The 10 Best Oregano Substitute Herbs and Spices

You’re in the middle of cooking a delicious Italian feast, stirring fragrant tomato sauce, and picturing the compliments to come. But wait – you reach for the oregano and find the jar is empty.

Don’t panic. Whether you’re out of oregano or simply want to explore different flavor dimensions, several herbs and spice blends can be used as an oregano substitute.

Fresh or dried oregano is a versatile herb used in various cuisines, making it essential to find a proper substitute when it's unavailable.

This guide explores the top substitutes, highlighting which recipes they complement best. While marjoram is the clear winner, perhaps you are looking for something a bit different. So put your mind at ease because I’m here to guide you through what I’ve learned in all my time in the kitchen.

Jump to:

• Why Look For An Oregano Substitute At All?
• 10 Oregano Substitute Options
• 3 Other Best Mexican Oregano Substitutes
• FAQs
• Conclusion
• Recipe

Why Look For An Oregano Substitute At All?

Before exploring worthy replacements, it’s helpful to understand what makes oregano so special. It boasts a bold, earthy, and slightly bitter flavor that instantly livens up countless dishes. You’ll find it starring in Mediterranean, Mexican, and Italian cuisines.

You might already know it’s a key ingredient in chili powder. Oregano comes in both fresh and dried forms, though most recipes call for the dried variety due to its more concentrated flavor.

You can easily identify the difference because fresh oregano will have green leaves, while dried will appear more like flakes.

Fresh herbs, specifically fresh oregano, provide a bolder, more robust flavor, especially in meat dishes like lamb, though they have a shorter shelf life and limited availability compared to dried options.

Now, why would you want an alternative? Maybe you just used your last teaspoon or perhaps you’re looking to experiment with new flavors.

For some people, certain herbal notes simply don’t agree with them. Some even have allergies. Whatever the reason, understanding the taste profile of oregano can help you find the most appropriate substitute.

10 Oregano Substitute Options

This comprehensive list explores substitutes, flavor profiles, recommended recipes, and substitution ratios for both fresh and dried herbs. You'll find information on popular choices as well as some more unusual oregano substitutes.

1. Marjoram

If there were ever a gold medal for the "Most-Like-Oregano" award, marjoram would be the clear winner. Its close relationship shines through in a flavor that’s nearly identical, with just a touch more sweetness and a tad less pungency. This is my favorite substitute!

For best results, stick with a 1:1 substitution ratio for both fresh and dried varieties.

Best for: Marjoram is an excellent oregano substitute due to its similar flavor profile, adding depth to Italian dishes like pasta sauces and pizza, enhancing the savory notes without overpowering other ingredients.

2. Fresh Thyme

Thyme, like a good friend, is there for you across cuisines. It complements many dishes, whether you're cooking Mediterranean or whipping up some chicken.

Thyme shines particularly bright when substituting for oregano in Middle Eastern cuisine, especially when seasoning lamb. Its subtle notes harmonize with robust flavors without being overbearing.

Its versatility might stem from its origins in the Mediterranean region—no surprise there. This herb flourishes in similar sunny and dry environments like oregano.

Feel free to substitute fresh thyme using a 1:1 ratio. For the best taste, use this for recipes where oregano would be used in cooked dishes as opposed to raw.

Best for: Fresh thyme is a great oregano substitute, offering a slightly earthy and lemony flavor and works well in Mediterranean dishes, roasted chicken, stews, and roasted meats, complementing herbs and spices without overwhelming the dish.

2. Basil

When it comes to oregano substitutes in Italian cooking, basil is a godsend. Since both are part of the mint family, it's like swapping out one cousin for another – their tastes are similar enough that basil seamlessly fills the gap. This makes sense since many cooks consider basil a cornerstone herb in Italian cuisine.

For dried basil substituting for dried oregano, a 1:1 ratio is usually perfect. Just remember, while their tastes have similarities, fresh oregano is much stronger than fresh basil.

Because of this, I recommend starting with half the amount when using fresh basil in place of fresh oregano and then adjusting to taste.

Best for: Basil, with its sweet and slightly peppery flavor, can substitute oregano in recipes like tomato sauces, pesto, and salads, adding a fresh, aromatic touch while enhancing the dish's overall taste.

3. Bay Leaf

While it’s more common to reach for marjoram or thyme, a bay leaf actually offers a pleasantly surprising substitute. Now, this one works best when your recipe already incorporates several other herbs, particularly in slow-cooked meals like stews and soups.

Bay leaves, with their woodsy, slightly medicinal, and minty notes, surprisingly complement those dishes perfectly. Bay leaf works especially well as a substitute in a tomato-based recipe.

You won’t need much. Typically, just one or two bay leaves are enough for a standard pot of soup. For dishes like stews, remember to remove the whole bay leaves before serving as they’re meant to infuse flavor and not to be eaten whole.

Best for: Bay leaf can substitute oregano in recipes like soups and stews, providing a subtle, aromatic flavor that enhances depth and complexity in long-cooked dishes.

4. Parsley

While parsley may lack the boldness of oregano, its milder, more herbaceous character offers a pleasant twist. I particularly recommend it for recipes where oregano acts as a supporting character, like dips, marinades, and meat dishes.

