Oregano is among the first herbs that spring to mind when thinking about Italian cuisine, including pizza, spaghetti, and even a traditional Greek salad. Although most home cooks keep it as a staple in their spice rack, its spicy, peppery flavor makes it a popular component in a range of savory meals. However, it can easily run out and leave you wondering how you might possible replace it.
Fortunately, there is a wide range of herbaceous substitutes for oregano that can still provide your dish with the same pleasing, woodsy aroma and robust, savory flavor—some of which you may already have in your spice cabinet.
See our recommendations for the top 4 oregano substitutions to ensure this flavorful addition doesn’t get lost in your favorite savory recipes, including tomato sauce or braised meats.
1. Marjoram
Similar to oregano, marjoram is a member of the mint family and has a milder, flowery flavor. However, it can be used in place of oregano in most recipes. Add the marjoram later in the cooking process and in a bigger quantity (use three parts marjoram for every two parts oregano) because it has a more delicate flavor and doesn’t withstand prolonged heat as well.
2. Thyme
Similar to marjoram, thyme belongs to the mint family and is frequently used in place of oregano in meals that include tomatoes, such as stews and sauces. Though it doesn’t look quite like oregano, thyme tastes surprisingly similar to it. In any recipe, you can replace the oregano with thyme 1:1.
3. Sage
Sage is a popular herb in recipes that call for a lot of meat, such as braised pork, roasted lamb, and traditional Thanksgiving turkey. It can also be used in place of oregano when needed. But, as fresh sage has a stronger flavor than its dried counterpart, use fresh sage instead of dried when substituting it for oregano.
Since fresh sage can withstand intense heat, replace oregano 1:1 with it and allow it to cook thoroughly.
4. Italian Seasoning
Italian seasoning is often made up of dried herbs including basil, marjoram, oregano, rosemary, and thyme; these herbs may nearly all be used in place of oregano alone. It’s not surprising that this dry herb mixture is popular for use in Italian dishes. If you want a stronger taste, start with half the amount of Italian seasoning for a recipe that calls for oregano and adjust further.
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