Fresh mint can add to many savory dishes. Mint adds a cooling flavor to spicy dishes to serve as a refreshing contrast. It can also help to add to the flavors of the dish. When you run out of mint and are unable to get any from the store, there are plenty of alternatives that you can use in order to replace the mint in most dishes.
When you run out of mint, there are many different alternatives that you can use. Some of these alternatives have a similar flavor profile to mint, while others have a similar look to mint. Some popular alternatives to mint include parsley, rosemary, cilantro, and basil.
Continue reading to learn more about mint. Also, continue reading to learn about 11 alternatives that you can use to replace mint when you no longer have any.
Mint Overview
Mint is an herb that is known to be leafy green. This herb is used in many different dishes in order to complement the flavors already incorporated in the dish. Mint is most commonly used in dishes from Middle Eastern cuisine and Vietnamese cuisine.
There are many different variants of mint, which you have most likely heard of. Some variants include:
- Peppermint
- Spearmint
- Chocolate mint
- Orange mint
- Fresh mint
Other than fresh mint, peppermint and spearmint tend to be the most common variants of mint that is used. These two forms are primarily used in cooking. Some dishes that include these two variants of mint include candy canes, cake, and mint jelly.
Mint is known to have a refreshing and cooling taste that tends to complement spicy dishes. It also has a fresh and fragrant aroma. Mint can also provide many benefits to you that can help you be healthier or stay healthy.
What is a Good Substitute for Mint
Mint can be used to complement many dishes. It can be used to either contribute to the flavor of the dish, or the mint can be included in order to add more to the look of the dish. When you run out of mint, there are many alternatives that you can use in order to replace the mint.
Below you will find 11 alternatives from which you can choose in order to replace mint when you no longer have any.
1. Parsley
Parsley is an herb that is already used in order to enhance the flavor of many dishes. Parsley can be found growing in many areas around the world. It is primarily found growing in Europe, northern Africa, and Asia.
Parsley leaves are dark green in color and have a slightly bitter flavor. The flavor of parsley is much more subdued when compared with the flavor of mint. The flavor of parsley will not clash with the flavors already present in the dish, and it will help to enhance the dish’s flavor overall.
There are also many health benefits that can come with consuming parsley. These health benefits include:
- Warding off parasites
- Improving digestion
- Helping with respiratory problems
- Protecting your cells from damage that is caused by free radicals
2. Basil
Many would not consider using basil as an alternative for mint due to the different flavor profiles of the two herbs. The basil plant originates from India and has become a popular herb that is used around the world in many different dishes.
While basil and mint have somewhat different flavor profiles, basil can be used as a substitute for mint because it maintains a similar freshness that helps to complement the flavors already incorporated in the dish.
Basil also adds an aroma that is described as being sweet and peppery. When it comes to the types of dishes that basil is best used with, the most common dishes that use basil tend to include meat, vegetables, salads, and fish.
3. Oregano
Oregano is an herb that is already part of the family that includes mint; this means that oregano will work well as a substitute for mint. There are three different forms in which you can find oregano. You can find fresh oregano, dry oregano, and oregano that has been incorporated in seasoning mixes.
Oregano is known for its rich flavor, but the flavor of the oregano will not clash with the flavors already incorporated in the dish you are preparing. Instead, the oregano will help to complement the flavors of the dish.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is an herb that originates from the Mediterranean and is known to be evergreen and fragrant. Rosemary tends to have three main uses. It is used to make perfumes. It is used for its potential health benefits, and it is used as a culinary condiment. Rosemary can also be used as a substitute for mint.
Rosemary comes from the mint family known as Lamiaceae, which is the same mint family that oregano comes from. While using rosemary can have many health benefits, its flavor will complement the flavors of the dish you are creating.
5. Peppermint Extract
Peppermint extract is a great substitute for mint if you are making a dessert. It is best to use peppermint extract in dishes that already have a flavor that is sweet. The flavor of peppermint is similar to the flavor of mint except it tends to be a bit spicier.
Peppermint extract can be easy to find. You can purchase it from the grocery store, much like the other substitutes and alternatives on this list.
6. Herbal Mint Tea
Mint tea is an obvious substitute that can be used to replace mint. This can be one of the best substitutes for mint depending on the type of dish you are making. This is not the best substitute for mint in all dishes.
When you want to replace fresh mint with herbal mint tea, you want to use the version of the tea that is dry.
7. Cilantro
Cilantro is one of the most flexible substitutes for mint. It can be used in a variety of ways depending on how mint was originally supposed to be used in the dish you are creating.
You will need to use more cilantro in the dish in order to replace the mint because cilantro does not have a strong flavor. Cilantro has a taste that is described to be minty and peppery. It also has a taste that is fresh and citrusy.
Cilantro, or coriander, will help to enhance the flavors already present in the dish. You can find cilantro or coriander in powder form, dry form, and fresh form.
8. Lemon Extract
Many do not consider using lemon extract as a substitute for mint because lemon extract does not have a minty flavor that can be added to the dish. You want to use a quantity of lemon extract in order to substitute for the same quantity of mint.
For the extract, you can use lemon juice, dry lemon, or the peel of a lemon. Using lemon juice as a substitute for mint can add a taste that is rich and unique to the dish.
9. Marjoram
Marjoram has a flavor that is savory and comes from the oregano family. The marjoram plant can be easily identified by its triangular-shaped leaves and its small white flowers.
Marjoram can have an aftertaste that is bitter. The flavor of marjoram is very intense. While the flavors are intense, it can contribute to the flavor of your dish. However, you do not want to put in too much marjoram as the flavor of the marjoram can overtake the flavor of the dish.
10. Tarragon
Tarragon is a tasty ingredient that is not common in most places. This herb has a flavor that is both spicy as well as sweet. Tarragon is often used in salads, or it can be used as a garnish for fish dishes.
Tarragon has a taste that is strong. It is best to use tarragon as a substitute for mint in meat dishes or in soups.
11. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a great substitute for mint. Lemon balm and mint have similar characteristics and are closely related to each other. Lemon balm originated from Europe and has a flavor that is lemony with a hint of flower.
Lemon balm is known to help reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia. For this reason, lemon balm is primarily used to help people relax.
How to Choose a Mint Substitute
With so many options, it may be difficult to pick a substitute for mint. Each of the substitutes listed above work well to replace mint in certain dishes. It is important to note that some substitutes are more suited for some dishes and will not work well in others.
The best substitutes for mint are either basil or parsley. They are very similar to mint and will not overpower the dish you are preparing.
Summary
Mint is a useful herb. It can be used in various dishes to either add to the flavor of the dish or to add to the look of the dish. Other than fresh mint, peppermint and spearmint are very popular to use.
When you run out of mint, there are many substitutes that you can use. Some of these substitutes include basil, parsley, rosemary, and cilantro. Each of these substitutes work well as a substitute for mint, but some work better for certain dishes compared to others.
