If you’re on the hunt for the best substitute for rosemary, we’re here to help you.
This herb is commonly used in so many dishes that it’s hard to imagine being without it. Knowing which alternatives will work in a pinch can be such a recipe saver.
You don’t have to abandon your culinary efforts if you’ve run out of rosemary; all you need to do is use one of the substitutes on this list, and you’re in the clear.
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What Is a Rosemary?
Native to the Mediterranean and part of the mint family, Rosemary is an evergreen herb with thin and narrow leaves used in many ways, such as making perfumes and various medicinal practices. However, it’s probably best known for being a culinary seasoning.
By adding it to a variety of savory dishes, you’ll able to give them an amazing, fragrant aroma that’s beloved by many. Its complex, potent taste can also be described as earthy, citrusy, piney, peppery, and minty.
A great thing about rosemary is that you can easily grow it in your own home, making getting fresh rosemary as easy as cutting some leaves from your garden. But you can also use dried rosemary in your cooking, though it’s more potent and has a stronger flavor than its fresher version.
What Is Rosemary Used For?
Thanks to its flavor profile, rosemary is perfect for sauces, stews, marinades, and soups like this Instant Pot turkey soup. It’s a perfect addition to various meat dishes, such as steaks, roasted lamb, and pork like these bourbon glazed pork chops or herb roasted pork loin.
Additionally, a sprig of fresh rosemary works well as a garnish, giving your dish a professional-looking touch. Don’t use dried rosemary for this purpose, as it is brittle and won’t work as well as the fresh version.
You can use rosemary as one of the ingredients for making your homemade Italian seasoning and as a last-minute substitute for bay leaf to spice up roasted vegetables.
Also, its essential oil is amazing – I use it all the time to make my own homemade rosemary mint shampoo.
Why Would You Need Alternatives for Rosemary?
While the flavors of rosemary may be hard to replace, you will need to know its alternatives for the following reasons:
Availability
With how often this herb is used, sometimes you can’t help but run out just as you’re about to add some to your dishes. In cases like that, knowing viable substitutes will save you from having to make a last-minute store dash.
Health and Safety
Those who may be allergic to rosemary should explore alternatives. Consuming large quantities of rosemary leaves may lead to them experiencing allergic reactions like spasms and vomiting.
There are also instances when rosemary can potentially interact with medication. As such, those who are advised not to take rosemary include people who have high blood pressure, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, or ulcerative colitis.
In these situations, learning which rosemary substitutes you can use for your dishes is crucial.
8 Best Rosemary Substitutes
Try these alternatives in place of rosemary.
Thyme
While generally milder in flavor and often used in tandem with rosemary, thyme works great as an alternative whenever you’re in a bind. Thyme is extremely versatile and can replace rosemary both as an ingredient and as a garnish without changing the flavor profile of your dish too much.
Plus, fresh and dried varieties of thyme are readily available in stores, too, so stocking up on this herb won’t be a problem.
When using thyme, just use an equal amount of thyme for rosemary. If the recipe needs 1 teaspoon of fresh rosemary, use 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. If it needs ¼ teaspoon of dried rosemary, use the same amount of dried thyme.
Basil
Basil comes from the same mint family as rosemary, which makes it a great substitute. It will work great in meat-based recipes, sauces, and fresh vegetable dishes.
Expect the same minty flavor from basil, especially the fresh one. But if you don’t have that, you can always use dried basil instead.
Do note that basil adds a touch of sweetness to dishes.
To use fresh basil as a substitute, follow a 1:1 ratio with fresh rosemary. If you’re using dried basil, use a 0.5:1 ratio, as dried basil has a bit of a stronger flavor.
Oregano
Just like rosemary, oregano is part of the mint family – making it a great alternative to the herb if you need one. It has a slightly bitter and woodsy taste that works great for roasted meats and vegetables that usually call for the addition of rosemary.
You can use the same amount (1:1 ratio) of fresh oregano to sub for fresh rosemary. Similarly, use a 1:1 ratio for their dried counterparts.
