In this Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you how to wash cilantro properly so that it adds flavor, not grit, to your favorite Mexican and Southwest dishes.
Basics by The BakerMama
Welcome to Basics by The BakerMama! I created this how-to series to help beginner cooks hone their skills, make the most of their time in the kitchen, and create great family memories. I hope you enjoy!
I love adding fresh cilantro to tacos, guacamole, salads and more. But the first step to using cilantro is giving it a good wash. Here’s my tried and true method for washing cilantro so I can chop, garnish and enjoy!
Let Me Show You How to Wash Cilantro
Let me show you the right way to wash cilantro so that you can garnish your dishes with flavor, not dirt!
What is Cilantro? Is Coriander the Same as Cilantro?
The herb we call cilantro is made up of the leaves and stems of a coriander plant. In fact, cilantro is Spanish for coriander. So that’s where we get the name. In Asian food recipes, you’ll see cilantro referred to as Chinese parsley. Cilantro/Coriander in the same family as parsley but has a sharper, peppery flavor that people seem to either love or hate. Me? I love it!
Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice
Inspired by our family vacation to Costa Rica, this Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is a tangy, creamy, and delicious side dish that tastes like paradise!
What Do I Need to Wash and Prepare Cilantro?
- Bundle of fresh cilantro
- Medium bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp kitchen knife
How to Wash Cilantro
- Place the cilantro in a large bowl and fill the bowl with cold water until the cilantro is fully submerged in the water.
- Swish and shake the cilantro around in the water so the stems and leaves separate and release any dirt.
- Lift the bunch of cilantro from the water and empty the dirty water.
- Rinse the cilantro two to three more times until the water is clear of grit and grime.
- Let the cilantro air dry on a paper towel.
How to Store Cilantro
Store cleaned, chopped cilantro in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
To freeze cilantro, store in a vacuum-sealed plastic bag or zip-top freezer bag (try gently rolling the bag to get the extra air out). It should keep for up to six months.
I hope you find these simple basics helpful! When you make something with the help of my BakerMama’s Basics series, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see and others can be inspired!
xoxo,
How to Wash Cilantro
Description
In this Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you how to wash cilantro properly so that it adds flavor, not grit, to your favorite Mexican and Southwest dishes.
Ingredients
- Bundle of fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Place the cilantro in a large bowl and fill the bowl with cold water until the cilantro is fully submerged in the water.
- Swish and shake the cilantro around in the water so the stems and leaves separate and release any dirt.
- Lift the bunch of cilantro from the water and empty the dirty water.
- Rinse the cilantro two to three more times until the water is clear of grit and grime.
- Let the cilantro air dry on a paper towel.
- Chop and store in a container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
