What Pairs Well With Cilantro?

Picture of a Cilantro

Category: Herb

Cilantro is a herb that is commonly used in cooking, particularly in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines. It has a bright, citrusy flavor with a hint of peppery spice. The leaves of the cilantro plant are often used fresh as a garnish or ingredient in dishes such as salsas, curries, and salads. Cilantro is also sometimes referred to as coriander in some regions.

Flavor Profiles:

  • Slightly Sweet
  • Herbal
  • Citrus
  • Soapy

What goes with Cilantro:

  • Cheese – Cheese, particularly tangy or creamy varieties, provides a balanced contrast to cilantro’s bright, assertive flavor, creating a harmonious combination in various dishes.
  • Chicken – Chicken pairs well with cilantro due to the herb’s bright, citrusy flavor, which complements the mild taste of chicken and adds a refreshing note to various dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and grilled recipes.
  • Garlic – Garlic pairs well with cilantro due to their complementary flavors, with garlic adding a pungent and savory note, while cilantro contributes a fresh and bright citrusy taste.
  • Quinoa –
  • Coconut Milk – The rich, creamy texture and mild flavor of coconut milk provides a nice contrast to the bright, bold taste of cilantro. This combination is often used in Southeast Asian curries and stews.
  • Lime Juice – Lime juice and cilantro both have bright, refreshing, and slightly tart flavors that complement each other well, often used together in cuisines like Mexican and Thai to enhance and balance the overall taste of dishes.
  • Rice – The mild, neutral flavor of rice provides a good base for the strong, pungent taste of cilantro. This combination is often used in Mexican, Indian, and Middle Eastern dishes.
  • Onions – Onions pair well with cilantro due to their complementary flavors, with onions providing a savory, slightly sweet taste and cilantro contributing a bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy flavor.
  • Tomatoes – The sweet, tangy flavor of tomatoes complements the fresh, herbal taste of cilantro. This combination is often used in salsas, salads, and wraps.
  • Cumin – Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that complements the fresh, herbal taste of cilantro. This combination is often used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mexican dishes.
  • Lettuce –
  • Chili – Chili pairs well with cilantro because their flavors have a natural affinity, with the spicy heat of chili being complemented by the cool, fresh, and slightly citrusy taste of cilantro.
  • Onion – Onions’ sweetness and crisp texture complement cilantro’s fresh, citrusy flavor, creating a harmonious blend in various dishes.
  • Vegetables – Vegetables pair well with cilantro due to its bright, fresh flavor and aroma that can complement and balance the earthy or sweet flavors of many vegetables.
  • Protein Of Choice – Protein Of Choice, such as grilled chicken or tofu, pairs well with cilantro due to its bright, fresh flavor and aroma, which can complement and enhance the taste of the main ingredient.
  • Beans – The hearty, earthy flavor of beans complements the fresh, herbal taste of cilantro. This combination is often used in Mexican, Latin American, and Indian dishes.
  • Seafood – The delicate, mild flavor of seafood pairs well with the bright, bold taste of cilantro. This combination is often used in Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese dishes.
  • Salt – Salt enhances the flavor of cilantro by bringing out its citrusy and herbal notes, while cilantro adds a fresh and bright element to salty dishes. Salt and cilantro are a classic combination in many cuisines, and for good reason. Salt helps to enhance the natural flavors of cilantro, making it taste brighter and more vibrant. At the same time, cilantro adds a fresh and herbaceous quality to salty dishes, balancing out the richness and helping to cut through heavy flavors. Whether used in marinades, dressings, or as a garnish, salt and cilantro are a perfect pairing that can elevate the taste of many dishes.
  • Pepper – Pepper’s complex flavors, including heat and aroma, complement and balance cilantro’s bright, citrusy notes, creating a harmonious and well-rounded taste experience.
  • Avocado – The creamy, mild flavor of avocado pairs well with the strong, pungent taste of cilantro. This combination is often used in salads, dips, and wraps.
  • Coconut – The rich, creamy texture and sweetness of coconut milk or shredded coconut provides a nice contrast to the fresh, bold taste of cilantro.
  • Tomato – Tomatoes and cilantro complement each other well in dishes due to their contrasting flavors, with tomatoes providing a sweet and tangy taste and cilantro adding a fresh and bright herbal note.
  • Spices – Spices, such as cumin and coriander, complement cilantro’s bright, citrusy flavor, creating a harmonious and flavorful base for many dishes, particularly in Indian, Mexican, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
  • Tortillas –
  • Lime – Lime’s bright, citrusy notes complement cilantro’s fresh, herbal flavor, creating a harmonious and refreshing combination in various dishes.
  • Chili Powder – Chili powder and cilantro pair well together because chili powder adds depth and heat, while cilantro provides freshness and a hint of citrus, creating a balanced and flavorful combination often used in Mexican and Southwestern cuisine.
  • Chili Peppers – The spicy heat of chili peppers pairs well with the cool, refreshing taste of cilantro. This combination is commonly used in Mexican and Thai cuisine.
  • Shrimp – Shrimp and cilantro pair well together because the bright, citrusy flavor of cilantro complements the sweet, delicate taste of shrimp.
  • Mango – The sweet and tangy taste of mango complements the strong, fresh flavor of cilantro.
  • Salsa – Cilantro’s bright, citrusy flavor and slight herbal earthiness complement the acidity, sweetness, and spiciness of salsa, adding a refreshing and aromatic finish to each bite.
  • Fish Sauce – Fish sauce adds umami and depth to dishes, while cilantro contributes freshness and brightness, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
  • Corn Tortillas – Corn tortillas and cilantro pair well together because the slightly sweet and corn-forward flavor of the tortillas complements the bright, fresh, and slightly citrusy taste of cilantro.
  • Jalapeno – Jalapeno and cilantro pair well together because the cool, citrusy notes of cilantro complement the spicy, smoky flavor of jalapeno, creating a balanced and flavorful combination.
  • Chaat Masala –