Herbs have always played a central role in global cuisine, adding layers of flavor, aroma, and freshness to countless dishes. Cilantro is one of the most distinctive and widely used herbs. Yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood herbs. Many people have asked, “What is cilantro?” Even more are confused by the ongoing coriander vs. cilantro debate.
This herb is celebrated in kitchens worldwide for its bold, citrusy taste. At the same time, it is divisive due to its unique flavor profile. Let’s explore what cilantro is, how it differs from coriander, and how it can elevate home cooking and restaurant dining, particularly with Marabú’s Cuban-inspired menu.
What is cilantro?
Cilantro refers to the fresh leaves of the coriander plant (Coriandrum sativum), which is a member of the parsley family. These bright green leaves have a flavor often described as fresh, citrusy, and slightly peppery. Cilantro is used in a variety of dishes, including garnishes, salsas, d ressings, and marinades.
Its versatility is unmatched—cilantro can brighten soups, balance spicy foods, and provide a refreshing contrast to hearty meals. In Latin American cuisine, it appears frequently in ceviche, rice, and bean dishes. In Asian cuisine, it is used to finish curries, noodle soups, and stir-fries. In Mediterranean kitchens, it finds its way into herb mixes, sauces, and marinades.
The simplest answer to the question, “What is cilantro?” is that it’s the fresh, leafy part of a plant that has been treasured across cultures for centuries.
Coriander vs. cilantro: clearing up the confusion
The question of whether it’s called coriander or cilantro has puzzled many cooks, especially since the answer depends on where you live.
- In the United States and Canada, “cilantro” refers to the fresh leaves of the plant, while “coriander” refers to its dried seeds.
- In the U.K. and many other countries, however, the entire plant is called coriander. This means that what Americans know as cilantro are actually called “coriander leaves.”
This distinction is important because the leaves and seeds taste very different. Cilantro leaves are fresh and slightly tangy with a hint of citrus, while coriander seeds are warm and nutty with a mild spiciness. Both parts of the plant are essential in cooking but play different roles.
Culinary uses of cilantro around the world
Cilantro’s adaptability makes it a global favorite. In Mexico and Latin America, for example, it’s central to fresh salsas, guacamole, and soups. In Southeast Asia, it tops curries and noodle dishes, brightening rich broths. In the Middle East, it’s often used in herb mixes and dips.
Whether tossed into a salad, blended into a marinade, or sprinkled fresh over roasted vegetables, a handful of cilantro leaves has the power to elevate a dish.
Cilantro in Marabú’s Menú
At Marabú, cilantro takes center stage in several Cuban-inspired dishes, balancing smoky and citrusy flavors with its refreshing brightness. Reserve your table now.
- Ham Croquetas: Smoked ham croquettes served with creamy cilantro aioli.
- Truffle yuca fries: Crispy yuca fries drizzled with truffle oil and Parmesan and served with cilantro aioli for a zesty finish.
- Marabú ceviche: Fresh corvina fish marinated in ají cachucha leche de tigre and combined with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, avocado, and sweet potatoes for a vibrant, balanced dish.
- Ensalada de Pepino: Crisp cucumber and radish dressed in cilantro vinaigrette.
- BCC Chopped Salad: A hearty mix of greens, avocado, chickpeas, sweet plantains, and more tied together with a cilantro dressing.
- Pan con Lechón: Rotisserie-roasted, crispy pork belly with pork rinds, caramelized onions, and red cachucha pepper mojo. Topped with pickled red onion and fresh cilantro. Served on Cuban bread.
- Cuban Fried Rice: Jasmine rice with rock shrimp, roasted chicken, barbecued pork ribs, ginger, Thai basil, cilantro, green peas, green onions, sesame oil, soy sauce, sweet plantains, and a fried egg.
In every dish, cilantro does more than just act as an herb. It connects smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors, creating harmony with every bite.
Nutritional benefits of cilantro
Beyond its flavor, cilantro is packed with nutrients. It contains vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and antioxidants that support overall health. Studies suggest that cilantro may aid digestion, reduce inflammation, and assist in detoxifying heavy metals from the body.
Its light, refreshing quality makes it an excellent addition to dishes featuring rich proteins or fried foods, offering balance and brightness.
How to cook with cilantro at home
Cilantro is best used fresh and added toward the end of the cooking process because heat can quickly dull its flavor. Here are a few tips:
- For sauces and dressings: Chop the cilantro finely to release its oils, then blend it into vinaigrettes, aiolis, or pestos.
- For garnishing, leave the leaves whole or roughly chopped to top soups, tacos, and grain bowls.
- Pairing flavors: Cilantro pairs well with lime, garlic, onion, chili peppers, and tropical fruits.
Understanding when to add cilantro can help you preserve its fresh, vibrant flavor and make it the highlight of your dish.
Cilantro: a love-it-or-hate-it herb
Interestingly, cilantro is one of the few herbs that evokes such strong opinions. Some people love its fresh flavor, while others find it unpleasant. For others, it leaves a soapy aftertaste. Scientists have discovered that this preference is due to a genetic variation in smell receptors that makes certain individuals sensitive to the aldehydes found in the leaves of the cilantro plant.
Nevertheless, cilantro remains one of the most widely used herbs in the world, and chefs continue to find creative ways to balance its flavor to appeal to different palates.
So, what is cilantro? It’s the fresh, leafy part of the coriander plant that adds brightness, zest, and versatility to countless dishes. When it comes to coriander versus cilantro, the difference lies in how the term is used regionally: cilantro for the leaves and coriander for the seeds.
From ceviche and salad to aioli and garnishes, cilantro has earned its place as a global culinary essential. At Marabú, it elevates Cuban-inspired dishes with its refreshing, balanced flavor, demonstrating why this herb is beloved by chefs and diners alike.
No matter how you enjoy it, whether in your own kitchen creations or in expertly prepared meals, cilantro proves to be much more than just a garnish—it’s a vital ingredient that ties flavors together.