Mint is a versatile herb that works well in savory and sweet dishes alike. You may believe that it is difficult to find a suitable substitute for mint due to its strong flavor and aroma in all its forms.
But the truth is that there are many alternatives to mint that can be used in its place without sacrificing the recipe’s flavor.
Many other herbs, such as basil, parsley, marjoram, rosemary, and tarragon, can stand in for mint.
In addition, dry herbal mint tea is an excellent choice whenever you need to substitute fresh mint with another type of mint.
There are various mint replacements you can use, which we will explore further below, so keep reading!
Best Mint Substitutes
When you need mint but can’t find it, try one of these substitutes.
However, keep in mind that the final result will taste somewhat different due to the fact that each component adds a unique flavor.
1. Basil
When mint isn’t an option, basil is a good substitute because it’s widely used and readily available. With basil, not only will the mint’s freshness be maintained, but the dish will also take on a pleasant, peppery aroma.
To achieve the same level of aroma with basil, however, you’ll need to use a bit more than you would with mint. Consequently, substitute two teaspoons of basil for the mint you were going to use.
2. Marjoram
If you use marjoram instead of mint in your food, it will have a citrus and pine flavor that is just as good as the mint flavor. Since both marjoram and oregano have a similar flavor, some find the two herbs to be interchangeable.
You can easily grow it in your home, and you can also buy it fresh or dried in most grocery stores. Marjoram has a strong taste, maybe even more so than mint. So, measure cautiously, since it is easy to overdo it with flavor.
3. Parsley
You can substitute parsley for mint in any meal where mint is often used, including soups and other main dishes. Parsley is widely available both online and at grocery stores.
The plant is so simple to grow that you can even keep it in your own home. All the other flavors in your dish will benefit from parsley’s appealing aroma and delicious taste.
4. Rosemary
Rosemary is liked by everyone, so who could possibly dislike it? You can’t ignore the aroma and flavor of this aromatic plant. The scientific name for this plant is Anthos, but it belongs to the mint family, Lamiaceae. Since rosemary has a strong taste, it can replace mint if used appropriately. However, it works wonderfully in savory dishes like soups and main courses but has little to no impact on desserts.
5. Tarragon
While tarragon may not be the most widely available ingredient, it is certainly one of the most delicious. It’s a popular substitute for mint in cooking and a powerful healing herb. Tarragon complements a wide range of meat recipes, as well as soups.
6. Peppermint Extract
Peppermint extract can be used as a substitute for mint in dessert recipes. Peppermint extract works nicely in desserts, but you can also use it in savory meals. Peppermint tastes like mint but has a spicier aftertaste. You can buy both real and artificial peppermint online.
7. Oregano
Both oregano and rosemary belong to the Lamiaceae family of herbs and can be used as a mint substitute. Oregano is also not hard to come by; you can get it fresh, dried, or in a variety of spice blends. The flavor is already quite strong, so you won’t need to use much to have a pleasing taste.
8. Coriander or cilantro
You can also use coriander or cilantro as a mint alternative in a variety of dishes. You may need to use more of it because its flavor isn’t as strong as mint’s. However, it will improve the taste of your dish overall. Fresh, dried, or powdered coriander is readily available. The flavor of the plant is much better when it is fresh rather than dried.
9. Herbal mint tea
It’s likely that mint tea will be one of the most convenient substitutes for actual mint. Herbal mint tea can be enjoyed on its own or with a variety of different herbs. This can be one of the best substitutes for mint, depending on the recipe you’re making. If you prefer to use herbal mint tea as a replacement for fresh mint, choose the plain dry mint tea.
10. Lemon extract
While adding lemon extract or flavoring will not give your food or drink a minty flavor, it will give it a refreshing flavor that you will like. There are several forms in which lemon extract can be purchased. The lemon peel, lemon juice, or dry lemon from organic lemons can all be used. Using the same ratio as you would with mint, you can give your dish a very unique and delicious flavor!
Faq’s
What Can I Use Instead Of Mint In A Mojito?
No need to freak out if you’re a mojito fan but you don’t have any mint on hand. There are many alternatives to this ingredient, and you can even remove it entirely if you choose. Without mint, you can still enjoy the refreshing flavor of a mojito by substituting peppermint spirits or extracts.
You can also use a minty syrup or any drink with a strong mint flavor in place of the traditional mint. In addition, there are rum drinks with a refreshing mint flavor.
There are different brands that sell these drinks. Some drinks have a stronger flavor than others, so it’s a good idea to sample them before adding them to your mojito.
How Do I Substitute Fresh Mint For Dried Mint?
One cannot compare the flavor of dried mint to that of fresh mint. To achieve the same or a comparable flavor, you may need to use less dried mint than fresh mint.
A teaspoon of dried mint can be used as a substitute for one teaspoon of fresh mint. More mint can be added if desired. However, make sure to taste it as you go along, since you won’t be able to quickly adjust the flavor if it turns out to be too minty.
You shouldn’t just focus on the quantity difference when flavoring your food; you should also consider the other ingredients you use. Keep an open mind when you use this herb; you could find that dried mint works better than fresh in a particular dish.
What Herbs Taste Like Mint?
Look no farther than the mint family for more plants with a flavor similar to mint.
Oregano, rosemary, and parsley are excellent alternatives to mint and peppermint extract, as we mentioned earlier. While they share a similar flavor, different amounts will be required to achieve the same impact.
You should also know that the flavor of these plants is similar to mint but not exactly the same. Incorporating any other plant besides mint into a dish will result in noticeably different flavors.
Conclusion
Mint is a versatile herb that goes well in many different dishes. Although the deep flavors of mint could be difficult to imitate, the suggested substitutes will help you create a tasty dish without the original ingredient.
In the kitchen, experiment to your heart’s content; you never know what new flavors you can come up with by tweaking a classic dish.
