This is the ultimate guide on what are the substitutes of Mint and how you can replace them with ease at your home.
I have personally tried this myself numerous times, and it always works like a charm. You can totally rely on these substitutes as they are Chef’s choices.
It is time for the first step, which is getting to know all kinds of substitutes of Mint that are available.
Thirteen Best Substitutes for Mint
The best substitutes for Mint are – Chopped Parsley, Chopped fresh Basil leaves, Dried Mint, Peppermint Extract, Marjoram, Tarragon, Rosemary, Oregano Mixture, Coriander or Cilantro, Herbal Mint Tea, Lemon Extract, Lemon Balm, and Thyme
They are discussed in detail here:-
Chopped Parsley
It’s a biennial root vegetable closely related to mint and Parsnip. Its long green flower and tissue, and, left in the ground to develop, get better in flavor after winter ices.
Use parsley to trade fresh mint for your next meal. It’s a typical ingredient for chicken stocks, soup. You can also utilize it baked, steam, or crushed.
It has an unmistakable taste. It’s sweet and takes after mint. The distinction between these two is that fresh mint is cooler than chopped parsley and has various shadings. Use chopped parsley to supplant it in many recipes.
How to Substitute
As it is almost the same as regular, raw mint, you can replace it in an equal amount. Remember to taste the food after adding a small amount. If required, you can add more.
Confused about how to use parsley root in a recipe? Check out a video here by “Cooking with Bicky” showing how to prepare parsley for any recipe, here:-
Chopped fresh basil leaves
Used in dishes like apricot pasta salad, basil is not difficult to confuse this spice with mint leaves in groceries. Between Thai basil and Italian basil, the previous’ taste is significantly close to mint leaves than the latter.
Thai basil will be very harsh when contrasted with the Italian variation, which is somewhat better. The Thai rendition has a particular taste, practically like licorice and hot too.
When utilizing this spice as a mint substitute in recipes, there is a chance that the taste will be unique. However, it’ll not influence the dish a lot. Still, expect to encounter the flavor distinction.
How to Substitute
One stalk of mint leaves is equal to two tablespoons of ground basil or one basil leaf and one tablespoon of basil leaf paste. Make sure to eliminate the midrib of the basil leaf to utilize the fresh leaves.
Want to know how you can use basil leaves in different recipes? Watch “Dairy Creek farms with Jag Singh” telling us about five different, amazing uses of basil leaves, here:-
Dried Mint
It can be found in the zest path of many supplied stores. While the fresh leaves offer predominant flavor, you can, in any case, utilize the dried variant in numerous dishes like pesto, chutney, dishes, and curries.
You could likewise utilize them as a feature of a flavor rub on the lamb.
It has a more grounded taste than the fresh leaves, so you’ll need to utilize less in any recipe.
For applications where mint adds a visual component like potato salad, boiled mint potatoes, or sangria, try not to utilize dried mint.
Substituting dried mint for fresh mint is very simple.
How to substitute
The ideal part for this substitution is ½ teaspoon of dried Mint for one teaspoon of fresh mint. For the substitution, utilize a large portion of a teaspoon of dried Mint, more than two pieces of healthy fresh mint. A lot of dried mints can not overwhelm the entire dish since it does not have a higher fixation.
Want to know how you can make healthy dried Mint for different recipes? Watch “Flourish Ever After” sharing with us a detailed video on how to dry mint without using any dehydrator, here:-
Peppermint Extract
Peppermint extract is an advantageous method to add a minty flavor to food without doing any hacking.
Like dried spices, utilize a concentrate in recipes where you are attempting to add mint flavor to food.
Dishes that require the imbuement of fresh mint leaves into a fluid are a simple illustration of where it very well may be utilized instead.
Dishes like mint frozen yogurt, puddings, drinks, baked products, and surprisingly some lethargic cooked appetizing dishes will work with this substitution.
Holding peppermint extract close to mint frozen yogurt, Peppermint Extract is sharp so use it with some restraint.
How to substitute
To utilize in the dishes, add the peppermint Extract likewise while observing the taste until it reaches your preferred levels. In many cases, one to two spoons of peppermint Extract is sufficient to replace one piece of green mint. You can concentrate the peppermint or supplement them as a whole and eliminate the midrib prior to keep the jar for storing.
Want to know how Peppermint Extract can be made for any recipe? Check “Bigger Bolder Baking” showcasing a recipe of how to make peppermint Extract easily at home for any dish, here (Skip to 1:29):-
Marjoram
Fresh marjoram adds a citrusy, pine-like flavor to food that is warming and marginally sharp.
