When cooking with thyme, it is important to know how to substitute for this delicious herb when you can’t find it at your local grocery store.
Thyme is one of the most versatile herbs in the kitchen. From soups and stews to breads and sauces, this herb has many uses. It is also a popular herb in the cheese plate because of its slight citrus flavor.
As thyme grows in popularity, it becomes more difficult to find fresh cuts at your local grocery store.
This is why knowing some easy substitutes are key to being able to cook with thyme on any day of the week! Here are some great options that can be used in place of thyme when you just can’t seem to track down the fresh stuff!
Thyme Substitutes
Coriander
Coriander is a great herb to use as a substitute for thyme. It is a more mild herb that has a similar flavor profile as thyme. Coriander makes a great substitute for both fresh and dry recipes. Y
ou can find fresh coriander at most major grocery stores, so never worry about being without this herb again!
Oregano
Oregano can be an excellent substitute for thyme as well if you’re looking to add some Mediterranean flare to your dish. The oregano leaves are small and crumbly, with dark green stripes on the stem, which is very similar in appearance to fresh thyme. Oregano has a slightly stronger flavor than thyme and will be added differently depending on your recipe, but it is an easily accessible herb that can make cooking with thyme easy and flavorful!
Dried thyme
Dried thyme is a great option for substituting fresh thyme when it isn’t available. It is less potent than the fresh herb, so use about 2 teaspoons of dried thyme when replacing 1 teaspoon of fresh. You can also add dried thyme to dishes with other herbs such as oregano and basil, which will help the flavor of your dish without overpowering it.
Ground thyme
This is a great substitute for thyme as it has a similar flavor and also works well as an herb salt mix. Simply combine one tablespoon of ground thyme with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir the mixture together, then sprinkle on whatever you’re cooking or adding to. Remember that this substitution will not give the dish a freshness thyme would have provided, but it is a good substitute if you need something quickly!
Lemon zest
If you want to add some citrus flavor to your dish, a great substitute for thyme is lemon zest. Just peel a small section of the rind from a lemon and grate it on a cheese grater or finely chop it with a knife. Add this to any dish you would have thyme in and stir well!
Parsley
Parsley is one of the most popular herbs in cooking. It has a similar flavor to thyme, but is slightly milder than thyme. To substitute for thyme, you can use about 1/2 cup of chopped parsley in place of 1 tablespoon of thyme leaves. Parsley also has the added benefit of looking beautiful on top of dishes like soups and salads!
Cilantro
Cilantro is a great substitute for thyme when cooking. Cilantro has a similar flavor profile and can be used in many of the same dishes. Some recipes that cilantro can replace thyme in include: Pesto sauce, Vegetable- or chicken-based soups, and Pesto sauce.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a great substitute for thyme because it has a similar flavor. It also pairs well with chicken and fish dishes. Like thyme, rosemary is a very versatile herb and can be used in many different ways.
Oregano.
If you are looking for a substitute that has a similar taste profile to thyme, oregano is your best bet. Oregano is actually very similar to thyme in appearance and flavor, so it not only works well as a substitute but can also be used interchangeably with thyme. You can use oregano to create an Italian flare on your dishes or simply sprinkle it over fish for a subtle lemon taste.