A popular herb featured in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes; marjoram is commonly paired with a variety of meat and fish. It is one of the most versatile herbs you could have in your kitchen.
It also has anti-inflammatory benefits, helping ease stomach aches either when eaten in soups or drank as a tea. But what happens if you haven’t got any Marjoram to hand?
Our 6 Substitutes for Marjoram
Marjoram has a unique, complex flavour that elevates any dish the herb is added to. The intricate citrus flavour is hinted with a bit of pine, and a matching earthy aroma.
Here are our top 6 substitutes for marjoram:
1) Oregano
Sometimes, marjoram is mistaken for its closer relative oregano. They are part of the same branch of the mint family, and both share a complex flavour.
Oregano does have a stronger flavour than marjoram (especially when dried). But marjoram is sweeter than oregano due to its citrusy flavour.
Other than that, the two herbs are virtually indistinct.
To avoid overwhelming your dish with oregano’s intense flavour, only use half of what a recipe calls for. You can add more as you wish but starting in small amounts will allow you to control your dishes flavour.
Swap Like-for-Like Products
Marjoram comes as a fresh and dry herb. To replicate the same flavours of each variety, substitute fresh marjoram for fresh oregano and dry marjoram for dry oregano.
2) Basil
Used as a common pairing to oregano, basil has a sweeter flavour than marjoram with a minty undertone but is milder overall.
It also features a sharp, peppery undertone. This makes it less of a match for the citrusy flavours of marjoram.
So long as your dish is not supposed to be too sweet, then basil can still make a great substitute for savoury tasting marjoram dishes.
Choose the Right Basil
There are several varieties of basil with the most common being sweet basil. This is the kind that you should use to replace marjoram. Holy basil or Thai basil will also work in moderation.
3) Thyme
If your dish is too sweet, then substitute marjoram for thyme.
It is a herb that may not be as bold as marjoram but has a distinctly savoury taste, unlike basil or oregano which still yield a little sweetness.
Thyme’s mild earthy flavours pair well with many pork and beef dishes, as well as hearty soups.
Expect Visual Changes
Though it will be a minimal change, thyme is a darker herb than marjoram and will change the colour of your dish slightly. Keep this in mind if you are going for a certain aesthetic.
4) Za’atar
Considering that za’atar is a herbal mix used in Middle Eastern dishes, it is no surprise that the mix has a complex flavour that can be used as a swap for marjoram in some cases.
It is both tangy and rich, acidic and nutty. That is why it is one of the top substitutes for marjoram and it hits all of its flavour points.
That and the mix often already includes marjoram along with oregano and thyme alongside sumac. No wonder it tastes so much like marjoram.
Know Your Flavours
Part of the complex profile of za’atar is its salty and nutty undertones.
However, if you use too much salt or earthy flavours in other parts of your recipe then you may overpower your dish. So, just be aware of what other ingredients you use when substituting marjoram for za’atar.
5) Sage
Like oregano and basil, sage is part of a similar family as marjoram. That is why their flavour profiles are so closely matched, though sage is slightly more on the sweeter side.
Sage is a very common but sophisticated herb found in most supermarkets and is available to buy all year.
Its earthy aroma will give your dish the same smell as marjoram with just as much fragrance.
Add Early in the Cooking Time
The best thing about sage is that it holds its flavour well. You can add it earlier on in your dishes cooking time without losing any of its effects.
6) Chicken Seasoning
It may not contain marjoram every time like a za’atar mix, but chicken seasoning does include:
- Sage
- Nutmeg
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Black Pepper
Some chicken seasoning does include marjoram, too. But you will need to check the individual products’ ingredients.
Either way, the chicken seasoning has a unique blend of flavours much like marjoram.
Raid Your Kitchen Cupboards
Though chicken seasoning is the most universal blend, you can also use beef, lamb or pork seasoning. The flavours will not be as close to marjoram as a chicken seasoning, but they will work just as well.
Other Substitutes for Marjoram
The substitutes listed above are very common and can be found in most supermarkets. But there are a few rarer herbs that can also be used that will match the flavours of marjoram.
- Tarragon – Common in French and Mediterranean dishes, tarragon has a slight liquorice flavour but can also be fresh and citrusy. Though it is best paired with fish or chicken.
- Summer Savoury – Often referred to as an alternative sage, summer savoury will replicate marjoram flavours but is less common than other herbs.
- Dried Lemongrass – This should be used as an absolute last resort. With a strong citrus flavour, lemongrass can be very overwhelming if not used in moderation.
Summary
Herbs most closely related to marjoram such as oregano and basil will create a flavour profile similar to marjoram.
However, there is a range of other herbs and herb mixes available that can replicate the unique flavours of marjoram.