Cooking with Cilantro

For me cooking with cilantro came about during the middle of my life. It was after I moved to Florida and ate in the local restaurants around Orlando. I could not figure out what that delicious taste was in some of the dishes especially the Spanish food. I knew it was not something which I had tasted before. You know, cilantro was never common in Ohio. In fact, I knew I never tasted it before I moved to Florida even though my family always cooked with a lot of herbs and spices.

Cooking with CilantroCooking with Cilantro

Although cooking with cilantro was uncommon in Ohio and most of the Midwest, it was very popular in the west and southwest United States. Like in those parts, cilantro is a necessary ingredient to the cuisines of India, China, South Asia, Central and South America. It was the delicious flavors of Mexican dishes which made me become addicted to this herb. The delicious flavor blends so well with ingredients like peppers, garlic, onion and tomatoes used in the recipes from these regions.


If you are cooking with cilantro, I am sure you will agree that the fresh is always best to use for flavor. It is difficult for me to always keep the fresh on hand because I do not shop often. In the warmer months I try to keep it and other herbs growing outside my door. They do not like hot weather so I try to shade them some to extend their growing season. If weather is not perfect, cilantro will deteriorate quickly. 


If you are cooking with cilantro you probably already know that the dried cilantro seeds are called coriander seeds. The seeds are so far removed from the taste of cilantro that I often forget they are related in any way. I do like coriander but altogether different.) When I cannot cut cilantro fresh I purchase it when I shop at the market. Some say they have gotten cilantro with an extremely strong taste. My problem has been purchasing it with enough flavor. If I cannot smell the delicious fragrance, I do not buy it.


Since I began cooking with cilantro I have experimented with keeping it as fresh for as long as I can. I have found the best way to store it is by placing it in fresh water in a cup with the cut side down. I use to set the cup on my countertop but found I can extend the freshness by placing the cup in the refrigerator with a freezer bag placed over the top. When I see it deteriorating, I clip the ends and place it in the bag to store in the freezer. I like it almost as well as fresh and much better than dried which I also keep on hand for the times when I have nothing else.

SHREDDED CHICKEN in cilantro sauce

Shredded Chicken in Cilantro SauceShredded Chicken in Cilantro Sauce
  • 2 Pounds tomatillos (husks removed and rinsed)
  • ½ White onion (Quartered)
  • 13 Cloves garlic (Divided)
  • 10-12 serrano chiles (Stemmed)
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 White onion (Coarsely chop)
  • 1 ½ Cups chopped cilantro (Divided)
  • Pinch sugar
  • 5 Teaspoon vegetable oil (Divided)
  • 4 Green onions (Chopped)
  • 4 Cups cooked chicken (Shredded)
  • 20 Corn tortillas

FIRST: Place tomatillos and quartered onion in a saucepan.

Add 4 GARLIC cloves, serrano chiles, salt and pepper to the pan.

Add enough boiling water to barely cover ingredients.

Simmer for 7 minutes until tomatillos become light and soft.

NOTE: Do not cook too long to burst open tomatillos.

Drain and reserve the liquid; place vegetables in food processor.

Add to processor the chopped onion and 6 GARLIC cloves.

Add 3-4 tablespoons of the reserved liquid; add 1 CUP cilantro and coarsely chop.

Season with sugar, salt, pepper and more serrano chiles if needed; keep warm.

SECOND: Heat 2 TEASPOONS of the oil in a large pan; add green onion.

Mince 3 GARLIC cloves and add to the pan; sauté briefly.

Add chicken to the pan and toss over medium heat for 2 minutes; set aside.

THIRD: Heat 3 TEASPOONS of oil in a large saucepan; add 1/2 CUP cilantro and tomatillo sauce.

Cook about 3 minutes over medium heat.

FOURTH: Place the chicken in a large bowl.

Pour about 3 cups of the warm tomatillo sauce over the top.

Serve over tortillas; serve extra sauce on side.

Serves 8.

Shredded Chicken in Cilantro SauceShredded Chicken in Cilantro Sauce
Shredded Chicken in Cilantro SauceShredded Chicken in Cilantro Sauce
Shredded Chicken in Cilantro SauceShredded Chicken in Cilantro Sauce

BLACK BEAN AND CORN SALAD

Black Bean and Corn SaladBlack Bean and Corn Salad

Try this delicious salad when cooking with cilantro.

  • 2 Cans whole kernel white corn (Drain)
  • 3 Medium tomatoes (chop fine)
  • 2 Jalapeno pepper (seed and mince)
  • 4 Green onions sliced
  • 2 Cans (15 Ounces each) black beans (Rinse and drain)
  • 1 Cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 Cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 Avocados (Peel, chop and chop fine)

Combine corn and next 7 ingredients in large bowl.

