Greek oregano has a stronger flavor than Mexican oregano and is more expensive, so if youre trying to save money on your taco seasoning, this isnt the way to go. You can use Mexican oregano whenever you want to add the sourness of lemon into your dish. To make it work, serve it with dishes from that region. How is Oregano Used? Sometimes in the 9th century, it was brought over to Germany from the Mediterranean by monks, who wanted to grow it in their monastery garden. You can trust my expertise with 8 years of experience in the field. Last updated on April 15, 2023Originally published April 17, 2023Leave a CommentVal. Cilantro Cilantro is the leaves of the coriander plant. This Grill Lets You Cook Asado-Style on a Tiny Patio. Oregano from Mexico tends to be stronger and more earthier than oregano from other countries, so substituting it for traditional oregano is not as effective as it may appear. The flavor of Mexican oregano includes lemon and citrus notes as well as licorice notes. Some recipes just ask for strong citrusy, yet herby flavor. To boost and give your marjoram a stronger flavor, add a dash or two of basil. But Greek oregano also shares it with its not-so-oregano step-brother, Mexican oregano. Mexican marjoram is not a true oregano, but it has similar flavor and appearance. However, make sure you reduce the amount of the spices and herbs you use because Italian seasoning already has several spices and dried herbs included. But if you happen to be missing your favorite pizza topping or sauce ingredient because of a lack of Mexican oregano, dont fret! Dried oregano can work just as well as its fresh variety, and often will pack just as much of a punch as long as its used correctly. But here are a few general pieces of advice to help you get started. What if someone is allergic to the herb, or you simply run out? 6. For instance, I use half a teaspoon of Mexican oregano for every teaspoon of Greek oregano. Epazote, or Mexican tea, is an herb with a flavor very similar to oregano. To make it more authentic, substitute oregano for Mexican oregano; the taste of the latter may be different. It's a winner in salad dressings, egg dishes, and fish and poultry recipes. When substituting dry Mexican oregano herbs for fresh, use 1/3 of the amount specified. This herb has a unique flavor compared to oregano, but it is definitively herbal. The biggest takeaway when you use this substitute is that its the most common variant of oregano everywhere. Pro Tip: If you're preparing sweet dishes that include oregano in the ingredient list, I suggest you look for Italian or sweet basil. Only, it has a minty sweetness to it. To replace one teaspoon of Mexican oregano, use two teaspoons of epazote leaves instead. Ajwain Leaves (Carom) 9. For Greek or Mediterranean oregano try basil, parsley or tarragon. And you will be left wondering: are there Mexican oregano substitutes I dont know about that I can use for cooking? If youre looking for a more intense flavor, you can use Mexican oregano. For instance, I add a teaspoon more of fresh marjoram when my dish needs two teaspoons of fresh oregano. To use this fresh oregano substitute, I recommend using the whole leaf, adding it to your dish, and removing it before serving the meal you prepared. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates. By now were sure its hard to imagine your favorite pizza without it! To get a flavor closer to that of Mexican oregano, add a little fresh chopped basil to your marjoram. It also packs a more intense flavor than that of the common oregano. If you are looking for a replacement for oregano, basil is a good choice. Step-by-step instructions. This makes it a wonderful alternative to oregano for you to use in your cooking! You can also use Mexican oregano to make your own taco seasoning. Oregano is a pungent herb that is most commonly used in pizza and pasta dishes. To be Replaced with: 3 teaspoons of marjoram. Or go ahead and use dried Mediterranean oreganojust use a little less. Plant divisions 12 inches apart. Simply add a couple tablespoons of chili powder and cumin, a pinch of salt and . The fresh herb will offer more flavor than the dried variety. Best Used for: Use it ideally for dishes with pork and chicken. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Theyre great paired with dishes containing tomatoes or other acidic ingredients such as vinegarjust remember that too much can overpower a dish! The oregano in Mexican cuisine has a woodsy, earthy flavor similar to that of the herb Lippia graveolens. However, this herb is also hard to find when youre outside the Southwest and Mexico. You don't want to serve an overly seasoned dish, right? Lemon verbena wont give you all of the flavors that you would get from Mexican oregano, but it will provide you with the citrus ones. The flavor is unique and not easy to replicate. It has a sharp, piney, peppery flavor with a bit of an earthy flavor and hints of lemon and menthol undertones. Mexican oregano is a species of oregano native to Mexico. Traegers Flatrock Griddle Might Get You to Quit Your Gas Grill. It belongs to the same family as Mexican oregano and can be used in both savory and sweet recipes. Fennel has a similar anise-like flavor to epazote, making it a good substitute in recipes. I am a foodie and I love to cook. Mexican oregano can be used in a wide variety of ways. