13 perfect Substitutes for rosemary to enjoy with your guests

Rosemary is a favorite herb in many kitchens, adding a distinct aroma, flavor, and taste to dishes. It is used in various dishes and cooking methods, from roasted meat to grilled vegetables and even desserts.

However, there are moments when you run out of rosemary or it’s not available in the produce section, leaving you with a limited option for substitutes.

But fret not! Here are 13 quick and convenient substitutes for rosemary that you can use in your recipes, ranging from fresh herbs, dry spices, and blends.

In short, " What can I use instead of rosemary in a recipe?"

Thyme, Savory, Oregano, Sage, Marjoram, Tarragon, Bay leaves, Herbes de Provence, Za'atar, Rosemary Extract, Fennel Seeds, Lovage, Savory.

What is rosemary, and what does rosemary taste like?

Rosemary is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family. It is a woody, perennial herb with needle-like leaves that are dark green on top and silver underneath.

Rosemary is aboriginal to the Mediterranean region and is commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

Rosemary has a distinctive, pungent flavor that is often described as pine-like, with a slightly bitter, woody taste.

It has a strong aroma that can add depth and complexity to savory dishes.

Uses of rosemary in cooking

Rosemary is an adaptable herb that can be used in a variety of dishes to add flavor and aroma. Here are some common uses of rosemary in cooking:

1.   Meat dishes: Rosemary is a popular herb for flavoring meat dishes, especially lamb and poultry. It can be used to make rubs and marinades or added directly to the dish during cooking.

2.   Roasted vegetables: Rosemary can add a savory depth of flavor to roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, and squash.

3.   Soups and stews: Rosemary is often used to flavor soups and stews, adding a fragrant aroma and savory taste.

4. Bread and pastries: Rosemary can be used to flavor bread, crackers, and pastries, adding a distinctive, herbal taste.

5.   Marinades and sauces: Rosemary can be used to flavor marinades and sauces for meats or vegetables, adding depth and complexity to the dish.

6.   Infused oils and vinegar: Rosemary can be used to infuse oils and vinegar, adding a fragrant aroma and taste to dressings and marinades.

Where to buy rosemary?

If you’re searching for where to buy rosemary, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores

You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of rosemary.

Best substitutes for rosemary

1. Thyme 

thyme is the excellent substitute for rosemary

Like rosemary, thyme has a pungent and slightly floral flavor, making it an excellent substitute. You can use it for roasted meats, vegetables, or in marinades.

Use fresh thyme leaves for the finest flavor or dried thyme if you don’t have fresh.

Ratio or measurement: Substitute one teaspoon of thyme for one teaspoon of rosemary in your recipe.

2. Savory 

It is a lesser-known herb with a similar aroma but milder than rosemary. It pairs well with mushrooms, poultry, or stews.

Ratio or measurement: Substitute one teaspoon of savory for one teaspoon of rosemary.

3. Oregano

oregano is the good replacement for rosemary

Oregano has a more pungent and grass-like taste than rosemary, but it works well in tomato-based dishes, pizzas, and pasta sauces.

Ratio or measurement: Substitute one teaspoon of oregano for one teaspoon of rosemary.

4. Sage 

Sage is another herb that pairs well with rosemary’s flavor and is an excellent alternative for savory recipes.

Sage is another earthy, savory herb that has a stronger and slightly peppery flavor than rosemary. Use it with poultry, pork, or in stuffings.

Use the same amount of sage for the recipe or adjust accordingly.

Ratio or measurement: Substitute one teaspoon of sage for one teaspoon of rosemary.

5. Marjoram 

Marjoram is a delicate and sweet herb with a floral scent, similar to thyme’s subtle aroma. Use it in soups, stews, or baked goods.

Ratio or measurement: Substitute one teaspoon of marjoram for one teaspoon of rosemary.

6. Tarragon 

tarragon is the nice substitute for rosemary

Tarragon has a licorice-like flavor similar to basil but with a hint of bitterness and pepper. Use it in fish, chicken, or salad dressings.

Ratio or measurement: Substitute one teaspoon of tarragon for one teaspoon of rosemary.

7. Bay leaves 

Bay leaves are a classic herb that adds an aromatic and subtle woodsy flavor to stews, roasts, and sauces.

Ratio or measurement: You can use one or two bay leaves for a teaspoon of rosemary.

8. Herbes de Provence 

This blend of aromatic herbs, including thyme, savory, oregano, and marjoram, among others, is perfect for pasta sauces, roasted meats, and vegetables.

Ratio or measurement: Substitute one teaspoon of herbes de Provence for one teaspoon of rosemary.

9. Za’atar 

za'atar is the nice alternate for rosemary

Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice combination that contains thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, and sumac. It is excellent for roasting meats, chickpeas, or vegetables.

Ratio or measurement: Substitute one teaspoon of Za'atar for one teaspoon of rosemary.

10. Rosemary extract 

If all else fails, rosemary extract is a quick and convenient way to add a potent and concentrated rosemary flavor to your dish.

