The chef's gardener

Coriander recipes

Coriander (or called cilantro or Chinese parsley) is one of the most popular herbs in the world.

It is a key herb used in many recipes ranging from Chinese stir-fry to Mexican Salsa, etc

Below you will find some example coriander recipes –  and more info on how to use coriander in cooking lower down the page.

I will be adding more recipes over time. For the latest recipes visit my Instagram page

Coriander recipes advice

The coriander herb (or cilantro) is one of the most popular herbs in the world – used in many different recipes.

Below are 4 most often asked questions:

  1. Which type of coriander do I use?
  2. What is the difference between ground and fresh coriander?
  3. How do I use coriander in cooking?
  4. Are coriander recipes good for you?

Taking them in turn:

1. Which type of coriander do I use?

There are 3 completely different types of coriander (cilantro):

  • Leaf coriander
  • Seed coriander
  • Coriander root

The key is to make sure you are using exactly the right type of coriander in cooking.

Taking them in turn

leaf coriander

1a – Leaf coriander

Coriander leaves have a very distinctive lemon & lime taste which (when added to recipes or salads) provide a real flavour.

Used for cooking Chinese stir-fry, Mexican Salsa, etc.

Typical recipes – Salsa , Stir-fried Pork

chicken and coriander

1b – Seed coriander

Warmer, spicier flavour than leaf coriander.

Ideal for savoury recipes – such as Indian curries, German Sausages, etc

Typical recipes: Chettinad chicken curry , Boerewors (South African Sausage)

Easy coriander chicken

1c – Root coriander

More intense flavour than leaf coriander.

Ideal for cooking cooking Indian curries, Thai Soups, etc.

Typical recipes: Coconut and coriander chicken curry , Thai Green Curry with Roasted Duck and Young Chilies

vegetable curry with lentils

2. What is the difference between Ground or Fresh coriander?

If shopping please note that ground Coriander is different and has a different taste than the fresh coriander sold in the fresh vegetable section. Ground Coriander is made from Coriander seeds (not the leaves) and has a different flavour. Which is why it’s often used in different types of recipes.

Fresh coriander has much more taste then dried coriander and is easy to grow at home.

When cooking recipes try to use fresh coriander – home grown is the best but alternatively try to use a fresh ‘living’ coriander from shops as that will taste better than even the ‘fresh’ leaves sold in packets.

3. How do I use coriander in cooking

When cooking with fresh coriander leaves:

  • All you do is remove the leaves from the stems, then you
  • Chop them into small bits when used in sauces or meal recipes.

The video below shows how to use coriander – full recipe is found at ‘how to make coriander puree‘

4. Are coriander recipes good for you?

Coriander (cilantro) has a long list of health benefits. For example the webmd site mentions its vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants. For example vitamin k will help with blood clots, bones to heal themselves, etc, etc.

However it is very important to realise that many benefits (& flavour) are reduced during the drying process, which is why growing fresh coriander is such a good idea.

Yes, dried coriander is easy but in addition the fresh type adds lovely extra flavour to meals.

Cinnamon coriander tea

Very easy to grow at home

It’s not very difficult to grow the different types of coriander at home – even indoors (in your kitchen, spare bedroom, garage, etc.

Coriander will grow very fast and you will be able to use it in your recipes on a regular basis.

More information

Where to get the 3 types of coriander