Sage
If you’re after the bold taste, pine-like flavor, and earthy aroma that rosemary brings to the table, then sage is a great alternative, especially for meat and vegetable dishes. Also, like thyme, sage works as a garnish for dishes that normally call for rosemary.
Be careful, however, as sage can be overpowering if you add too much of it to a dish. As a substitute, use about ¼ of the fresh or dried sage in recipes needing rosemary, and then add more if needed. Also, make sure to add very thin slices of sage leaves as a garnish.
Tarragon
Tarragon can work as a replacement for rosemary thanks to the green herb’s strong, licorice-like flavor. You can use it as an alternative in various poultry, fish, and meat dishes that need rosemary.
Due to its strong flavor, however, you may want to use tarragon sparingly – about a 2:1 ratio. For every 1 tablespoon of rosemary needed in the dish, only use ½ tablespoon of tarragon. You can always add more if you need to.
Marjoram
With its mild aroma and delicate, woody flavors, marjoram makes a great substitute in soups, stews, and meat dishes. This works great if you prefer your dishes to have a slightly sweet and minty taste instead of a stronger flavor profile that other substitutes may add.
You can use a 1:1 ratio for both fresh or dried rosemary and fresh or dried marjoram.
Bay Leaf
Bay leaf is a good alternative to rosemary, as it can give your dish a more subtle yet similarly woodsy flavor profile when cooked for long periods. It works as a rosemary alternative when you add it to stews or roasts.
Remember that you can use two leaves for every teaspoon of dried rosemary needed in the dish. It’s also best not to use more than two, as this substitute may overpower your dish or make it taste too bitter.
Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is a combination of herbs that include rosemary, so it should work as a decent substitute. However, you might want to reserve this as an alternative for dishes that won’t be using a lot of other spices.
Since it already contains other herbs like basil, sage, thyme, and oregano — you wouldn’t want to overpower your dishes by using too much.
For this reason, only use half the amount of Italian seasoning in dishes needing rosemary. If a recipe needs 1 tablespoon of rosemary, use ½ of that and adjust to taste as necessary.
How to Choose the Right Substitute for Fresh Rosemary Leaves
Not sure which alternative you should use in your dishes? Here are a couple of tips:
- Sage and basil work well as a substitute for beef and pork dishes, along with casseroles.
- For poultry dishes like those with turkey and chicken, you can use a combination of sage and thyme as replacements.
- You can use marjoram, basil, or oregano for vegetable dishes, especially those with many mushrooms. For those with a lot of potatoes, use thyme or tarragon.
- For soups and stews, you can use thyme and bay leaf.
- For seafood dishes, sage, tarragon, and marjoram will work great.
FAQs
Yes. However, you need to be mindful as dried herbs, like rosemary, may have a stronger, spicier taste than their fresh counterparts.
A good rule to observe when substituting dried for fresh herbs is to use less. Use just 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary for recipes needing 3 teaspoons of fresh.
It refers to one small stem of the plant, measuring about 2 to 4 inches.
You can do it in several ways:
– You can wrap your rosemary sprigs in a damp paper towel, store them inside a resealable bag or airtight container, and then put them in the fridge;
– Put them in a resealable bag or airtight container and store in the freezer; or
– Dry rosemary out by tying them together with a piece of twine and then leaving them hanging in a warm place that’s out of direct sunlight.
Several other essential oils can offer similar aromatic and therapeutic benefits.
Consider trying thyme essential oil for a herbaceous scent or lavender essential oil for a calming and floral aroma. Eucalyptus essential oil provides a refreshing and invigorating fragrance, while cedarwood essential oil offers a woody and grounding scent.
Rosemary Alternatives That Won’t Disappoint
When you’re out of rosemary, don’t stress, awesome substitutes are waiting in the wings. Whether it’s thyme, oregano, or basil, these alternatives bring their unique flair to your cooking.
Just reach for any of these suitable herb substitutes that can work for your dishes. That’s one culinary crisis averted for you today.