Here are some food pairing ideas and recipes for cilantro and cilantro microgreens.
There is no difference in how to use cilantro microgreens compared to the mature herb.
Cilantro microgreens do not have the woody stems like the cilantro you buy in the store. They also won’t have the sand on the leaves that is common with store-bought cilantro.
Unlike mature cilantro, the microgreens have a brightier and sweeter flavor without the soapy, bitter characteristic that mature cilantro can develop.
Cilantro microgreens should be added before serving as they will wilt if exposed to prolonged heat.
Cilantro Food Genres
Cilantro is an integral part of Mexican, Indian, Thai, and Chinese cuisines.
Below are some sample recipes. I am not a chef and most definitely don’t have any skill in creating repeatable recipes. Not that I can’t and don’t cook, it’s more of the fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants type of cooking.
I’ll leave the recipe creations to experts. I have found that whenever I make someone else’s recipe, I add more than the recommended spices and herbs. I think many recipe creators play it safe.
I like more flavor than the stock recipes recommend. But I’m sure you have found the best ways to modify recipes to your liking.
Below are some recipes I have found. Many of them I have tried and liked. The ingredient list (if included) is from the creator’s video or website. I have not included any modifications to the list.
The ingredient list will give you some idea of what you might need to make the recipe. All instructions are included in the video.
Cilantro microgreens can of course be substituted for mature cilantro in any of these recipes.
Cilantro is of Course Used in Mexican Dishes
Chimichurri
Ingredients:
- 1 cup finely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems
- 1 cup finely chopped Italian parsley leaves
- 1/2 large or 1 small shallot (about 1/4 cup minced)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped oregano
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
- 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Spoon over grilled meats or soup or use as a marinade.
Awesome Salsa
This is my favorite salsa recipe. If you don’t like spicy salsa, don’t add the roasted peppers. I sometimes roasted polenta peppers.
Indian Cuisine
Cilantro & Mint Chutney
Is a versatile Indian condiment that can be used in many different ways. It is used as a condiment with grilled or fried food, but may be used as a spread or dip too.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups Coriander Leaves
- ½ Cup Mint Leaves
- 2 Green Chillies
- 1 Inch Ginger
- 1 tbs Peanuts
- ½ tsp Chat Masala
- ½ tsp Cumin Seed Powder
- 1 tsp Sugar
- Salt
- Lime Juice
- Water
Thai Cuisine
Grilled Thai Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds of chicken pieces on the bone
- 4 tablespoons fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup coconut milk canned
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons cilantro roots or stems minced
Asian Cuisine
Cilantro Beef
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef
- 7 cloves garlic
- 2 oz cilantro
- 2 PCS green chili
- 7 PCS Xiaomi chili
- 1.5 TBSP chili powder
- 1 TBSP dark soy sauce
- 1 TBSP light soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp dark rice vinegar
- 2 tsp white sugar
- 2 tsp oyster sauce
- 2 TBSP cooking oil
- 1 TBSP toasted white sesame
Vietnamese Spring Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Large Shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined (keep the shells)
- 3 oz Vermicelli Rice Noodles
- 1/2 Butter Lettuce (15 leaves)
- 2 Carrots, peeled and julienned
- 1/2 English Cucumber julienned (or 3 small cucumbers)
- 1 cup Cilantro sprigs
- 15 Round Rice Paper Sheets (8.5” diameter)
Vietnamese Springroll Dipping Sauce:
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup fish sauce
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed from 1 lime)
- 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 garlic clove, grated of finely minced
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp shredded carrot
Peanut Dipping Sauce:
- 1 cup sesame ginger dressing
- 2 heaping Tbsp peanut butter
Cilantro with Grains
Polenta with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Cilantro Lime Rice
Cilantro in Sauces & Dressings
Spicy Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
5-Minute Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
Avacodo Cilantro Dressing
I love this one!
