Though they share a similar name, Mexican oregano is not the same herb as Mediterranean oregano. Mexican oregano is a staple ingredient in, as you can probably guess, Mexican and Latin American cuisine and derives from an entirely different family of plants.
But what if your local supermarket doesn’t supply Mexican oregano? It is harder to grow yourself than Mediterranean oregano, so what herbs can you use instead?
Our 4 Substitutes for Mexican Oregano
Mexican oregano holds roots in earthy flavours, full of citrusy notes and liquorice hints. It is a fresh-tasting herb with the ideal level of peppery kick that brings Mexican dishes alive.
Here are our best 4 substitutes for Mexican oregano:
1) Marjoram
By far the best substitute on this list, marjoram is from the same family as Mexican oregano and easily replicates many of the unique flavours of Mexican oregano. So much so that marjoram is often referred to as the Mexican marjoram.
It is rarer than oregano in our supermarkets, making it hard to get your hands on. However, if you can find marjoram, which is still easier than finding Mexican oregano, then you can be sure of a delicious dish.
Marjoram is a complex herb with a citrus flavour often richer than that of Mexican oregano but not overpoweringly so.
Much like Mexican oregano, marjoram has a distinct pine aroma that gives it a subtle earthy tone.
However, it does not have a peppery aftertaste as Mexican oregano does.
This can easily be solved in hot dishes by cracking more black pepper into your meal but maybe a bit of a let-down if you use marjoram as a garnish.
Mix with Basil
If you love Mexican oregano but dislike the hint of liquorice, then marjoram is the perfect substitute for you. But if you do want that extra flavour, then mix some fresh basil into your dish alongside marjoram.
2) Lemon Verbena
Though at first glance lemon verbena seems too odd of a herb to substitute for Mexican oregano, they are both from the same planet and so share some flavour traits.
The most obvious profile they have in common is a distinct tangy citrus flavour. In the case of Mexican oregano, this flavour is more of a general undertone rather than reminiscent of any particular citrus fruit.
But with lemon verbena, it tastes like… Well, lemon!
In lemon verbena, the citrus flavour is the predominant flavour, with only notes of bitterness. Its other main flavour is more floral than earthy.
Though slightly different, the taste of lemon verbena is not overwhelming when compared to Mexican oregano. This is why you can easily use it as a substitute.
Treat a Cold With Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena isn’t just great as a substitute for Mexican oregano! Lemon verbena leaves contain essential oils that, when mixed with boiling water, can be made into a medical tea.
It is most effective at helping ease common cold symptoms s like fevers and sore throats as well as help clear your synesis.
3) Mediterranean Oregano
Also known as Greek or Italian oregano, Mediterranean oregano may not be the same herb as oregano but there is a reason why they share a name.
Both types of oregano have a unique earthy aroma that will have your dish smelling delicious in no time. They also both have the same undertones of pepper and earthy notes.
Even though their main flavours do taste different, it is the same level of the subtler undertones that makes Mediterranean oregano a fairly decent substitute for Mexican oregano.
Out of the two oregano varieties, it is the Mexican kind that has a stronger flavour. To replicate this in your recipe, you will need to double the amount of Mediterranean oregano that you add.
It Needs Citrus!
The one flavour that Mediterranean oregano will not make up for is the lack of citrus, which is arguably the most important part of Mexican oregano.
You can easily add your own citrus flavouring by mixing a dash of lemon juice or lime juice into your dish when you add your Mediterranean oregano.
4) Coriander
Another herby staple of Latin American cuisine, coriander is often paired with Mexican oregano and plays the same part in the dish as its pairing does.
Coriander is bursting with the fresh taste of lemon but is grounded by its earthy undertones.
Though the taste of coriander does tend to be fresher and lighter than Mexican oregano which doesn’t fair well with heavy meats or hearty vegetables.
Instead, only use coriander as a Mexican oregano substitute in fish dishes or salads. In a pinch, it could be used with chicken.
Add Coriander at the End
The only real downfall with using coriander is that it does not hold its taste as well as other herbs on this list. However, this will not be a problem so long as you make coriander one of the last ingredients you add to your dish while cooking.
Other Substitutes for Mexican Oregano
Are you bored of using the same common herbs as substitutes for more exotic ingredients? Then try the following the next time you want to swap out Mexican oregano:
- Lemongrass – If you want citrus then you’re looking at the right ingredient. Better suited for lighter meals, lemongrass is less herby and lemonier, making your dish taste fresh and citrusy.
- Dill – Another tangy herb, dill should be added as a last-minute topping when used to substitute Mexican oregano. This way its flavour will not mellow out and will stay sharp.
Summary
Mexican oregano is identifiable from Mediterranean oregano by its citrusy, earthy taste. But it is not as common a herb outside of Latin American cuisine.
So, if your dish calls for Mexican oregano, you should replace it instead with marjoram. Or, if you need something more to hand, regular oregano.