What is Oregano?
Oregano is an aromatic flowering plant from the mint family, whose fresh and dried leaves are commonly used as a spice in culinary applications, particularly the Mediterranean and Eurasian countries. This herb can have many different flavors, depending on the variety, ranging from spicy and aromatic to subtle and sweet. Here are some best oregano substitutes.
Oregano is very similar to marjoram, and the two are often used interchangeably by chefs. In fact, oregano is often referred to as “wild marjoram”. Fortunately, whether you have simply run out of oregano or have to cook around an herbal allergy, there are plenty of viable substitutes for oregano.
Oregano Substitutes
The best oregano substitutes include thyme, rosemary, marjoram, basil, and sage, among others.
Basil
Another popular substitute, basil works well as a replacement for strongly flavored savory dishes, particularly Italian stews, and sauces. In that culinary context, the difference is very difficult to detect.
Sage
Whether you are making chicken, vegetables or soup, sage will always be an excellent replacement for oregano. You will want to use fresh sage, when possible, as the dried form doesn’t as closely resemble the taste of oregano.
Marjoram
The best replacement for oregano is marjoram, as the two are very closely related and have very similar flavors. Marjoram doesn’t retain its flavor when cooked for long periods, therefore, add it at the end of your recipe for best results.
Rosemary
Although rosemary is slightly sweeter and more potent than oregano, if you are in a pinch in the kitchen, a few stalks of rosemary can give your meal a tangy, flavorful bite.
Thyme
This popular and strongly-flavored herb is closely related to oregano and is also a member of the mint family. Although the leaves look different, the effect that thyme can have on your meals is quite similar to oregano, and this spice can be used as a replacement in an equal quantity ratio – 1:1.
