Oregano is one of the most popular herbs, but what should you do if you’re out of oregano? It’s all happened to us at some point – but thankfully there are a few great substitutes you can use instead!
Some of the best substitutes for oregano include:
- Italian seasoning
- Basil
- Marjoram
- Parsley
- Thyme
- Tarragon
How do these herbs compare to oregano flavor-wise, and how much should you use when replacing them for oregano? We have those answers next!
What is oregano?
Oregano is a popular herb with the botanical name Origanum vulgare. You can buy oregano fresh or opt for dried and ground versions which have a much longer shelf life compared to fresh herbs.
Oregano is one of the most popular herbs and is the star ingredient in seasoning mixes like Italian seasoning, Za’atar, and other Mediterranean herb and spice blends. Oregano is one of the most important herbs in Italian cooking (like pizza and pasta sauces), but it’s a versatile herb that is used in other types of cooking, like Mediterranean, Mexican, and Cuban dishes.
What does oregano taste like? It’s typically described as having a spicy and slightly bitter flavor. Don’t confuse regular oregano with “Mexican oregano” (Lippia graveolens), which is an entirely different herb!
6 best substitutes for oregano
What happens if you’re out of oregano and you don’t have time to go to the grocery store? Never fear – there are several substitutes you can use in place of oregano. Bear in mind that these substitutes might alter the overall taste of whatever you’re cooking compared to using oregano, but hopefully not in a bad way!
Italian seasoning
Subbing Italian seasoning for oregano is a no-brainer since oregano is one of the primary ingredients in Italian seasoning. This swap likely won’t make a big difference in the overall flavor of your dish, especially if it’s Italian!
What other herbs will come along for the ride if you substitute Italian seasoning? They vary a bit depending on the recipe or manufacturer (for store-bought), but some of the most common herbs in Italian seasoning are:
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Marjoram
- Thyme
- Sage
- Savory
When substituting Italian seasoning for oregano, start with half the amount and gradually increase it to a 1:1 ratio as desired. (A 1:1 ratio means you use the same amount of the substitution as the amount of oregano called for in a recipe.)
Basil
Along with oregano, basil is one of the most important herbs in Italian seasoning. You can swap basil for oregano in many cases. Like oregano, basil has slightly spicy flavors but with notes of mint. Basil is the main herb in pesto and can be used in pasta sauces along with oregano.
Also like oregano, basil is one of the most popular herbs you can easily find fresh in grocery stores. If you switch from fresh to dried or vice versa, here is a general conversion: take the amount of dried herbs and multiply it by three to get the amount of fresh herbs you need. For instance, one teaspoon of dried basil would roughly equal three teaspoons (one tablespoon) of fresh chopped basil.
You can usually substitute basil for oregano at a 1:1 ratio.
Marjoram
Along with oregano and many of the herbs in this list, marjoram is in the mint family. Marjoram has a similar flavor to oregano but is considered to have a milder flavor when compared. Marjoram has a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with oregano – they’re both included in Italian seasoning, so their flavors complement each other.
Because of its milder flavor, the recommended substitution ratio is 3:2 (three parts of marjoram for every two parts of oregano).
Parsley
Parsley has a slightly bitter and peppery flavor, so it’s one of the best substitutes for oregano. Compared to oregano, parsley has a milder flavor, so if you ever go the other way around and substitute oregano for parsley, you might need to use less since oregano has a stronger flavor.
You can substitute parsley in a 1:1 ratio for oregano.
Thyme
Thyme pairs well with oregano, and as a general rule – if an herb complements another herb’s flavor, it’s a good sign that it might be a good substitute. Thyme has a savory but slightly sweet flavor with notes of pepper and citrus and isn’t as bold or savory as oregano.
When substituting thyme for oregano, you can generally do so in a 1:1 ratio.
Tarragon
Tarragon can be substituted for oregano, but consider using slightly less of it since it has a licorice/anise-like flavor. Using too much tarragon in place of oregano might alter the taste of your dish, so consider Allrecipes’ suggestion to use ⅔ of the amount of tarragon when substituting it for oregano.
Another tip – add fresh tarragon towards the end of cooking so it doesn’t get bitter. If using dried tarragon you can add it whenever the recipe calls for it.
Summary of substitutes for oregano with ratios
| Substitute for oregano | Substitution recommendations (ratios are written as parts of substitute: parts of oregano) |
| Italian seasoning | 1:2 and increase to 1:1 if desired |
| Basil | 1:1 |
| Marjoram | 3:2 |
| Parsley | 1:1 |
| Thyme | 1:1 |
| Tarragon | Use ⅔ the amount of tarragon as oregano |
FAQs:
Marjoram’s flavor is similar to oregano but is milder, which is why you should use more marjoram when substituting it for oregano (three parts marjoram for every two parts of oregano).
While oregano is in the mint family, its flavor isn’t similar to mint, so it might not be a good substitution in most cases. You can always start with a small amount of mint in a recipe in place of oregano and adjust it to your taste preferences.
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