13 Ways To Substitute for Rosemary In A Pinch (2024)

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If you're seeking a substitute for rosemary, you've come to the perfect place! Check out these 13 alternatives, ranging from herbs to spices. There's certain to be perfect for you.

These are my top Rosemary Substitute Ideas, whether you need fresh rosemary or dried rosemary in your recipe! For easy reference, I'll show you how to use them as well as which one is best paired with each other.

What do you do if you don't have rosemary? You can always go to the grocery store and buy some.

It doesn't matter what you're cooking; there are a variety of fantastic possibilities you can substitute for rosemary. I also include information on what kinds of meats go well with them and other helpful tidbits!

What Is Rosemary?

Rosemary plant, also known as Salvia Rosmarinus is a fragrant evergreen shrub that is native to the Mediterranean. The needle-like rosemary leaves can be used for many purposes but it is most well-known as a woody-tasting herb that can be used to cook.

You can harvest fresh rosemary by cutting sprigs of the plant. To dry rosemary, the sprigs must be stripped of the stem and the needles removed. The needles can then be dried and chopped roughly.

Rosemary plant is a member of the “Lamiaceae” mint family. It is the same as basil and lavender, oregano, and thyme or substitute for thyme. Below, we have three of these related herbs!

When using rosemary leaves for cooking, make sure to add them at the beginning of the cooking process so that the flavors and oils can be released fully.

Dried Rosemary vs. Fresh Rosemary

Dry rosemary is more potent than fresh rosemary. If you want to mix the two, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary will be used for 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary.

1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary can be substituted for 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary in a recipe that calls for 1 teaspoon.

What Is Rosemary Good For In Cooking?

Rosemary is a wonderful culinary herb that pairs well with chicken, poultry, potatoes, vegetables, marinades, and soups, as well as lamb, fish, and steak.

Rosemary reminds me of Italian food. It's a great ingredient in my Grandpop's Chicken and on nice rosemary potatoes.

Rosemary is a great companion to garlic when you're having a meal. It also pairs well with other herbs.

What Does Rosemary Smell Like?

Rosemary smells a lot like evergreen, it's clean and fragrant, and it reminds me a lot of pine.

Simply pinch or rub a rosemary stem to get a strong aroma.

Alternatives To Substitute For Rosemary

The best rosemarysubstitutesare thyme and oregano. They are followed by basil, savory, tarragon, and marjoram. It all depends on the recipe that you are using.

Dried or Fresh Herbs

You can substitute fresh rosemary for fresh oregano or fresh basil in a 1:1 ratio. If you are substituting fresh rosemary for dried herbs, keep in mind that 1 sprig of fresh rosemary is equal to approximately 1 teaspoon.

1. Thyme

Although thyme is milder than rosemary in flavor, it is still my top choice as the best substitute for rosemary. Many herbs taste more like rosemary than thyme, but it is extremely versatile and easily available in most stores (in both fresh and dried varieties).

Use equal amounts of fresh rosemary to replace it, and equal portions of dried thyme as a substitute for dried rosemary.

2. Oregano

Oregano and basil are all members of the same mint family like rosemary (mentioned previously), so they can all be used as flavor substitutes for the woodsy herb. These three herbs are also the easiest to grow and most readily available.

For fresh rosemary substitutes, use equal amounts of fresh oregano and equal portions of dried oregano.

3. Basil

Basil is the third herb in the trio from the ‘Lamiaceae family of herbs. It's one of my favorite fresh herbs to use in many recipes. Basil's mildly sweet, yet savory flavor is a wonderful complement to your dishes!

To replace fresh rosemary with fresh basil, use equal amounts of dried basil and dried basil.

4. Savory

Savory has a very similar flavor to rosemaryand can be used as a substitute. To replace rosemary in any recipe, you can use fresh savory or dried savory in a 1:1 ratio.

The only problem with savory is that it's a rare herb so you might not have it in your possession.

5. Tarragon

Tarragon has a strong flavor and is a green herb. The anise flavor is a trademark of tarragon. It's a strong taste for some.

You can use tarragon in smaller quantities than rosemary, especially if your guests or family prefer it.

When using tarragon as a rosemary replacement, use a 2:1 ratio. For every 1 tablespoon of rosemary use 1/2 teaspoon of tarragon.

6. Marjoram

Marjoram is a lesser-known herb that has a similar flavor to rosemary. It is delicate with a balanced sweetness and bitterness. Marjoram pairs well with many types of meat.

When replacing dried rosemary in recipes, substitute marjoram with rosemary in a 1:1 ratio.

7. Italian Seasoning

Italian seasoning mixes can be substituted for rosemary in pinches. This combination of herbs will give you a deeper flavor. Should be reserved for recipes that don't use a lot of spices or herbs for seasoning.

Use Italian seasoning in a 2:1 ratio of rosemary. For every 1 tablespoon of rosemary in a recipe, add 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. From there, season to taste.

The Best Substitutions For Specific Dishes

There are many substitutes for rosemary. However, some primary ingredients could use a specific herb or combination to highlight the flavor of their primary ingredients.

1. Fish

Use parsley, dill, or chives to cook fish dishes. These herbs go well with a variety of fish meat types, including dark (oil-rich), light (firm and oily-rich), medium (oil-rich), and light (lean).

Use a 1:1 ratio to replace rosemary in fish dishes. You can always add more if you wish!

2. Beef

Sage is a great substitute for rosemary to be used with beef and eggs. It has a different-yet-similar flavor, but pairs exceptionally well with beef (and pork too! It can also be substituted for rosemary.

You can get the pine-like flavor from rosemary and sage, so you will get a similar flavor if you use sage instead. Take note that sage has a strong flavor. Start with less and then add more to your taste.

Use sage at a 2:1 ratio. This is half the amount of rosemary for each sage.

3. Lamb, Mutton & Goat

A combination consisting of bay leaf, peppermint, and thyme can be used to replace rosemary in a lamb dish. For a great flavor combination, combine the three ingredients in a 1:3 ratio.

4. Turkey, Chicken & Poultry

You can pair chicken, turkey, and other poultry with sage, thyme, or a combination thereof.

Replace rosemary with half of the amount of sage. Thyme can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio.

5. Sausage Dishes

Using caraway seeds instead of rosemary in sausage dishes is a good option. Caraway seeds will enhance the flavor of the dish without adding too many spices.

You can spice up pork sausages with sage. Can you tell that I love sage in my beef and pork dishes!

Both caraway seeds and sage can be used. Start with half of the recipe's amount of rosemary. Taste and adjust as necessary.

6. Mushroom-based Recipes

If you are making a mushroom-dense recipe, consider substituting the rosemary with marjoram. Marjoram is a great pairing for mushrooms. You can substitute rosemary with marjoram in a 1:1 ratio.

You can also pair mushrooms with chives and parsley, basil, and oregano (in addition to rosemary and marjoram). These herbs can be combined to make your mushrooms dishes more flavorful.

A Flavorful Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to look over my list of replacements you can substitute for rosemary! I hope you can choose one that meets your requirements.