Season with salt and pepper; blend well, cover and chill.

TO SERVE stir in the chopped avocado; serve with tortilla chips.

Makes 8 cups.

BARBEQUE PORK TENDERLOIN with mango salsa (In smoker)

When cooking with cilantro you will find many salsas which accompany great entre recipes like this one.

Pork Marinade

  • 1 Small onion (Finely chop)
  • 1 Jalapeno pepper (Seed and mince)
  • 1 Clove minced garlic
  • 2 Teaspoons olive oil
  • ½ Cup molasses
  • ½ Cup cider vinegar
  • ¼ Cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 ½ Pounds pork tenderloin (In 2 pieces)

To Grill

  • Hickory wood chunks
  • Vegetable cooking spray

Mango Salsa

  • 3 Large mangos (Peel and dice)
  • 1/3 Cup minced purple onion
  • 3 Jalapeno peppers (Seed and mince)
  • ¼ Cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 3 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons minced fresh ginger
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon pepper

In saucepan cook onion, jalapeno and garlic until tender stirring constantly.

Stir in molasses and next 3 ingredients; bring to boil.

REDUCE HEAT and simmer for 3 minutes stirring occasionally; cool.

Place the tenderloins in large zip lock plastic bag; pour in marinade.

Seal bag tightly; marinate in refrigerate for 3 hours turning occasionally.

FOR GRILLING soak hickory chunks covered in water for 30 minutes; drain.

Prepare charcoal fire in smoker and let burn 15 to 20 minutes.

Place the hickory chunks on the coals.

Remove the pork and reserve the marinade.

Place the reserved marinade in the smoker pan; add water filling to the line.

Coat grilling rack with vegetable spray and place in smoker.

Place pork on rack and cover with smoker lid.

Cook 2 ½ hours until internal temperature reaches 160F degrees.

NOTE: Add additional coals and wood chunks to maintain a constant internal smoker temperature of 200F to 225F degrees.

FOR MANGO SALA combine all the salsa ingredients in medium bowl.

Mix well and serve with the pork tenderloin within 1 hours of mixing.

Tenderloin and salsa serves 6.

CREAMY JALAPENO CILANTRO DRESSING

When cooking with cilantro try this creamy dressing to serve with fish and other entrees.

  • 1 Cup loosely packed cilantro leaves
  • 1 Cup sour cream
  • 1 Large jalapeno pepper (Seed and cut in large pieces) 2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 4 Teaspoons powdered ranch dressing mix
  • 1/8 Teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in food processor; process until mixture is slightly chunky.

Cover and chill until ready to serve; makes about 1 ½ cups.

COOKING WITH CILANTRO VINAIGRETTE

When cooking with cilantro, this flavorful vinaigrette is delicious on taco, salads, vegetables and special entrees.

  • 2 Cups coarsely chopped cilantro
  • 1 Tablespoon sugar
  • 2-3 Cloves garlic (Cut in halves)
  • 1 ½ Cups red wine vinegar (Divided)
  • ½ Cup olive oil
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • ½ Teaspoon black pepper

Combine in food processor the cilantro, sugar, garlic and ½ CUP of vinegar,

Process until cilantro and garlic are chopped fine; blend in REMAINING vinegar.

Slowly pour in olive oil while processor is running; add salt and pepper.

Pour into a squeeze bottle and chill until ready to use.

Shake before using; makes 2 cups.

SPICY BEEF with black bean salsa

When cooking with cilantro, try this cilantro black bean salsa to serve with sirloin steak.

  • 1 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 Teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 Teaspoon salt
  • ½ Teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 Can (15 Ounces) black beans (Rinse and drain)
  • 1 Medium chopped tomato 
  • 1 Small chopped onion 
  • ¼ Cup fresh cilantro (Coarsely chopped)
  • 1 Pound sirloin steak (1 Inch thick)
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Garnish: Cilantro sprigs

Combine chili powder, cumin, salt and red pepper and blend well.

FOR SALSA place 2 teaspoons of the seasoning mixture in a separate bowl.

Add to the 2 teaspoons the beans, tomato, onion, and chopped cilantro.

Stir mixture well; cover and set aside.

Rub the remaining seasoning mixture into the top of the steak.

Cook the steak over a hot grill or under hot broiler about 8 minutes on each side.

Line serving plates with lettuce; scoop on salsa.

Cut steak in thin slices across the grain; place steak on the plates.

