If you’re out of oregano and need a replacement for your dish, don’t worry!
There are a few different options that you can use as the best substitutes for oregano.
Here, in this list, are a few of the best substitutes for oregano that you can use in a pinch
Keep reading to learn more about these best substitutes for oregano and how to use them in your cooking!
Don’t worry if you’re looking for an oregano substitution; there are plenty of suitable solutions for any recipe!
You don’t need to go shopping; look in your spice cabinet for one of these simple substitutes!
1. Marjoram
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is native to Cyprus and southern Turkey.
The plant is grown as an annual in temperate climates. Marjoram is used as a herb, spice, and ornamental plant.
The leaves and flowers of marjoram are aromatic. The plant grows to a height of 20-60 cm (8-24 in).
The leaves are opposite and oblong-ovate. The flowers are white or pale pink and borne in flower spikes. The plant flowers in summer.
Marjoram is one of the best substitutes for Oregano and is used as a culinary herb. It is often used to flavor meat, poultry, and fish dishes.
Marjoram is also used to flavor soups, stews, and sauces.
2. Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a small, woody plant native to the Mediterranean region. The plant has small, oval-shaped leaves and lilac-colored flowers.
The leaves and flowers of the plant are used to flavor food or to make oil and tea.
Thyme is often used as one of the best substitutes for oregano (Origanum vulgare), another Mediterranean herb.
Both herbs have a similar flavor, but oregano is more pungent. Thyme is also a good substitute for basil (Ocimum basilicum), which has a similar flavor but is sweeter.
3. Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a good option if you’re looking for the best substitutes for oregano in your cooking.
This blend of herbs has a flavor similar to oregano, with a little sweetness and a touch of bitterness.
Meanwhile, Italian seasoning combines thyme, basil, rosemary, sage, and other herbs.
It’s a common ingredient in Italian cooking, but you can also use it in other cuisines. Just remember that the flavor is quite strong, so a little goes a long way.
4. Parsley
Although oregano and parsley are similar in appearance, they are quite different in taste.
Oregano is much more pungent and bitter, while parsley is milder and sweet.
So, parsley is a good option if you’re out of oregano and need a substitute. Remember that you’ll need to use more parsley than oregano to get the same flavor.
All in all, it is one of the best substitutes for Oregano!
5. Summer Savory
The next on this list of the best substitutes for Oregano is Summer savory, a perennial herb in the mint family. Its leaves have a spicy, pungent flavor that is similar to oregano.
Summer savory is commonly used as a seasoning for soups, stews, poultry, and fish. It is also used to flavor beans, peas, and lentils.
Summer savory can be used as a substitute for oregano in most recipes.
When substituting summer savory for oregano, use half the amount of summer savory as you would use of oregano.
For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of oregano, use 1/2 teaspoon of summer savory.
6. Fenugreek
Herbs can be very versatile in the kitchen. They can be used to add flavor to a dish or to create a dish from scratch.
Fenugreek is one herb that can be used as one of the best substitutes for oregano.
Fenugreek is a common ingredient in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of bitterness.
Fenugreek can add a unique flavor to your dish when used as a substitute for oregano.
So, if you’re looking for a way to add extra flavor to your cooking, consider using fenugreek as a substitute for oregano.
7. Ajwain Leaves (Carom)
Ajwain leaves are often used as a substitute for oregano in Indian cooking. As one of the best substitutes for Oregano, they have a strong, pungent flavor similar to oregano.
Ajwain leaves are also known to have medicinal properties. They are often used to treat digestive issues such as indigestion and gas.
If you cannot find oregano at your local grocery store, you can substitute it with ajwain leaves. Just be sure to use a small amount, as the flavor is strong.
8. Tarragon
Are you out of oregano and in need of a substitution? Good news: tarragon, an aromatic herb with a slightly anise-like flavor, can be used as a 1:1 replacement for oregano in most recipes.
Tarragon has a long history of use in French cuisine and is a staple ingredient in many classic dishes, such as chicken tarragon and tarragon vinegar.
So if you want to add a little French flair to your cooking, tarragon is a great herb.
While tarragon can be used as one of the best substitutes for oregano, it’s important to note that these two herbs have different flavor profiles.
So if you’re looking for an exact oregano replacement, tarragon may not be the best option.
9. Dill
Substituting Dill for oregano can be a great way to add flavor to your food without changing the overall taste too much.
Dill has a more mellow flavor than oregano, so that it won’t overwhelm the other flavors in your dish.
And, since dill is in the same family as oregano, it can be used as a one-to-one substitution in most recipes.
So, next time you’re out of oregano, reach for the dill! Your taste buds will thank you. There are more of the best substitutes for Oregano you should know coming up!
10. Fennel
You may want to try fennel if you’re looking for an herb that can replace oregano in your recipes.
This aromatic herb has a similar flavor to oregano, but it also has its own unique taste that can enhance the flavor of your dishes.
Fennel, one of the best substitutes for Oregano, can be used in various recipes, including soups, stews, sauces, and more.
So if you’re out of oregano or simply looking for a new herb, try fennel in your next dish.
11. Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is closely related to other herbs such as basil, oregano, sage, and thyme.
It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used for centuries in cooking and medicine.
In many dishes, Rosemary can be used as one of the best substitutes for oregano. It has a similar flavor and can be used in the same quantities.
Rosemary can also be used with oregano oil for some health benefits.
12. Sage
Although Sage (Salvia officinalis) is most commonly associated with being an important culinary herb, this plant has a long history of being used as a medicine and for other purposes.
Due to its strong flavor and scent, Sage was once used as one of the best substitutes for oregano. In addition to being a flavoring agent, sage was also used as a preservative.
The high levels of thujone in sage made it a popular ingredient in liquor and bitters.
While sage is no longer used as a substitute for oregano, it is still a popular ingredient in many dishes.
Sage is often used to flavor sausage, stuffings, and soups. It can also be used to make tea.
Conclusion
While there are several best substitutes for oregano, it depends on the dish you are preparing. If you want to replicate the taste of oregano, thyme is the best substitute.
If you are looking for a substitute that adds a similar flavor but has a milder taste, basil is a good option.
If you need the best substitutes for oregano but do not want to add any flavor, you can go through the list above for help!