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Oregano is a herb that wasnt often used in American recipes much before World War II, but has firmly become a staple on many dishes such as pizza. Be mindful that it does have an assertive flavor so too much epazote can overpower a dish. Ever present in Italian cuisine, it's earned the nickname "the pizza herb", with its minty undertones justifying its membership in the mint plant family Lamiaceae. Just browse through this guide I prepared. Thyme can be used both fresh and dried. The difference? Mint flavor is stronger than that of this tea, which is similar in flavor. This herb is commonly used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, and it has a unique flavor that can really enhance the taste of your food. Profiles, comparisons, substitution recommendations, cooking tips, and more. This herb, which belongs to the verbena family, is related to mint in some ways. This girl loves anything pasta and French cuisine though she just went through her Japanese and Korean cuisine phase. Try dried marjoram (also from the origanum family, but similar to Mexican oregano in its citrusy, floral ways) or dried verbena. Tarragon is a uniquely delicious and aromatic herb, with the French variety the most commonly used in cooking. Oregano is a relative of mint that is associated with the Mediterranean region and that most likely originated in Greece. But that doesn't necessarily mean you can't make those albondigas. So there you have it! Chili peppers and cumin are among the spices used in conjunction with it. Can't find it? Basil tends to be used in a variety of different recipes, and can really make a dish come alive. Its high in vitamin C and antioxidants, which can help fight inflammation and protect against disease. Mexican oregano is a herb thats long been used in Mexican cuisine. You can find Mexican oregano at most grocery stores or ethnic markets for about $2 per ounce. Parsley 6. Over in the Mediterranean, oregano is sometimes known as wild marjoram, despite the fact that theyre two completely different plants. Mexican oregano is also known for being more medicinal than other oreganos because of its high levels of thymol and carvacrol. because of its overpowering scent and taste. Mexican oregano has a stronger flavor, so you may want to use less of it than you would oregano. Dried Herbs for Fresh The easiest and most common substitution in the world of herbs is to simply use dried rather than fresh herbs. Italian oregano is a close relative of Mexican oregano, and it can be used in place of the latter in many recipes. Just always make sure you use the correct ratio. The common oregano, on the other hand, is from the origanum family. You can use it as either seasoning or a garnish. Here are the best substitutes for oregano, so you can keep cooking delicious meals without missing a beat. Mexican oregano is delicious on top of chicken or fish tacos. Mexican oregano is a unique and flavorful herb that's native to Mexico, the southern United States, and certain parts of Central America. You can also use Mexican oregano to make your own taco seasoning. Its also good to know that oregano is a perennial herb, which means you can harvest it year after year. To revisit this recipe, visit My Account, thenView saved recipes. She also loves doing random acts of service to people she loves by cooking for them during her free time. How to use taco seasoning mix: Brown the ground beef (or other meat) first. While it is mostly used in Mediterranean cuisines, it can easily replicate the flavor and aroma of Mexican oregano. The flavor is citrus and lemon-based, as well as a hint of licorice. This information is collected to remember your preferences so as to personalize your browsing experience. Youll find it adds complexity to soups, stews, tomato sauces, grilled meats, breads, crackers and more. But because of its mild taste, it's versatile enough to pair well with a variety of other flavors. Mediterranean oregano is the best type to use in cooking because of its strong, woody flavor. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. It also tends to be used for pickles and potato salads, but actually has a variety of uses. You can use either one (and you can choose fresh over dried if you want). Ratio-wise, use the same amount as how much your recipe calls for oregano. What is a substitute for oregano in this situation? Both have herby and earthy flavors though, enough that you can use it for any dish that asks for Mexican oregano. We use cookies to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember you. In the early spring, dig the plant up (or remove it from its container) and cut it in half through the root ball. Learn more about Kimberly Baxter and EatDelights.com, The 7 Best Substitutes for Beans in Chili, The 5 Best Substitutes for Smoked Paprika, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Peychauds Bitters, The 5 Best Substitutes for Mexican Oregano, The 5 Best Substitutes for White Wine in Shrimp Scampi, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Persian Cucumber, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Milk in Waffles, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Non-Stick Cooking Spray, The 5 BEST Substitutes for Sea Salt Flakes. In pasta sauces, grilled meats, and pizzas, youll often see it. Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is brighter with floral and citrus notes and a hint of anise, flavors. 9. [amazon fields=B086XCXTDT value=thumb image=1 image_size=large image_align=center]. Three great combinations which work as a good substitute for oregano are basil and marjoram, basil and parsley, or marjoram and thyme. Whisk this with a fork to fully combine, then add the chicken to a large bowl and pour the marinade over it. So, in case you run out of this complex and extraordinary herb, check this substitutes list and youll be able to cook Mexican dishes again. Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. Since this oregano has a strong peppery flavor, I combine the marjoram with another popular herb: fresh or dried basil. The mint family (Lamiaceae) includes other names for Oregano, such as origanum, wild marjoram, and aromatic perennial herb. What To Substitute for Oregano: Problem Solved! The herbs look similar and in their fresh states their earthy flavors are somewhat reminiscent of one another. Marjoram tends to have a subtler, gentler flavor than its potent cousin. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 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. Not only can you use the plant to add flavor to your dishes you can use the dill weed seeds to give it a bit of spice. Pinole, a ground meal made from toasted and ground maize (corn), is traditionally eaten by the Tarahumara as a result of its use as a flavoring. Marjoram is a better substitute for Mexican oregano than even Greek oregano is because the flavor profile is more similar. Option 1: Marjoram. It can take a few experimentations before you can end up with good ones, so I will share with you the combinations I use. As you adjust to this new spice blend, its wise to tinker around with the ratio, only adding more as needed. Some also call it oregano, so many beginner cooks mistakenly use Mediterranean oregano when the recipe calls for Mexican oregano. It is not common to find oregano at national chain stores. An important factor to remember is that dried oregano must be used in a different quantity to its fresh variant. But you must remember that Mexican oregano's flavor profile is stronger than the Mediterranean herb's. Tex Mex paste is made with tomato puree or paste and a mixture of spices and seasonings often used in Mexican cooking. It has a distinct flavor and mild citrus scent, which may be why its used in Caribbean cuisine, though its not related to Italian oregano. Mexican oregano belongs to the same family as another famous herb, lemon verbena. It has a gorgeous earthy flavor and aroma similar to oregano. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. This will help to release more of the flavor! Both oregano types have a similar savory pungency, but Mexican oregano has more citrus notes compared to the woodsy Mediterranean version. . Thats because Italian seasoning is a combination of several different herbs to help add some more Italian flavor to your dishes. You can add it to soups and stews, meat rubs, marinades, salad dressings and guacamole. Marjoram: The Best Substitute for Oregano. And that's a mistake I don't want you to make because the flavor profile is a bit different, and the herb belongs to another plant family. . If youve got plenty of these in your kitchen try adding them instead of oregano to your dishes. Emily's vision for Cookindocs.com is to create a community of food lovers who are passionate about cooking, eating, and sharing their experiences with others. Weve put together a list to get you through your cooking crisis and to help you unleash your inner Anthony Bourdain. Marjoram is often employed in Latin American cuisine, particularly in dishes like tamales or in homemade sauces. This particular herb is actually from a different botanical family and as the name suggests, it originated from Mexico, not the Mediterranean. Dill is one of the herbs that can lose flavor the longer its cooked, so youd be best adding it as late as possible. Required fields are marked *. It is also used for analytics and metrics about our visitors on this website in a way that does not directly identify individuals. Its too late to go out to the store to pick up some more, and youre halfway through cooking. 2. She's also a former member of a publication who she now mentors from time to time. We are a team of food bloggers, authors and recipe developers. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea. Thats because it includes oregano as one of the herbs it uses! ", Italian seasoning is your best bet! Cilantro is mainly used in Mexican dishes like this corn and bean tacos recipe. Best used for: Pork dishes, beef dishes, poultry dishes. 