Serves 4.

PICO DE GALLO

This Mexican salsa is a delicious recipe to serve with many entrée when cooking with cilantro.

  • 1 Large tomato (Coarsely chopped)
  • ½ Large red onion (Coarsely chopped)
  • 1 Cup loosely packed cilantro (Coarsely chopped)
  • 1 Jalapeno pepper (Finely chopped)
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon black pepper

Combine and stir together all ingredients.

Cover and chill; makes 2 ½ cups.

CHILI VERDE

If cooking with cilantro on a cold day, warm up with this hearty chili verde.

  • ¾ Pound beef chuck roast (Cut in 1 inch cubes)
  • ¾ Pound pork loin roast (Cut in 1 inch cubes)
  • 1 Large onion (Chopped)
  • 1 Large green bell pepper (Chopped)
  • 2 Cloves garlic (Minced)
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil (Divided)
  • 2 Cans (16 Ounces each) whole tomatoes (NOT drained and chopped)
  • 2 Cans (4.5 Ounces each) chopped green chiles (NOT drained)
  • 1 Cup dry red wine
  • 1 Cup salsa
  • ¼ Cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 Beef bouillon cubes
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • Hot cooked rice
  • Cilantro sprigs for garnish

Combine HALF of the beef, pork, onion, bell pepper and garlic in 1 TABLESPOON oil in Dutch oven.

Place over medium heat and stir until browned; remove from Dutch oven and set aside.

Repeat with REMAINING HALF of the ingredients in 1 TABLESPOON of oil.

Combine the meat mixture with tomatoes and next 7 ingredients in Dutch oven.

Bring mixture to a boil; cover, REDUCE HEAT and simmer 1 hour until meat is tender.

NOTE: Stir mixture occasionally during cooking.

Serve meat mixture over rice; garnish with cilantro sprigs.

PARMESAN FISH FILLETS with Garden Salsa

When you are cooking with cilantro you could be cooking many tasty fish recipes.

Garden Salsa

  • 2 Cups zucchini (Finely chopped)
  • 2 Cups yellow squash (Finely chopped)
  • 3 Fresh tomatillos (Husked and chopped)
  • 1 Medium tomato (Seeded and chopped)
  • ½ Cup purple onion (Finely chopped)
  • 2 Jalapeno peppers (Seeded and finely chopped)
  • ¼ Cup fresh cilantro (Chopped)
  • 2 Tablespoons wine vinegar
  • 1 Teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • ½ Teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For fish

  • 1 Cup PLUS 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ Cup PLUS 2 tablespoons flour
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • ½ Teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ Teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 Beaten egg
  • 2 Tablespoons milk
  • 6 Fish fillets (1 ½ - 2 Pounds)

FOR SALSA combine and mix all the salsa ingredients in a large bowl.

Cover bowl tightly and chill for 8 hours.

PREHEAT OVEN TO 400F degrees; grease 13X9X2 inch pan.

FOR FISH combine Parmesan cheese and next 4 ingredients in shallow dish.

In another shallow dish combine egg and milk; mix well.

Dip fish fillets in the egg mixture and then dredge in the flour mixture.

Place fillets in prepared pan; bake until about 15 minutes until fish flakes.

Serve with garden salsa; serves 6.

CHICKEN AND BEAN QUESADILLAS

You can enjoy many flavorful recipes when cooking with cilantro.

  • 1 Tablespoon fajita seasoning
  • 2 (4 Ounces each) chicken breasts (Skinless/ boneless; cut into thin strips)
  • Vegetable cooking spray
  • ½ Onion (Cut in pieces)
  • ½ Green bell pepper (Cut in strips)
  • 3 Cloves minced garlic
  • 1-2 Jalapeno peppers (Seed and mince)
  • 1 Can (15 Ounces) black beans (Rinse and drain)
  • ½ Cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 Flour tortillas (10 Inches)
  • 1 ½ Cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Rub fajita seasoning on all sides of the chicken breasts strips.

Place chicken in dish; cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Cook chicken in large non stick skillet over medium high heat.

Cook and stir constantly until done about 4 minutes.

Remove chicken from the skillet and keep warm.

Coat the skillet with cooking spray; add onion and next 3 ingredients.

Cook and stir until tender; stir in beans and cilantro until thoroughly heated.

Coat 1 side of each tortilla with cooking spray; place coated side down in skillet.

Layer with chicken, vegetable mixture and cheese; top with tortillas uncoated side down.

Cook over medium heat until lightly browned on both sides turning once.

Cut in wedge shape and serve immediately; 2 servings.