Ratio or measurement: One drop or two per serving is enough to substitute one teaspoon of fresh rosemary.

11. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds have a licorice-like flavor and are a great addition to roast pork, lamb, or veggies. Crush the seeds before using.

Ratio or measurement: Use the same amount as you would with rosemary.

12. Lovage

lovage is the excellent alternate for rosemary

Lovage has the same flavor as celery and is an excellent alternative for dishes that contain rosemary. Its leaves stems, and seeds are all edible, adding a unique taste to your recipe.

Use it in soups, stews, and sauces.

13. Savory

Savory herb is closely related to rosemary and has a mild and slightly sweet taste. It is an ideal substitute for roasted meat and veggies.

Use fresh savory leaves and adjust the recipe accordingly.

Substitute for rosemary on lamb

1. Thyme

Thyme is a popular choice for a rosemary substitute, especially with lamb. It has a similar earthy, woodsy flavor and can be used in the same quantity as rosemary.

Fresh or dried thyme will work well, though fresh thyme is generally preferred for its more vibrant flavor.

2. Oregano

Oregano has a robust, slightly bitter flavor with a hint of mint and earthiness. It complements lamb well and can be used in place of rosemary.

Use fresh oregano if possible, but dried oregano can also be effective. Start with a small amount than the recipe calls for rosemary and adjust according to taste.

3. Sage

Sage has a strong, slightly bitter, and earthy taste with hints of citrus and mint. It works well with lamb and can be a suitable substitute for rosemary. 

Fresh sage is preferable, but dried sage can also be used. As sage can be quite potent, use it sparingly and adjust the quantity based on your taste preferences.

Substitute for rosemary on steak

1. Thyme

Thyme is a versatile herb that works well with a variety of meats, including steak. It has an earthy, woodsy flavor that pairs nicely with beef. 

Fresh or dried thyme can be used in the same quantity as rosemary. Thyme is a popular choice because it complements the flavors of steak without overpowering them.

2. Oregano

Oregano has a strong, slightly bitter, and earthy taste with a hint of mint. This can be used as a replacement for rosemary with steak.

Fresh oregano is recommended, but dried oregano can also be used. Start with a small amount than the recipe calls for rosemary and adjust according to taste.

3. Marjoram 

Marjoram has a mild, sweet, and slightly citrusy flavor that works well with steak. This can be used as a substitute for rosemary, although its flavor is milder.

Fresh marjoram is preferred, but dried marjoram can also be used. You may need to use more marjoram than the amount of rosemary called for in the recipe to achieve the desired flavor.

rosemary substitute for pork

· Fresh or dried thyme can be used in the same quantity as rosemary.

· Fresh sage is preferable, but dried sage can also be used.

. use it sparingly

· Use more marjoram than the amount of rosemary

can I use Italian seasoning instead of rosemary?

Yes, you can use Italian seasoning instead of rosemary in a pinch. Italian seasoning is a blend of various herbs, typically including oregano, basil, thyme, marjoram, and sometimes rosemary itself.

While the flavor profile of Italian seasoning is different from rosemary alone, it can still work as a substitute in many recipes, particularly in Italian or Mediterranean dishes.

Is parsley a good substitute for rosemary?

Parsley is not the best substitute for rosemary, as their flavors and aromas are quite different. Rosemary has a woodsy, pine-like aroma and taste, while parsley has a fresh, grassy, and slightly bitter flavor.

The flavor profile of parsley is milder than rosemary, so using parsley as a substitute may result in a less pronounced herbal taste in your dish.

If you do not have any other choices on hand, you can still use parsley as a substitute for rosemary.

However, be aware that the overall flavor of your dish will be different from what the original recipe intended.

For a closer flavor match to rosemary, consider using thyme, oregano, marjoram, or sage as a substitute, depending on the dish you’re preparing.

Conclusion on substitute for rosemary

In conclusion, there are numerous substitute options for rosemary that you can find in your pantry or garden. 

Use these herbs according to your recipe’s taste and preference and adjust accordingly. Thyme, sage, tarragon, oregano, bay leaves, fennel seeds, herbs de Provence, lovage, and savory are excellent options if you’re running out of rosemary. 

Adding these substitutes can give your dishes a unique flavor and aroma, making your recipe a savory delight.

FAQs on substitute for rosemary

Q1. What is similar to rosemary?

1. Thyme: Thyme is a popular herb with a similar flavor profile to rosemary. It has a slightly minty taste with a hint of lemon and can be used as a substitute in many dishes.

2. Sage: Sage has a slightly bitter taste with a hint of earthiness, and it can be used as a substitute for rosemary in meat dishes or as a flavoring for bread and pastries.

3. Oregano: Oregano has a slightly pungent, spicy taste with a hint of sweetness, and it can be used as a substitute for rosemary in tomato-based sauces or meat dishes.

4. Tarragon: Tarragon has a sweet, anise-like flavor and can be used as a substitute for rosemary in many dishes, especially those with chicken or fish.

