Marjoram is a significant ingredient in a wide range of cuisines worldwide. This mint family herb frequently used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes and cuisines can transform any dish into something extraordinary.
There’s no need to be a professional chef or a foodie to know that your food’s flavor matters. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, one of your goals in the kitchen is to consistently prepare a tasty dish that you actually want to eat. Typically, this involves using fresh local herbs and just the right amount of seasoning.
Whether you believe it or not, it’s something that every chef has to deal with at one time or another. We may have a larger selection of herbs than you do, but there’s no magic gremlin that guarantees we have every seasoning from every cuisine at all times. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a meaty dish, seafood, pasta, or sauce. Because of that, it can be beneficial to know about marjoram substitutes when you are preparing eastern recipes that require a dash of the herb.
What is Marjoram?
Marjoram is a perennial herb of the mint family native to the Mediterranean and parts of Asia and Africa. Many ancient civilizations regarded it as the symbol of happiness. Little clusters of fuzzy green leaves resemble knots. That’s why it is sometimes called “knotted marjoram.” Origanum is a genus of 40 species, but only one is considered true marjoram. All the rest are known as oregano.
Marjoram Shape: How Does It Look?
First of all, marjoram has a somewhat similar appearance and taste to oregano. This aromatic herb has an ovate, and very smooth leaves vary from 0.2 inches to 0.6 inches. No matter whether they are green or dry, the plant’s leaves are the most aromatic. Make sure not to miss this fantastic herb. Marjoram is so fragrant that you can often find it in essential oil form as well. Thus, you can finish any dish you intend to cook with marjoram (the herb) or marjoram (the essential oil) with marjoram alternatives.
Marjoram in Culinary Uses
Among other things, marjoram is used to season soups, stews, salads, sauces, and dressings. You can also make tea out of it. Sprinkling a dash of marjoram on roast venison is enough to indulge in your favorite meals.
Marjoram versus Oregano
Marjoram and oregano both come from the same family of plants. In fact, the fresh herbs even look and smell similar. Although oregano has a bit stronger flavor, it is thinner and has less “hair” on the leaves. Every herb lends a distinct flavor to your dish, with oregano having a strong pizza flavor. Marjoram and oregano are both essential spices in Italian seasoning. However, when marjoram is rarely on hand, using alternatives for marjoram is the best solution to enjoy your flavored Italian seasoning. Also include red chili flakes, parsley, and garlic powder.
Dried or Fresh
Marjoram comes in three forms. First, you can use dried or ground marjoram (the herb) in your cooking. Then, there are fresh marjoram leaves that are fantastic for seafood as well as grilled food in general. Lastly, you can also find marjoram essential oil, used in sauces or stews. No matter which form of marjoram you choose to cook with, this article will provide insights into what to use as a substitute.
List of Marjoram Substitutes
Choosing the right herb to replace marjoram depends on your dish. What makes the ingredient stand out from the rest? Replace fresh marjoram with a fresh substitute if your recipe calls for it. Nevertheless, if your recipe calls for dried marjoram, substitute a dried alternative. Take a look at this list of marjoram substitutes.
1. Oregano
The first item in the list of marjoram substitutes goes to the oregano. As mentioned above, it is similar in taste and aroma to marjoram. This leads to confusion between the two herbs. Both fresh oregano and fresh marjoram can be used in the same way, and the same goes for the dry versions as well. You can generally substitute one teaspoon of marjoram for the same amount of dried oregano. A dash of marjoram gives an aromatic flavor to meats such as beef, pork, and chicken and is used to season a stuffing.
You can find fresh and dried oregano in the spice or produce section of any grocery store. The flavor of oregano is more aromatic and spicy than that of marjoram, so taste it as you cook.
2. Thyme
It is an excellent addition to beef, chicken, and pork roasts, stews, and casseroles. It brings a very mild flavor and aroma somewhat similar to marjoram. If using dried or fresh thyme, use the same amount you would for marjoram.