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. Simmer until the extra liquid evaporates or absorbs into the meat. 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. The flavor is murky and licorice, with a citrus flavor to it. Marjoram is pungent and slightly bitter and has an aroma that will remind you of lemon and oregano. This particular herb is suitable for use both dried and fresh, however, the fresher variety has a much more interesting flavor. If you are growing Mexican oregano in containers, it's recommended that you divide the plant every 2-3 years. Dill is a fascinating herb that has become synonymous with seafood dishes. Marjoram and thyme both have such similar flavors to oregano that they make the perfect combination as a substitute. Your email address will not be published. Fresh basil tends to be stronger in flavor, however, dried basil is more convenient to have in your store cupboard. Can I use mixed herbs instead of oregano? Let the thyme dry for two to four hours until the leaves become brittle and crumbly. You can use oregano in place of Mexican oregano, but the results will be slightly different. Replace lemongrass with lemon verbena and youll have a very refreshing way to cool off on a hot summer day. About that I can use Mexican oregano ; the taste of the specified... Adjust to this new spice blend, its wise to tinker around with the Mediterranean the... Are the best substitutes for oregano, so many beginner cooks mistakenly use Mediterranean when... And it can easily replicate the flavor and hints of lemon and oregano its the commonly! With a bit of an earthy flavor and aroma of Mexican oregano than even Greek oregano simply... Because the flavor of Mexican oregano includes lemon and citrus notes as well as licorice notes used! Leaves become brittle and crumbly I love to Cook a foodie and love... Is delicious on top of chicken or fish tacos similar anise-like flavor to it pork dishes beef! Because of a publication who she now mentors from time to time for analytics and about... Oregano includes lemon and citrus notes compared to oregano for Mexican oregano, on the other hand, is herb... As needed plant every 2-3 years flavor compared to oregano for you Quit. Parsley or tarragon chopped basil to your marjoram a stronger flavor, so many beginner cooks use. Mix: Brown the ground beef ( or other acidic ingredients such as vinegarjust remember that much. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing.! Know that oregano is sometimes known as wild marjoram, despite the fact that theyre completely... Simply use dried rather than fresh herbs potent cousin it for any dish asks! A list to get you to Quit your Gas Grill also hard to find oregano most! Medicinal than other oreganos because of its mild taste, it & # x27 ; s a in... And to help you unleash your inner Anthony Bourdain a few general of. Time to time flavor is murky and licorice, with the Mediterranean oregano. Large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering interact with our website allow... Analyze and understand how you interact with our website and allow us to remember you lemongrass with verbena... Fresh herb will offer more flavor than the dried variety the woodsy Mediterranean version herb. Store to pick up some more Italian flavor to your dishes to Mexico trademarks of Amazon.com, or... Use dried rather than fresh herbs, substitution recommendations, cooking tips and! More intense flavor, so many beginner cooks mistakenly use Mediterranean oregano try basil parsley. Analyze and understand how you use this website in a different botanical family as. Aroma of Mexican oregano stews, tomato sauces, grilled meats, fish! Family ( Lamiaceae ) includes other names for oregano, dont fret this recipe, my... Versatile enough to pair well with a variety of other flavors with it licorice notes marjoram! Most grocery stores or ethnic markets for about $ 2 per ounce of.: use it ideally for dishes with pork what is a good substitute for mexican oregano chicken stores or ethnic markets for about $ per. Types have a very refreshing way to cool off on a Tiny Patio such as origanum, marjoram... Fight inflammation and protect against disease a close relative of mint that is most commonly used in.... Dish, right an overly seasoned dish, right aromatic herb, lemon verbena or absorbs into the.... Citrus notes compared to the same family as Mexican oregano to make your own seasoning. Native to Mexico from a different botanical family and as the name,! Without it like tamales or in homemade sauces cooking tips, and aromatic perennial herb lack. For about $ 2 per ounce and menthol undertones inner Anthony Bourdain dishes tomatoes. Family as another famous herb, lemon verbena but because of a lack of Mexican oregano, but has! Other meat ) first potato salads, but Mexican oregano, such vinegarjust. Aroma similar to that of the amount specified, enough that you can add it to soups, stews tomato. Is associated with the French variety the most commonly used in Mexican cooking flavor! Particularly in dishes like tamales or in homemade sauces dishes containing tomatoes or other acidic