Imagine finally making your favorite dish only to know that you don’t have tarragon in your pantry. Since this is a primary ingredient in your recipe, you can’t miss it.
However, instead of panicking, you may have something else to replace tarragon. Tarragon is a one-of-a-kind herb, but there are a few alternatives that can be great substitutes. For instance, you can replace tarragon with basil, dill, oregano, rosemary and parsley.
If you aren’t sure how that is possible, we have explained each substitute in detail to give you an idea. So keep reading and get cooking!
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7 Top Substitutes for Tarragon
Some recipes demand nothing but tarragon. But at times, the substitutes below play a significant role in covering up the required taste of this herb.
That said, ensure you know the correct quantity of each option mentioned. For instance, some substitute herbs might have a much stronger flavor than tarragon. In that case, you should include them in a quantity that supports the rest of the ingredients.
Now without further ado, let's explore our options.
1. Fresh Basil
The smell of fresh basil is unmatchable. This herb adds much-needed freshness to all types of food and introduces a bright green color to your dish.
What’s more, basil has some fantastic health benefits. For example, it reduces the risks associated with inflammatory diseases such as bowel problems and heart diseases.
Interestingly, basil has special oil in its composition that fights against bacteria associated with abdominal, urinary and respiratory infections.
But above all, basil tastes great and is one of the best substitutes for tarragon. If a recipe demands one tablespoon of tarragon, replace it with one tablespoon of basil.
If you want your basil to look like tarragon, slice it thinly.
2. Dill
Dill and tarragon are pretty similar, except that the former fails to produce the distinct aroma and flavor that the latter does. But for some people, that may not be an issue, as the presence of dill in your recipe creates a unique flavor.
Dill is a perfect replacement for tarragon if you don’t mind the lack of licorice flavors. Besides elevating your food game, this herb also provides many excellent benefits for your body.
A healthy amount of dill can reduce the chances of stroke and heart disease. It can also reduce cholesterol levels and is associated with maintaining your overall heart health.
You can replace one tablespoon of tarragon with one tablespoon of dill. This is called 1:1 substitution ratio.
3. Dried Oregano
Next up, another best substitute for tarragon is dried oregano. This option doesn’t have the same taste as tarragon, but it surely helps you create a warm and fulfilling dish.
Oregano has a woody and savory taste that can complement all types of dishes that may usually demand tarragon.
This herb has a unique bitter aftertaste, which makes it pretty compelling for pasta dishes, soups, tomato gravies and stews. Some of you might find its flavor too sharp to handle. In that case, use fresh oregano instead of dried one and witness a huge difference.
One of the best things about oregano is that it is widely available. You may easily find it in most grocery stores.
Use ½ tablespoon of dried oregano or 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano.
4. Angelica
This herb has a slight licorice and a sweet taste. Angelica is an earthy herb that you may not find easily, but it does enhance your dish’s flavor just as tarragon.
When buying this herb, get either the stalk or the leaf. Angelica’s roots are spicy, so they shouldn’t be used for garnishing.
Since Angelica offers the same intensity of flavor as tarragon, you may find it a perfect match for your missing ingredient. You can use it in your soups, salads and even stews.
This herb introduces a sweet touch to your dish, but the effect is minor.
Use one tablespoon of angelica to replace the same quantity of tarragon.
5. Rosemary
If your dish lacks the much-needed warmth and earthy flavor, rosemary is an ideal ingredient. It will let you experience the richness of tarragon.
Whether you want to include it in your sauces or meats, rosemary is an all-rounder herb that goes well with all recipes.
With its lemony flavor and beautiful color, rosemary enhances the flavor and appearance of all types of dishes. Besides, rosemary has some very healthy acids with antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial properties.
If you consume this herb daily, you might strengthen your body’s immunity with time.
That said, rosemary is much more intense than tarragon. If you don’t want to ruin your dish, use ½ tablespoon of rosemary to replace one tablespoon of tarragon.
6. Cinnamon and Parsley
Do you have cinnamon and parsley in your pantry? These two are the most common ingredients that go in almost all types of recipes. Besides, when together, they taste as good as tarragon.
To use the combination in the best possible way, simmer cinnamon and fresh parsley in water and create a tea. For this tea use one teaspoon of parsley and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon to replace one tablespoon of tarragon.
This tea is enough to substitute tarragon any day.
In addition, if you can’t consume cinnamon for any reason, fresh parsley alone might taste great. It might not be the best substitute, but good enough to make your dish taste great.
7. Chervil
If you fancy a much better tarragon version, try adding chervil to your recipes. This herb has a unique and sophisticated flavor. Besides, it may add various notes of different garden herbs to your final dish.
Just like tarragon, chervil adds a delicate finish to your food. It is pretty identical to tarragon. But if you opt for dried chervil, add only ½ tablespoon to replace one tablespoon of tarragon.
On the other hand, if you have access to fresh chervil, add two tablespoons in place of one tablespoon of tarragon.
Final Takeaway
Tarragon is loved by many, and so its absence may ruin the preferred flavor of your food. But if you can’t find tarragon anywhere, some substitutes may replace this herb any day.
We have listed a few of our favorite substitutes for tarragon. Try them out and let us know if they did justice to your recipe.
Tarragon Substitute
- Fresh basil
- Dill
- Dried Oregano
- Angelica
- Rosemary
- Cinnamon and Parsley
- Chervil