It’s a favorite garnish as well. Rosemary can also be used to flavor meat dishes, particularly lamb, as an effective substitute for oregano.

When using parsley as an alternative, use two to three times the amount called for to achieve a similar flavor intensity. You might find using the flat-leaf variety is best when subbing in for oregano, as it tends to hold its flavor a bit better. It really comes alive in Mediterranean cooking.

Best for: Parsley can replace oregano in dishes like salads and vegetable dishes, offering a fresh, mild flavor that complements rather than dominates, adding a burst of color and a hint of brightness.

5. Fresh Sage

Fresh sage has well-balanced eucalyptus and citrus notes that enhance the flavor of several ingredients, especially vegetables, and turkeys, as well as how oregano does. Ratio-wise, use the same amount as how much your recipe calls for oregano.

While this characteristic makes sage a distinctive addition to culinary creations, it requires a delicate touch when standing in for oregano. Due to its potency, use just half the amount of fresh sage compared to the original recipe's oregano measurement.

Best for: Fresh sage can replace oregano in hearty dishes such as roasted meats and stuffing, imparting a robust, slightly peppery flavor that enhances savory dishes with its aromatic depth.

6. Italian Seasoning

What about those times when oregano's herbaceous vibrancy is the name of the game? Think Italian dishes. In such cases, Italian seasoning might be just what the doctor ordered.

Often a medley of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, Italian seasoning serves as your one-stop shop for capturing those harmonious Mediterranean notes. As with many substitutions on this list, a 1:1 replacement for oregano works well.

You get those quintessential flavors with added dimension, which brings out the flavor in dishes like pizzas and pasta sauces or infuses deliciousness into grilled veggies and meats. Think of this option when those Mediterranean cravings strike.

Best for: Italian seasoning, a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, makes an excellent oregano substitute in recipes such as pasta sauces and marinades, providing a balanced, flavorful profile that complements various dishes.

3 Other Best Mexican Oregano Substitutes

Now, what can you substitute for oregano when you don't have (Greek) Italian oregano and marjoram or the grocery runs out of stock? Here are my tried and tested substitutes for Mexican oregano that you should also try:

1. Lemon Verbena (Lemon Beebrush)

Also known as “lemon beebrush”, lemon verbena gets its name from its distinct lemon aroma and flavor. It’s not your typical pantry staple, often favored by gardeners with a penchant for teas and beverages.

If you stumble across some, though, it makes an exciting, unusual oregano substitute, especially if a citrusy kick complements the dish. Consider it a wildcard in a pinch.

I often recommend lemon verbena for teas, fish recipes, or fruit salads. Its lemony tang offers a refreshing departure while maintaining those bright herbal notes present in oregano. Due to its intensity, use lemon verbena sparingly as a substitute.

It's best to start with half the amount and gradually add more depending on how bold you like the flavor.

If you don’t mind its potency, I think it makes for an intriguing addition to poultry and fish marinades or perhaps for adding a citrusy touch to a homemade salad dressing.

Best for: Lemon verbena can substitute oregano in recipes like chicken or fish dishes, offering a citrusy, fragrant note that brightens up the flavor profile with its unique, lemon-like aroma.

2. Cilantro

This beloved herb, often found gracing plates of tacos and enchiladas, adds a vibrant, citrusy flavor. You might notice cilantro frequently makes an appearance in Latin American, Caribbean, and Southeast Asian cuisine.

While different from oregano in terms of overall taste, this herb steps in beautifully, especially in dishes like salsa, guacamole, and marinades. If those vibrant flavors sound up your alley, feel free to use it.

Cilantro brings its own assertive personality to dishes, just like oregano. In a pinch, cilantro can bring similar vibrancy and freshness when your recipe requires those bolder notes. Use it fresh in similar quantities to what the recipe specifies for oregano. Its robust nature ensures it doesn’t get lost in a sea of flavors.

Best for: Cilantro can replace oregano in dishes like salsas and fresh salads, adding a vibrant, citrusy flavor that brightens up the dish and complements other fresh ingredients with its distinctive taste.

Related: 8 Top Cilantro Substitute Options For Every Recipe

3. Epazote

Here’s a true wildcard, perfect for adventurous palates. Epazote is a pungent herb primarily featured in Mexican and Caribbean cooking, often praised for its distinct earthy and anise-like notes. While epazote won’t replace oregano’s specific flavor, it injects a unique dimension that can transform any recipe.

When substituting, start with small amounts, especially when fresh. Fresh epazote is strong – stronger than fresh oregano – and you don’t need more than a teaspoon to add complexity and intrigue. Epazote blends particularly well in bean dishes, sauces, and stews. I recently enjoyed a sprinkle on black bean soup.

Best for: Epazote works when replacing oregano in Mexican dishes like beans and stews, offering a unique, earthy flavor with hints of medicinal notes, which complements complex flavors and reduces bean-related digestive issues.

FAQs

Conclusion

Next time you find yourself out of oregano, remember this. There are plenty of alternatives at your fingertips. This simple guide is intended to provide helpful information for crafting flavorful and delightful dishes to complement any dish.

Recipe