Like basil, marjoram will carry an alternate flavor to the dish than mint. Most flavorful food that calls for mint can utilize marjoram instead.
The leaves are a superb choice for sprinkling into salads and are additionally scrumptiously added to vegetables, marinades, pasta, soup, and egg dishes.
Like oregano, marjoram can overpower a dish, so use sparingly as a substitution choice. We recommend utilizing a large portion of the measure of mint and afterward taste testing if you can – add more when required.
How to substitute
Mix four parts of the fresh marjoram with one part of any other herb or dried Mint for a quick replacement when you are in a rush. This proportion will make a very nice flavor for whichever dish you are mixing up. It is also simpler to make whatever quantity of vegetable or herb you need using this ratio.
Do you know how to use marjoram in any recipe? Check out “TODAY” sharing with you a tutorial to learn about how to use these marjoram herbs at home for various recipes, here (Skip to 1:32):-
Tarragon
Also utilized for soup, salads, toppings, and more, tarragon can likewise be a great substitute for dried or fresh mint. Known for its narrow leaves and fragrant citrus smell, tarragon has an ambivalent flavor.
Moreover, while imparting a similar taste to lemon and licorice, tarragon additionally has a few traces of vanilla, pepper, and mint flavors.
Yet, despite these characteristics, it’s ideal for adding a couple of measures of tarragon first if it’s utilized as a substitute for mint.
There is still a distinction of taste between the two, so adding a lot of tarragon could influence a dish.
How to Substitute
For correct measurements, one spoon of tarragon equals two small stalks of mint. Depending on the quantity of dish, you can equate the desired mint with the correct quantity of tarragon.
Confused about how to use tarragon in a recipe? Check out this video by “Rainbow gardens” showing how to grow Tarragon, seed to the kitchen, cuttings, care, dishes and more, easily at home:-
Rosemary
Rosemary is a different spice. It is ideal for skillet singed dishes like steaks. A couple of twigs of it can add more fragrance and taste to the meat.
If you just reaped some fresh game meat, this is an ideal substitute that you can use to accomplish that particular smell and taste.
Besides its culinary uses, it is well known for making aromas, essential oils, and fragrant liquid cleansers. You can blend the rosemary on the marinade previously or have it cooked directly onto the dish with the meat.
It supports the flavor and the smell of the heart even more.
How to Substitute
You can use at least 2-3 branches of rosemary to substitute one mint leaf. Remember to taste the food after adding a small amount. If required, you can add more.
Did you know how you can use rosemary in any dish? Watch this video by “Yum” showing how easily we can use rosemary while cooking at home:-
Oregano Mixture
This spice is something you will regularly discover in pizza, pasta sauces, and soups like this sluggish cooker lentil and cabbage soup.
You can utilize the oregano mixture when you are out of mint leaves. When utilized as a swap for mint, oregano gives hearty and minty flavors to the recipe.
It is blended in with cumin or included spice combinations to make more flavors. Dried oregano leaves are some of the time utilized as a crisis substitution for mint leaves.
Oregano does not have some strong kinds of mint. Keeping in mind that oregano is sold in mass amounts, it is not the most economical spice.
How to Substitute
One tablespoon of Oregano mixture is equal to one stalk of fresh mint leaves. A lot of the oregano mixture can overwhelm the entire dish since it has a higher fixation.
Want to know how oregano mixture can be made for any recipe? Watch “Bubbles of Green” step by step showing us how to make tasty and easy oregano spice mixture at home, here:-
Coriander or Cilantro
Coriander is a herb that is usually used to enhance international dishes. It comes from the Coriandrum sativum plant and is identified with parsley, carrots, and celery.
In the US, Coriandrum sativum seeds are called coriander, while its leaves are called cilantro. Fresh Coriander is a fragrant, antioxidant-rich herb.
Another choice to avoid the mint in your completed dish is to serve with a fresh herb like coriander. Again the flavor will be diverse, yet the extra aromatics from the spices will mean you’re not missing the mint.
Coriander stalks have more flavor and ought to be utilized rather than the leaves.
How to Substitute
Smash and mince two teaspoons of coriander stalks or two teaspoons of fresh coriander root to substitute one stalk of mint.
Confused about how to prepare coriander for a recipe? Check out this video by “Rajshri Food” showing how to cut and store coriander as well as ways to clean it properly:-
Herbal Mint Tea
Quite possibly, the most convenient substitute for mint can’t avoid being mint tea. You may have natural mint tea in different mixes with different spices or plain.
Contingent upon the dish you need to utilize, this could be extraordinary compared to other mint substitutions.
