Are you looking for a tarragon substitute?
A lot of recipes call for tarragon but it isn’t something everyone just happens to have in their pantry.
This is why we are going to provide you with fresh tarragon substitution and dried tarragon substitution ideas.
The French Tarragon is a popular one because it is very useful in cooking, and it does not only grow in Europe but in most temperate climates.
The Russian Tarragon is a type which is larger but has no strong aroma smell.
Furthermore, the Russian Tarragon is not used in cooking.
Although there are several types of Tarragon, the French Tarragon is the choice of most chefs because its aroma and flavor compliment most meat and poultry cuisines.
The leaves are skinny but contain a high amount of flavor and aroma.
French meat cuisines greatly depend on this herb to provide great taste.
In times when Tarragon is not available, you can always find substitutes that will inspire a true Tarragon taste.
If you are cooking Tarragon for the first time, it is important for you to familiarize with the original flavor of Tarragon.
All experts would agree that the taste of Tarragon is similar to licorice or anise.
When it comes to experiencing this flavor, some people love it, while others dislike it and would like to avoid experiencing it in a meat cuisine.
It is important to remember that if you are making a substitution for Tarragon, you have to consider replacing the licorice flavor or keeping it.
Depending on your recipe, you should know that a fresh Tarragon has a different taste from a dried Tarragon, so it is important to find the right ingredients to substitute both fresh and dried Tarragon.
Suggested Fresh Tarragon Substitution Ideas Per Tablespoon Of Tarragon
| Herb | Amount (for every 1 T of fresh tarragon) |
|---|---|
| Chervil | 1 ½ t. |
| Fennel Seeds | ½ t. |
| Angelica | 1 t. |
| Basil Leaf | 2 t. |
Fresh Tarragon Substitute
If your recipe calls for fresh tarragon but you don’t have any do not worry.
We have you covered with substitutes for fresh tarragon right here.
The tastes won’t change much if you follow our advice below.
You can use these herbs if you are substituting a fresh Tarragon.
1. Chervil
This herb is a spring herb that is shaped like a flat-leaf parsley.
The taste is similar to Tarragon and parsley with a hint of anise.
It has a subtle flavor that is best included in soups and salads.
Furthermore, Chervil is traditionally associated with the Bernaise sauce, however, the taste is not very strong.
2. Fennel Seeds
Fennel seed is also a popular herb that is also similar to Tarragon.
The flavor is very much stronger than Tarragon, and your dish only requires a pinch for every teaspoon of Tarragon.
If you include Fennel seed in your meat, it will give you an intense and delectable flavor.
3. Angelica
This herb is also a member of the Parsley family, and is used traditionally in giving flavor to liqueurs, candies, desserts and even for cake decoration.
Although this herb is great for baking, this can also be used as a substitute for Tarragon.
You can use one teaspoon of Angelica for every one teaspoon of Tarragon.
4. Basil Leaf
This herb is very popular, and is used for almost all types of cooking.
If you can’t find Tarragon, you can always choose this herb since this is available to all supermarkets.
The taste of Basil is very similar to Tarragon but it has a milder taste compared to chervil.
If you choose this herb as your Tarragon substitute, it is better to get the fresh ones to benefit from its stronger aroma.
You can use two tablespoons for every tablespoon of Tarragon.
Suggested Dried Tarragon Substitute Ideas
| Herb | Amount (for every 1 T of fresh tarragon) |
|---|---|
| Marjoram | 1 T. |
| Dried Dill | 1 T. |
| Dried Oregano | 1 T. |
| Dried Rosemary | 1 T. |
Dried Tarragon Substitute
If your recipe calls for dried Tarragon, there are several herbs that you can use.
Some of the very common dried Tarragon substitutes are Marjoram, Rosemary, Dill, and Oregano.
1. Marjoram
This herb is a popular choice when looking for a substitute for dried Tarragon.
Since it has a sweet flavor, Marjoram is commonly added to soups, sauces and dressings, and stews.
2. Dill
Dill is a member of the celery family and is also widely known to substitute a Tarragon.
You should know that the taste of this herb does not resemble the licorice flavor, and it has a bitter taste.
Because of this, Dill is commonly added to meat and fish delicacies.
More Cooking Substitution tips
We really want to make cooking easy for all of us non-chefs out there.
We don’t always have a perfectly stocked kitchen.
That is why we are passionate about cooking substitution tips.
Here are a few more than you can check out today!
- 4 Cumin Substitutes
- 9 Wonderful Ricotta Cheese Substitutes
- Best Goat Cheese Substitutes
- Vanilla Bean Substitutes
French Tarragon Chicken Recipe
The Tarragon substitutes mentioned above can be used to make this recipe.
What You Need
- 4 skinny scallions
- ½ teaspoon dried tarragon
- 2 teaspoon fresh tarragon
- 2 chicken breast fillets
- ⅓ cup white wine
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon garlic/olive oil
- 1 white pepper
- ½ cup of cream
Procedure
- Pour Olive oil in the skillet and add garlic, leave it for two minutes.
- Add the scallions and dried Tarragon and mix well.
- Add the chicken fillet and cook it for 5-7 minutes. You have to check the scallions otherwise they will burn.
- Pour the white wine and add the salt.
- Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes.
- Check if the chicken is already cooked.
- Transfer the chicken to containers or plates.
- Add the cream to the skillet and let it boil.
- Add fresh Tarragon and pepper.
- Pour the cream over the chicken and serve.
Conclusion
It is easy to substitute Tarragon with other herbs because they can be easily obtained from the grocery store.
It is important to remember that when you replace Tarragon with other herbs, you have to properly adjust the measurement.
Some ingredients would only require a pinch while others would require 1 to 2 tablespoons. If you have not used Tarragon before, you can always experiment with your cooking.
In this way, you will find new ways to compliment Tarragon with other herbs.
Now if someone ever asks you, “What’s a substitute for tarragon?” you will be the one in the room with the perfect answer.
Hope that you can find lots of information from this post.
If you find it helpful, feel free to share it to your friends and don’t be hesitate to leave comment below to share with us your experience.
Tarragon Substitutes
These are the best tarragon substitution ideas that we use ourselves.
Ingredients
- Marjarom
- Dried dill
- Dried oregano
- Dried Rosemary
Instructions
- For every tablespoon of fresh tarragon substitute 1 tablespoon of ONE of the above choices.
Notes
This is a one to one substitution so it makes it easy.