Rosemary is one of the most incomparable herbs in the world. It has a flavor that is totally unlike many other herbs, and is known for its incredibly earthy and slightly peppery taste that elevates any dish it is added to!
However, because rosemary is so incomparable, it can lead to difficulty whenever you find yourself running out of it. What could you possibly replace it with?
Are there any herbs or other ingredients that can stand in its place? Well, let’s take a good look to find out, shall we?
Below, you will find our list of some of the best substitutes for rosemary that you can use, so jump right in and get started!
1. Thyme
Thyme is a little milder in terms of flavor than rosemary, but it is a perfect substitute! In fact, thyme and rosemary are both so comparably herby that you can very easily substitute them using a 1:1 ratio!
However, you should be aware that thyme still tastes totally distinct from rosemary, so your dish will not taste exactly the same, but it will gain the herbiness that it needs to truly taste right.
2. Sage
If the pine flavor is your favorite part of rosemary, then sage (see also ‘6 Sage Substitutes‘) will be the herb to look out for.
Sage has a very similar set of pine notes in its flavor, but once again it is important to impart that it still does not taste exactly the same, so there may be some difference in flavor with the end result!
It is also important to mention that sage is incredibly powerful, and thus you won’t need much at all. Using too much sage can easily overpower a dish.
If you plan to use it as a replacement for rosemary, then you should make sure to use half of the amount you would use with rosemary.
For example, if you were going to use a teaspoon of rosemary, make sure to only use half a teaspoon of sage at most!
3. Italian Seasoning Blends
It’s likely that you will already have a jar of this stuff available in your kitchen pantry, and if so, you are in luck, because it will work perfectly as a replacement for rosemary in your recipe!
Of course, being as these are blends of various herbs, you should note that, while it will not taste exactly like rosemary, it will still have a very herby flavor.
This can make it a perfect substitute if you simply need herby flavor for your dish.
4. Tarragon
Tarragon (see also ‘5 Tarragon Substitutes‘) is another incredibly powerful herb that has a very strong flavor.
Unlike many other herbs, Tarragon instead has a flavor with notes of anise, making it almost too strong for some, but this is what makes it an adequate replacement for rosemary.
If you are planning to use tarragon as a replacement for rosemary, make sure to take its strong flavor into account. If you need a teaspoon of rosemary, then make sure that you use half a teaspoon of tarragon.
Tarragon may not be a 1-to-1 emulation of rosemary, but it works perfectly if strong flavors are what you are seeking.
5. Basil
Basil is another perfect herb to use as a replacement because it not only has a very deep savory flavor that works perfectly with various savory dishes but also has some subtle sweet notes that you may not ordinarily notice.
Luckily, replacing rosemary with basil (see also ‘6 Substitutes For Basil‘) is nice and easy, as you can simply add a teaspoon of basil for every teaspoon of rosemary.
6. Marjoram
In terms of sheer flavor, marjoram is actually one of the closest herbs to rosemary. Marjoram’s flavor profile is incredibly delicate and subtle and the flavors are slowly released over time.
It’s slightly sweet and slightly bitter, which makes it perfect for adding to dishes that need the complexity that rosemary ordinarily boasts.
However, once again, marjoram is not an exact emulation of rosemary’s distinct flavors, but luckily you can still use it with a 1:1 ratio with rosemary, which is incredibly convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Rosemary Help With?
Rosemary is a wonderful herb that not only tastes fantastic but also has a number of medicinal benefits.
Rosemary has long been used as a remedy for muscle pains across the body, as well as a stimulant to help improve memory.
Is Rosemary Good For Weight Loss?
Rosemary can be highly beneficial when it comes to weight loss, thanks to the fact that it is packed to the brim with antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory benefits.
This means your stomach will work more efficiently, which can help to regulate your appetite, helping you to lose weight!
Is Rosemary Good For Anxiety?
Studies have shown that rosemary is actually incredibly beneficial for those suffering from anxiety. It is also beneficial in boosting memory and improving the quality of sleep for various people.
6 Substitutes For Rosemary
Rosemary is one of the best-loved herbs across the world, but its distinct flavor is difficult to replicate or replace, so what can you use instead?
Ingredients
Thyme
Sage
Italian Seasoning Blends
Tarragon
Basil
Marjoram
Directions
- Decide on what substitute you need
- Pick a substitute from the list above
- Read what you need to substitute with
- Create the recipe and enjoy
Recipe Video
Cooking is great for your mental, physical, and emotional health. What’s the worst that could happen? Find a recipe that you like the sound of and cook it along with me. You might even unlock a new passion!
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