Tarragon is one of those ingredients that is really good for adding to your dishes, but it tends to be forgotten by most people, so when you do need it, it’s more likely that you won’t have it.
In the instances where you can’t get hold of any tarragon, it’s in your best interest to have some substitutes ready to use.
Luckily, there are plenty of substitutes you can use. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at 5 tarragon substitutes that work just as well as the real thing. So let’s take a look!
1. Basil
Basil is a great starting point because it’s very easily accessible, doesn’t cost too much, and tastes incredibly similar to tarragon.
It ticks all the boxes, the only thing it lacks is that licorice flavor that tarragon has. But for some people, this is actually a blessing, because not everyone likes that flavor.
You ideally want to use fresh basil if you go for this substitute, but you can use dried basil too. Just bare in mind that dried basil is a little bit weaker.
2. Chervil
Another great substitute for tarragon that replicates it really well is chervil. Its flavor is almost identical to tarragon, so if you don’t mind or even like the licorice taste, then this is a great substitute to use.
Chervil is even used by professional chefs in place of tarragon, so it just goes to show that it is a reliable substitute that will work just as well as the real thing.
Chervil is a bit milder in flavor and taste than tarragon though, so you’ll have to experiment with the quantity as you add it to your dish.
3. Dill
Dill also works well as a substitute for tarragon. The main difference is that it lacks the licorice flavor that tarragon has.
It depends on what you want out of your dish that will make dill either really helpful or really useless. If you are specifically after that licorice flavor and taste, then dill isn’t a great choice for you.
However, if you want to use an ingredient that is a bit like tarragon, but you don’t want that licorice taste, then it’s absolutely perfect for you.
4. Anise
Anise works well in both its seed form and its standard form. Anise is also known for its strong licorice taste, so this makes it a wonderful substitute for tarragon.
It’s a bit sweeter and even spicer than tarragon, so it will be slightly different in taste from tarragon, but it works really well in lots of different dishes.
5. Marjoram
And finally, we have marjoram. It doesn’t really have a great licorice taste, but it works great as a tarragon substitute in a lot of other ways.
It has a very woody and earthy taste and aroma, similar to tarragon, so although licorice will be a bit absent, you will still feel the same sort of vibe tarragon has when you use marjoram instead.
Conclusion
Tarragon is best known for its licorice taste, but not everyone likes that taste. That’s why some of the substitutes on this list are great, because they emulate tarragon really well, even without the licorice taste.
There are some options on this list that still have that taste though! Experiment with these different substitutes and see which one works best for you.
Each of the substitutes we’ve listed works in a variety of different dishes and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how well they work in the place of tarragon.
Whether you’re a fan of licorice or not, there’s something for everyone on this list!
5 Tarragon Substitutes
Are you making a recipe that calls for tarragon but you don’t have any available? Click here to learn about 5 tarragon substitutes that work perfectly!
Ingredients
Basil
Chervil
Dill
Anise
Marjoram
Directions
- Decided 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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