple Northern Mexican comfort food that can be effortlessly prepared in a large pot or pressure cooker. The beauty of this dish lies in its ability to simmer away, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beans to tenderize perfectly. As with many stews and chilies, Charro Beans benefit from a long cooking time, making them an ideal option for meal prep.
Simply prepare the dish ahead of time and let it sit, waiting to be devoured alongside your favorite meals throughout the week.
Roasted Corn Esquite With Cilantro Mayo And Spices
While Esquites are a beloved Mexican street food snack, this recipe elevates the classic dish by introducing a tangy and fresh twist. The combination of grilled or boiled corn with lime and herb flavors is a staple, typically served in a small cup with a dollop of mayo, crumbled Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of chili powder.
To take it to the next level, this recipe adds a zesty cilantro-lime mayonnaise that perfectly complements the smoky roasted corn, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Banh Mi
In the world of Vietnamese cuisine, Banh Mi is a beloved sandwich that seamlessly blends French and Asian flavors. At its core, it’s a beautifully crafted combination of thinly sliced vegetables, carefully selected to add texture and color to the dish. But what truly sets Banh Mi apart is the versatility of its protein component – here, we’re using chicken as our anchor, but feel free to substitute with fish, shrimp, or pork for a unique twist.
The real magic happens when you bring together the freshness of cilantro, the brightness of lime, and the creaminess of mayo, all of which come together to create a tangy and revitalizing dressing that perfectly complements the crunchy baguette and its accompanying veggies.
Garlic Butter Shrimp With Cilantro Lime
Indulge in the exotic flavors of a tropical twist on classic dishes with this Garlic Butter Shrimp With Cilantro Lime recipe, which seamlessly blends European and American culinary traditions with Caribbean flair. By substituting lime for lemon and cilantro for parsley, you can create an innovative fusion dish that combines the best of Italian and Caribbean cuisines.
This quick and easy recipe requires under 20 minutes to prepare and is equally delightful when served over pasta, rice, or plantains.
Baingan Bharta-Indian Spiced Eggplant
For those seeking a culinary challenge with substantial rewards, this Baingan Bharta recipe offers a unique blend of simplicity and complexity. The process of roasting and skinning the eggplant requires dedication, but the resulting smoky flavor is well worth the effort.
The marriage of fresh cilantro, coriander powder, and finely chopped aromatics elevates this spiced eggplant dish to new heights, making it a show-stopping addition to any meal.
Falafel
In the Middle East, Falafel is a beloved street food that has gained worldwide popularity. These crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside chickpea fritters are packed with an abundance of fresh cilantro and parsley, which gives them a vibrant green color. What’s remarkable about Falafel is that it can be prepared in various ways, each yielding unique flavors without sacrificing its essence. Whether you choose to bake, pan-fry or deep-fry the Falafel, the outcome is consistently delicious.
Moreover, this tasty treat happens to be an excellent vegetarian and vegan option that can be savored solo with a refreshing accompaniment like tzatziki and tahini sauce.
Spicy Corn Fritters With Cilantro Cream
A mouthwatering fusion of sweet and savory flavors, this recipe leverages the natural goodness of whole corn and cornmeal to craft a delightfully textured fritter infused with a spicy kick. As an added bonus, the tangy cilantro cream sauce provides a refreshing contrast, elevating the dish to new heights.
This delectable summer treat is poised to impress at your next neighborhood barbecue, rooftop dinner potluck, or even as a sophisticated offering for a garden party, its unique flavor profile and satisfying crunch ensuring a memorable experience for all who partake.
Vietnamese Meatballs
Indulge in the rich flavors of these mouthwatering beef and pork meatballs, expertly seasoned with a harmonious blend of fish sauce, soy sauce, and aromatic herbs. The addition of panko breadcrumbs and red pepper flakes lends a satisfying texture and a subtle kick reminiscent of Vietnamese cuisine.
Whether you savor them in a steaming hot soup, pair them with fragrant vermicelli or jasmine rice, or garnish with an extra flourish of cilantro, mint, and scallions, these meatballs are sure to delight.
The bottom line
Incorporating cilantro into your culinary repertoire can be a flavorful adventure that spans cultures and cuisines. From reimagined pasta sauces with an international twist to hearty soups and innovative cocktail creations, this versatile herb offers endless possibilities for creativity in the kitchen.
