master-cooks | Stop Throwing Out Leftover Cilantro Stems ASAP

Cilantro is a versatile herb often used in a variety of dishes for its distinctive flavor. While many people tend to discard the stems and use only the leaves, cilantro stems are actually quite valuable in cooking. They are packed with flavor, mirroring the bright, citrusy notes of the leaves, and can add depth to your dishes. The stems are tender enough to be chopped and used in the same way as the leaves, making them perfect for salsas, chutneys, and marinades. They can also be blended into sauces or purees, where their fibrous texture breaks down seamlessly. Incorporating cilantro stems can reduce food waste and stretch your grocery budget, offering an efficient way to get the most out of your produce. Additionally, using the entire herb minimizes preparation time since you don’t have to separate the leaves from the stems. Try adding finely chopped cilantro stems to soups, curries, or stir-fries to enhance the overall flavor profile. By embracing cilantro stems, you not only conserve resources but also enrich your culinary creations with the full spectrum of the herb's flavor.

More ways to cook with cilantro stems

In addition to enhancing dishes, cilantro stems can be used in a variety of creative ways. They possess a robust flavor, making them an excellent choice for infusing butter and oil. To create cilantro butter, simply mix chopped cilantro (including the stems) with softened butter, then wrap the mixture in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. This butter can be used whenever you want to add a burst of flavor to your meals.

Making cilantro-infused oil is even simpler: just combine chopped cilantro and olive oil in an ice cube tray, freeze the mixture, and you'll have convenient oil cubes ready for quick and tasty frying.

You can also highlight cilantro stems by blending ½ cup of them with ¼ cup of lemon juice, ½ cup of olive oil, and some spices. Blend until smooth to create a zesty green sauce that's perfect for drizzling over homemade grilled shrimp tacos.

As long as you're okay with their slightly firmer texture, cilantro stems can be added to any dish where you would typically use cilantro leaves. Not only do they introduce a new texture to your meals, but using cilantro stems can also help you save money. Since a cilantro sprig mainly consists of its stem, you might as well make the most of this unique herb!

Stop Throwing Out Leftover Cilantro Stems ASAP

More ways to cook with cilantro stems

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