Try your local grocery store’s produce section or a farmer’s market for thyme. The versatility of thyme makes it popular in French, English, Swedish, and Italian cuisines. Make sure not to miss the eternal sunshine of the spotless thyme flavor on your homemade organic pasta!
3. Sage
Sage is a common spice with citrus and pine notes for plenty of dishes such as chicken, pork, stuffing, and roasts. In fresh sage, use the same amount as you would in marjoram. In the case of the dry kind, use half the amount. Potatoes, pasta, and cream sauces are also good dishes to use sage in as marjoram substitutes. Make sure not to miss poultry seasoning containing rosemary, thyme, marjoram, and black pepper.
4. Dry or Ground Basil
Since fresh basil would change the flavor profile too much, fresh basil is not an option here for marjoram substitutes. If you want to use basil, use either dry or ground, which has an aromatic flavor and a slightly peppery taste. Incorporate basil into soups, baking pasta, and poultry seasoning mixes.
Try the spice rack at the grocery store to find dried or ground basil. Adding thyme and sage are also good choices.
5. Herbs de Provence
Herbs de Provence contains marjoram, so adding this when you’re missing this spice makes sense.
The mix contains dried thyme, dried oregano, dried marjoram, dried parsley, dried rosemary, and dried bay leaves. The amount you should add should be half of what’s called for in the recipe since it’s fragrant and aromatic.
Herbs de Provence is an excellent marjoram substitute for baking pasta, cooking soup, vegetables, and roasting meats. You can probably find herbs de Provence in any grocery store, but this mix is a bit stronger than other herbs, so take that into account while looking in the list of marjoram substitutes.
6. Tarragon
Although substituting marjoram with tarragon is not the best marjoram substitute, it may serve as a last-minute solution. If you are replacing marjoram with tarragon, use it sparingly because it has more pungent licorice and an earthy flavor. Add it to sauces and soups, and in creating a seasoning mix.
Both fresh and dry tarragon can be listed as marjoram substitutes. You can easily find tarragon at most grocers.
7. Dried Lemongrass
The 7th choice in the list of favorite marjoram alternatives goes to the dried lemongrass as its flavor is highly intense and citrus, so it doesn’t work in every dish. You can add dried lemongrass to soups, sauces, and baked goods to give them a floral aroma. Dry marjoram is like marjoram, while fresh marjoram is too strong.
You can find dried lemongrass in some grocery stores or organic markets, even though it is not a common spice. It might be best to only add about half of what the recipe calls for due to its pungent flavor.
8. Summer savory
Summer savory is often compared to sage and is a well-known flavor in Canada. Hearty roast recipes and flavoring and seasoning sausages are where to add summer savory. Dried or ground summer savory can only substitute for marjoram.
9. Lemon thyme
The citrus notes make lemon thyme a friendly alternative for marjoram substitutes, especially for the Lebanese lentil soup that calls for the addition of lemon.
10. Za’atar
Since Za’atar also contains marjoram-like herbs de Provence, it can be taken as one of the best marjoram substitutes. Feel free to sprinkle za’atar on grilled aubergine. Bone appetite!
Health Benefits of Marjoram
It’s not only speaking of flavor or adding the finest marjoram alternative to your ingredient list; but a dish with marjoram also talks about the health benefits of marjoram. Find the health benefits of marjoram here.
- A dish with marjoram can prevent cancer and diabetes as it’s an anti-inflammatory herb rich in antioxidants.
- Adding one or teaspoon of marjoram to your favorite recipes may have some antimicrobial uses to treat bacterial overgrowth and fungal infections in the gut.
Final Words
However, marjoram is not a common herb frequently used in cooking; it’s still a part of many mouthwatering Mediterranean cuisine and dishes. One teaspoon of marjoram added to your European dish, Italian cooking, or French cooking would serve as a Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo trick to feel as if you have eastern dishes.
If finding marjoram is challenging, make sure not to miss these top 10 marjoram substitutions. Anyway, what is your favorite marjoram substitute? Do you also have any other alternatives for marjoram that work better and bring the taste of Mediterranean flavor? Share in the comments below your favorite marjoram substitutes!
