• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Sous Vide
  • Air Fryer
  • Starbucks Copycat Drinks

IzzyCooking

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Sous Vide
  • Air Fryer
  • Starbucks Copycat Drinks
  • Let’s Connect!

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Sous Vide
    • Air Fryer
    • Starbucks Copycat Drinks
  • Let’s Connect!

    • Email
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes

    07/05/2022

    9 Best Oregano Substitutes

    • Share
    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    Delicious Italian food and oregano go hand in hand, but this herb is useful for far more than just pasta or pizza. Oregano can be used in a wide variety of recipes, so it’s always a good ingredient to keep in your kitchen. If you ever run out, though, use one of our clever substitutions below – we guarantee your dish will still be lip-smackingly good!

    Oregano
    Table of Contents Show
    What Is Oregano?
    Dried Vs Fresh Oregano
    Best Oregano Substitutes
    Italian Seasoning
    Thyme
    Marjoram
    Bay Leaf
    Rosemary
    Sage
    Basil
    Savory
    Tarragon
    Ways to Use Oregano
    How to Substitute Oregano

    What Is Oregano?

    Oregano is a herb with an earthy and slightly sweet taste. Two kinds (Mediterranean and Mexican) are used to add unique flavor and aroma to dishes all over the world.

    Mediterranean oregano is the kind you know best. It forms part of the mint family and is very similar to thyme, marjoram, and mint. It’s also the type most commonly used in Italian cooking and is simply called ‘oregano’ in the United States.

    Mexican oregano comes from the lemon verbena varietal of herb and is more often used in South America. It’s very similar to its Mediterranean cousin but also features delightful citrus and lemon flavors.

    Mexican oregano has a much stronger taste than the oregano you know, so if you ever use it, remember to start with ½ the volume the recipe calls for and add more later if you wish. Likewise, if you only have oregano but the recipe needs its Mexican cousin, start with a 1:1 ratio and add more if desired.   

    Dried Vs Fresh Oregano

    When it comes to herbs and spices, recipes will either ask for the fresh or dried version of the ingredient. Dried herbs usually have a stronger flavor profile than their fresh counterparts (though opinions vary), but they also lose their potency over time. So be sure to check your expiration dates often so you always use herbs with a fresh kick of flavor.

    Best Oregano Substitutes

    If you realize you’ve accidentally run out of oregano, these herbs will work well as substitutes:

    Italian Seasoning

    Italian Seasoning

    An obvious substitute, Italian seasoning already contains oregano so it can be used in a 1:1 ratio. However, you may want to reduce some of the other spices required in the recipe because Italian seasoning features other herbs as well. 

    Thyme

    Thyme

    As a member of the mint family, thyme is a common replacement for oregano. With its equally earthy notes, fresh thyme can be used in a 1:1 exchange for seasoning potatoes, beans, and salad dressings.

    Marjoram

    Marjoram

    Another member of the mint family, marjoram has a milder and slightly sweeter taste than oregano. Substitute with either fresh or dried marjoram on a 1:1 ratio.

    Bay Leaf

    Bay Leaf

    This subtle ingredient can also enhance the flavor of soups and stews when you’ve run out of oregano. Bear in mind, though, that the dish will need an hour or two to simmer so flavors can develop. We recommend one bay leaf per teaspoon of dried or fresh oregano (and remember to remove the bay leaf before serving).

    Rosemary

    Rosemary

    There’s no mistaking the taste of rosemary! Although it’s very different from oregano, you can definitely use rosemary to add flavor to your dish. With its beautiful floral and earthy taste, this herb is excellent with chicken, red meat, vegetables, and savory bread. 

    To replace oregano, start with a ¼ of the amount of rosemary and then add more if desired. However, if the dish is distinctly Mediterranean or Mexican, you might want to use a herb in the mint family.

    Sage

    Sage

    Fresh sage can work nicely as a substitute for fresh oregano, especially for turkey dishes and vegetables (simply replace fresh oregano with the same amount of fresh sage). However, if the recipe asks for dried oregano, we’d recommend using a different herb as dried sage can be very overpowering. 

    Basil

    Basil

    Another popular herb in Mediterranean cooking, basil works very well as a 1:1 replacement for oregano. However, thanks to its sweeter flavor profile, we don’t recommend pairing it with ribs or steak. 

    Savory

    Savory

    Popular in European cuisine (especially in Germany), this herb is used in many similar dishes that require oregano. As such, if you have some in your pantry, you can use it as a substitute on a 1:1 ratio.

    Tarragon

    Tarragon

    This fragrant herb is very popular in French cuisine. It pairs very well with poultry dishes, and you can easily use it as a 1:1 substitute for oregano. 

    Ways to Use Oregano

    When you smell oregano, chances are you instantly think of Italian food, right? It is a prominent flavor in several dishes, including marinara sauce. However, it’s actually used by many different cultures and countries to make sauces, seasoned meat, vegetables, fragrant bread, and much more. 

    Oregano also has important medicinal properties. The oil produced from the herb is known to have potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-fungal properties, making it a popular addition to a natural first-aid kit.

    Delicious Italian food and oregano go hand in hand, but this herb is useful for far more than just pasta or pizza. Oregano can be used in a wide variety of recipes, so it's always a good ingredient to keep in your kitchen. If you ever run out, though, use one of our clever substitutions below - we guarantee your dish will still be lip-smackingly good!

    How to Substitute Oregano

    Print Pin Rate
    Servings: 1 tablespoon
    Author: Izzy

    Ingredients 

    • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • Optional other oregano substitutes

    Instructions 

    • Use Italian seasoning or other substitutes to replace oregano according to the recipe.
    Author: Izzy
    Tried this recipe?Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking

    Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: Oregano Substitutes

    About Izzy

    I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, this is Izzy! On my blog, you will find easy and delicious recipes for the everyday home cook, with easy-to-follow instructions and step-by-step photos.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Best Low-Cholesterol Recipes For Your Low-Cholesterol Diet
    • What to Cook with Instant Ramen (Best Instant Ramen Recipes)
    • 40+ Popular Authentic Chinese Recipes That Are Easy To Make At Home
    • How Many Cups In A Gallon

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Copyright © 2022 - Izzycooking