Let's be real - cilantro is one of those love-it-or-hate-it ingredients. Personally, I used to avoid it after that one time I accidentally put a whole bunch in a smoothie (bad idea, trust me). But after experimenting for years in my tiny apartment kitchen, I've found incredible ways to use this herb that even cilantro-skeptics enjoy. These recipes using cilantro aren't just token garnishes - they make cilantro the star.
Why Bother with Cilantro Recipes?
Most people grab cilantro for tacos and never touch it again. Such a waste! Fresh cilantro:
- Adds bright freshness to heavy dishes (try it in chili)
- Packs more antioxidants than many fruits (surprising, right?)
- Costs less than $1 per bunch at most stores
That said, I get why folks struggle. Last month I bought "fresh" cilantro that turned slimy in two days. Which brings me to...
Cilantro Handling 101: Stop Wasting Money
Nothing's worse than watching $2.99 organic cilantro die in your fridge. Through trial and error, I've nailed storage:
| Storage Method | How Long It Lasts | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic bag (as purchased) | 3-4 days | Trash - promotes rot |
| Jar with water (like flowers) | 2 weeks | Best method - change water every 3 days |
| Paper towel + airtight container | 10 days | Good for small spaces |
| Chopped & frozen in oil | 3 months | Lifesaver for cooking (loses crunch) |
Pro tip from my kitchen fails: Wash cilantro RIGHT before using. Water accelerates wilting. And if you're part of the "cilantro tastes like soap" crowd? Try replacing with flat-leaf parsley in these recipes.
7 Knockout Cilantro Recipes
These aren't your average "sprinkle on top" dishes. Each uses at least 1 full bunch of cilantro. Measurements are flexible - cooking shouldn't require lab equipment.
Cilantro-Lime Chicken Bowls
Why it works: Uses stems and leaves (no waste), ready in 30 minutes, kids devour it
Serves: 4 | Active time: 20 mins | Total time: 30 mins
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs (boneless)
- 1 entire bunch cilantro (stems finely chopped, leaves reserved)
- 3 limes (juiced)
- 4 garlic cloves (smashed)
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp honey
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 avocado (sliced)
Instructions: Blend cilantro stems, lime juice, garlic, cumin and honey into marinade. Coat chicken and grill 6 mins per side. Serve over rice topped with avocado and cilantro leaves. The stems add insane flavor depth - don't skip them!
Blender Cilantro Sauce
Why I make this weekly: Works on everything (eggs, fish, veggies), ready in 5 minutes, freezes perfectly
Makes: 1.5 cups | Total time: 5 mins
- 1 bunch cilantro (roughly chopped)
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions: Dump everything in blender. Pulse until smooth. Seriously - that's it. Thin with water if needed. Lasts 1 week in fridge, but mine never survives that long.
Cilantro Recipe Showdown: Quick Reference
| Recipe | Best For | Cilantro Used | Make-Ahead? | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cilantro-Lime Chicken | Weeknight dinners | 1 bunch | Marinate overnight (4/5) | ★★★★★ |
| Blender Sauce | Meal prep shortcut | 1 bunch | Yes (5/5) | ★★★★☆ |
| Cilantro Salad (below) | Potlucks | 2 bunches | Dressing only (3/5) | ★★★☆☆ |
| Herb Butter | Impress guests | ½ bunch | Freezes 3 months (5/5) | ★★★★☆ |
Crazy Herb Salad
I served this at a BBQ last summer and people wouldn't stop asking about it. Warning: it uses two entire bunches of cilantro!
Serves: 6 as side | Active time: 15 mins
- 2 bunches cilantro (leaves only)
- 1 cup mint leaves
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- ¼ cup roasted peanuts
- 2 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili flakes
Instructions: Toss herbs and onion gently. Whisk dressing ingredients. Pour over salad just before serving. Top with peanuts. The cilantro holds up surprisingly well - no wilting!
Cilantro-Freezing Hack That Actually Works
After wasting so much cilantro, I developed this method:
- Chop leaves and tender stems finely
- Fill ice cube tray compartments halfway
- Top with olive oil or water
- Freeze solid (about 4 hours)
- Transfer to ziplock bag
Use in cooked dishes like soups or stews. Texture changes, but flavor stays bright. Each cube = about 1 tbsp fresh.
Cilantro Recipe FAQs
Can I substitute dried cilantro in recipes using cilantro?
Honestly? Not really. Dried cilantro tastes like grass clippings. In a pinch, use fresh parsley plus lime zest. Or omit it - some recipes using cilantro just won't work without fresh herb.
Why do my cilantro recipes taste metallic sometimes?
Oh man, I've had this happen! Usually one of three reasons:
- Using aluminum bowls (reactions with acids)
- Over-blending in food processor (creates bitter compounds)
- Old cilantro (check for black spots on stems)
How much cilantro is too much in recipes?
Depends on your crowd. My husband thinks 1 sprig is "too much." For balanced flavor in recipes using cilantro:
- Sauces: 1 bunch per 1.5 cups liquid
- Salads: 2 cups max per 4 servings
- Cooked dishes: Add at end to preserve flavor
Cilantro-Heavy Cuisines to Explore
If you dig these recipes using cilantro, try authentic dishes from:
- Mexican: Pozole verde (uses 2+ bunches)
- Thai: Nam tok (herb salad)
- Indian: Chutneys (coriander = cilantro seeds)
- Vietnamese: Pho garnishes
Last vacation in Oaxaca, I tried tlayudas piled with fresh cilantro - life changing!
Unusual Ways to Use Up Leftover Cilantro
Got half a bunch going limp? Try:
- Cilantro pesto: Swap basil in pesto recipe (tons of recipes using cilantro exist for this)
- Herb butter: Mix into softened butter with lime zest
- Infused oil: Gently heat with olive oil for drizzle
- Smoothie booster: Small handful in fruit smoothies
My favorite? Cilantro margaritas. Muddle ¼ cup leaves with tequila before adding mix. Sounds weird - tastes incredible.
Cilantro vs Coriander: What's the Deal?
This confused me for years. Simply put:
| Term | Refers To | Usage in Recipes |
|---|---|---|
| Cilantro | Fresh leaves & stems | Salsas, salads, garnishes |
| Coriander | Dried seeds | Curries, spice blends, baking |
In the UK, "coriander" means both. No wonder people get mixed up!
Final Thoughts on Cooking with Cilantro
Look, cilantro won't solve world hunger. But mastering recipes using cilantro transformed my weeknight cooking from blah to vibrant. Start with the blender sauce - it's foolproof. If you still hate it? More cilantro for the rest of us.
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