Assuming you need to utilize natural mint tea rather than fresh mint, go for the plain dry mint form of the tea.
Some exploration has recommended that the oils in mint may have various other medical advantages, like fresher breath, better digestion, and decreased agony from migraines. Mint tea additionally has antibacterial properties.
How to substitute
Take out an equal proportion of this herbal tea blend to the number of green mints your recipe calls for, but add it gradually. If you continue gradually adding your fresh herbal mint tea and tasting your food as you mix it, you can ensure that the taste of this herbal tea blend does not overpower your finished dish.
Ever used or heard of herbal mint tea before? Watch “GloryB – TV” to know How to make nutritious and soothing herbal mint tea at home easily, here:-
Lemon Extract
Lemon extract is essentially the juice of lemons blended in with water. Lemon extract is highly acidic with a low pH; hence the fruity tones and flavor will help you enhance your dinner.
Use it to demonstrate a comparative flavor and taste to fresh mint.
Lemon is utilized in sweets, drinks, and as an enhancement for meat and fish dishes. Using Lemon Extract as a substitute would increase the product’s shelf life along with increasing your immunity.
Because lemon extract has potent fixings, be cautious of allergies and avoid consuming it in migraines. One must be cautious as it is acidic.
How to substitute
Use 1 tbsp of lemon extract to substitute 1 tbsp of fresh mint. Too much lemon extract can overpower the whole meal because it is high in citric acid.
Want to know how to make Lemon juice at home to be used in a recipe? Check out here:-
Thyme
Possibly you are somewhat reluctant because dried thyme, likewise from the Mediterranean locale, looks completely changed contrasted with a mint leaf, and it does not belong to a similar family plant.
Rest assured that it can go about as a great alternative if you run out of the mint leaf. For example, both can give minty flavor when dried.
Dried thyme works best as a mint leaf substitute in recipes that utilize meat and sheep.
Dried thyme is a zest that develops on lots of small stems with little leaves. Dried thyme should be rehydrated to show its full reach.
How To Substitute
You can utilize the double the measure of dried thyme as you would use mint leaves. For instance, In the event that you need to marinate beef or chicken, take ¼ teaspoon of Dried thyme and sprinkle on the meat to upgrade its flavor and smell. One mint leaf is equivalent to ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon ground mint leaf is equivalent to ¼ teaspoon dried thyme.
Want to know how you can prepare fresh thyme or dried thyme for different recipes? Watch “mahalo dot com” telling us about how to chop fresh thyme in the right way for cooking, see here:-
Lemon balm
Lemon Balm is a spice with a mint flavor that makes one perfect amongst other Mint substitutes, like lemon zest. The leaves have a gentle lemon fragrance.
During summer, little white blossoms loaded with nectar show up.
Aside from being a Mint substitute, it has extraordinary advantages to the body, like helping dispose of stomach-related issues, cerebral pains, and spasms.
Lemon medicine has a fragile citrus scent and flavor, so it ought to be added towards the finish of the cooking process.
Lemon balm ought to be perfectly cleaved and afterward added to a dish. It’s best used in desserts.
How to Substitute
You can cut the leaves or cut them in half and boost the fragrance, just as the citrus flavor components. Three lemon Balm leaves can substitute one stalk of mint.
Want to know where lemon balm can be used in a recipe? Watch “Happy Holistics” step by step, showing us how to make a citrusy lemon balm at home, here:-
FAQ’s
The expression “mint” is an umbrella term for the Mentha plant family that incorporates spearmint, peppermint, orange mint, apple mint, pineapple mint, and that is only the tip of the iceberg. Mint is a lasting and wide-spreading spice. Both spearmint and peppermint have menthol in them, yet peppermint contains a higher menthol content (40%).
Quite possibly, the most preferred of the mint plants are spearmint (Mentha spicata). This exceptionally fragrant plant is esteemed for its culinary, therapeutic, and restorative use. Spearmint takes after peppermint; however, spearmint plants have bright green leaves that are pointed and lavender blossom spikes that grow up to 4 inches (10 cm).
It tends to be not difficult to mess up these two plants as just various names for exactly the same thing, yet they are, truth be told, various plants. Both are essential for the mint family, and both have a place with the Nepeta variety – catnip is Nepeta cataria, and catmint is Nepeta mussinii.
Bottom Line
I hope this detailed guide helped you in finding substitutes for Mint with ease.
If you have any queries regarding the process, let us know. Also, we would love to hear if you have any other substitute, and we can add to our guide to make it even better!
Do share this with your friends and family to help them out in too!