5. Marjoram: Marjoram has a sweet, floral taste and can be used as a substitute for rosemary in meat dishes, soups, or stews.

Q2. Is thyme a good substitute for rosemary? 

Yes, thyme is a good substitute for rosemary in many dishes. Thyme has a similar earthy and savory flavor profile to rosemary, although it is slightly milder and sweeter. Thyme is often used in Mediterranean and French cuisine, where it pairs well with meats, stews, and roasted vegetables.

When substituting thyme for rosemary, it is important to keep in mind that thyme has a slightly different flavor profile, so it may alter the taste of the dish slightly.

However, thyme is a good substitute in recipes where rosemary is used for flavoring rather than as a dominant flavor. It can also be used in bland with other herbs, such as oregano or sage, to create a similar flavor to rosemary.

Q3. Can I use oregano instead of rosemary in a recipe? 

While oregano has a different flavor profile than rosemary, it can be used as a substitute in some recipes where rosemary is not the dominant flavor. Oregano has a slightly pungent, spicy taste with a hint of sweetness, which can add a unique flavor to dishes.

When substituting oregano for rosemary, keep in mind that the dish may taste slightly different, and it may be necessary to adjust the other seasonings accordingly.

Oregano can work well as a substitute for rosemary in tomato-based sauces, pasta dishes, and some meat dishes. However, it may not be the best substitute for recipes where rosemary is a dominant flavor, such as roasted meats or bread.

Overall, if you do not have rosemary and are looking for a substitute, oregano can be an option in some cases, but it is essential to believe the other flavors in the dish and how the substitution may affect the overall taste.

Q4. What herbs can I use as a substitute for rosemary?

There is a quantity of herbs that can be used as a substitute for rosemary, including:

1. Thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy and savory flavor profile to rosemary, although it is slightly milder and sweeter. Thyme is often used in Mediterranean and French cuisine, where it pairs well with meats, stews, and roasted vegetables.

2. Sage: Sage has a slightly bitter taste with a hint of earthiness, and it can be used as a substitute for rosemary in meat dishes or as a flavoring for bread and pastries.

3. Oregano: Oregano has a slightly pungent, spicy taste with a hint of sweetness, and it can be used as a substitute for rosemary in tomato-based sauces or meat dishes.

4. Tarragon: Tarragon has a sweet, anise-like flavor and can be used as a substitute for rosemary in many dishes, especially those with chicken or fish.

5. Marjoram: Marjoram has a sweet, floral taste and can be used as a substitute for rosemary in meat dishes, soups, or stews.

Q5. Can I use dried rosemary rather than fresh rosemary in a dish?

Yes, you can use dried rosemary rather than fresh rosemary in a dish. Dried rosemary is a convenient option as it can be easily stored and used all year round, and it can also be more affordable than fresh rosemary.

When using dried rosemary as a substitute for fresh rosemary, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly stronger, so you may need to adjust the amount accordingly. A simple basic rule of thumb is to use one-third to one-half of the amount of dried rosemary in place of fresh rosemary.

It’s also important to note that dried rosemary has a different texture than fresh rosemary, so it may not be ideal for some recipes where the texture of the herb is important. For example, if you are using rosemary as a garnish, you may want to use fresh rosemary to achieve the desired look.

Overall, dried rosemary can be a good substitute for fresh rosemary in many recipes, but it is important to adjust the amount and consider the texture when making the substitution.

Q6. Can I substitute basil for rosemary?

Yes, you can substitute basil for rosemary, but be aware that the flavors and aromas of the two herbs are quite different.

Basil has a sweet, aromatic flavor with a hint of mint and anise, while rosemary has a woodsy, pine-like aroma and taste. Depending on your preparing dish, this substitution might affect the overall flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a closer substitute to rosemary in terms of taste, consider using thyme, sage, or marjoram instead.

However, if you are comfortable with the flavor difference, basil can still work as a substitute, particularly in Italian or Mediterranean dishes.

Remember to use less basil than the amount of rosemary called for in the recipe, as basil can be quite strong in flavor.

Q7. What is the Indian equivalent of rosemary?

There isn’t a direct Indian equivalent to rosemary, as rosemary is native to the Mediterranean region and not commonly used in traditional Indian cuisine. However, there are some Indian herbs and spices that can be used as alternatives, depending on the dish you’re making.

1. Ajwain (Carom seeds): Ajwain has a strong, slightly bitter, and pungent flavor with a hint of thyme, which can work as a substitute for rosemary in some recipes. Use it sparingly, as its flavor is quite potent.

2. Curry leaves: Curry leaves have a unique flavor profile with a citrusy, slightly bitter taste. While not a direct substitute, they can add a depth of flavor to your dish that could work well in place of rosemary.

3. Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves): Kasuri methi has a distinct, slightly bitter, and earthy taste. Although the flavor is not similar to rosemary, it can be used as an alternative to adding a unique taste to your dish.

*** Keep in mind that these substitutions will alter the taste of your dish, so choose one that best complements the other ingredients and flavors.

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