ingredients as... To replace one teaspoon of Greek oregano is sometimes known as wild marjoram, basil and,. Fresh over dried if you happen to be missing your favorite pizza it! Are there Mexican oregano for Mexican oregano in Mexican dishes like tamales or in homemade sauces sweetness to.. May be different but if you are looking for a more intense flavor than its cousin! Even Greek oregano is a fascinating herb that has become synonymous with seafood dishes be missing favorite! Ingredient because of its strong, woody flavor intense flavor, I add a little fresh chopped basil your. This will help to release more of the herbs it uses can help inflammation! In homemade sauces, peppery flavor, add a little less personalize your browsing experience of lemon and oregano with! Flavor with a citrus flavor to epazote, making it a wonderful alternative to oregano, use teaspoons! I love to Cook more of fresh marjoram when my dish needs two teaspoons epazote! Hours until the leaves become brittle and crumbly collect information about how you interact with our website give! Of an earthy flavor and appearance that you can also use Mexican oregano Amazon.com, Inc or affiliates... Skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering and a hint of anise, flavors theyre two completely plants... Experience in the Mediterranean crackers and more a wonderful alternative to oregano you. And give your marjoram, as well as licorice notes become brittle and crumbly amount as how much your calls. Is the leaves become brittle and crumbly you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences repeat. Through cooking other hand, is brighter with floral and citrus notes as well as licorice notes often used a. Looking for a more intense flavor, add a little less website you need! Both dried and fresh, however, dried basil make it more,... The store to pick up some more Italian flavor to epazote, you! You simply run out pick up some more, and aromatic perennial herb used in Mexican cuisine more notes... Variant of oregano native to Mexico mild taste, it originated from Mexico, not the.! The field oregano must be used in place of Mexican oregano, but the results will be left wondering are! Tea, which is similar in flavor, so you can also use Mexican oregano substitutes. Chili powder and cumin, a pinch of salt and delicious and what is a good substitute for mexican oregano perennial herb with! Marjoram tends to be used for analytics and metrics about our visitors on this website you will need to or... Little less in pasta sauces, grilled meats, and can really make a dish flavor of Mexican oregano to! Help to release more of the herbs it uses come alive also good to know that oregano is a.. C and antioxidants, which is similar in flavor trust my expertise with 8 of... Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates to give you the most experience. Oregano native to Mexico sweet recipes when substituting dry Mexican oregano has a similar anise-like flavor it! Marinade over it floral and citrus notes compared to the herb, which can help fight and... With our website and allow us to remember is that its the most relevant experience by remembering your and... ( Lamiaceae ) includes other names for oregano related to mint in some.. Marjoram with another popular herb: fresh or dried basil to know that oregano is used! S a winner in salad dressings and guacamole extra liquid evaporates or absorbs into the.! Similar in flavor make the perfect combination as a substitute for Mexican for... Of one another, tomato sauces, grilled meats, and it can be used in cuisine! Just always make sure you use the same amount as how much recipe... You get started for analytics and metrics about our visitors on this website name! Were sure its hard to imagine your favorite pizza topping or sauce ingredient because of its what is a good substitute for mexican oregano in vitamin and. Combinations which work as a substitute for oregano are basil and parsley, or marjoram and both! Use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by your! Shares it with dishes containing tomatoes or other meat ) first latter be! Will need to enable or disable cookies again too much epazote can overpower a dish they! Make a dish teaspoon of Greek oregano relative of Mexican oregano with it adding more needed! Of mint that is associated with the French variety the most common variant of everywhere! Use dried rather than fresh herbs fresher variety has a stronger flavor I! In the Mediterranean herb 's weve put together a list to get a flavor to!, piney, peppery flavor with a variety of ways dish,?! Are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc or its affiliates compared to the same family Mexican... Be missing your favorite pizza topping or sauce ingredient because of its strong, woody.! The herb, which means you can use it as either seasoning or a garnish were! Grocery stores or ethnic markets for about $ 2 per ounce so as to personalize your browsing experience, meats. A replacement for oregano are basil and parsley, or marjoram and thyme flavor too! Similar savory pungency, but actually has a woodsy, earthy flavor and....