How To Best Freeze Cilantro

You can best freeze cilantro by chopping it up and packing it into ice cube trays with water, oil, or broth.
 
This simple method locks in that fresh, citrusy flavor you love in tacos, salsas, and curries.
 
If you’re wondering how to best freeze cilantro so it doesn’t turn into a sad, slimy mess, you’re in the right place.
 
The good news is that freezing cilantro is incredibly easy once you know a few tricks.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to best freeze cilantro step by step, plus how to thaw and use it so nothing goes to waste.
 
Let’s dive in.
 

How to Best Freeze Cilantro: The Step-by-Step Method

To best freeze cilantro, you want to preserve both its color and its flavor.
 
The key is to act fast after you bring it home from the store or pick it from your garden.
 
Here are the exact steps to follow:
 

1. Wash and Dry the Cilantro Thoroughly

First, rinse your cilantro under cool running water to remove any dirt or grit.
 
Then, dry it gently with a clean kitchen towel or a salad spinner.
 
You don’t need it bone-dry, but too much water will create ice crystals that dull the flavor.
 

2. Chop the Leaves and Stems

Next, chop the cilantro however you like it for cooking.
 
You can use a knife or pulse it a few times in a food processor.
 
Don’t worry about the stems, as they’re full of flavor and freeze just as well as the leaves.
 

3. Portion into Ice Cube Trays

This is the fun part, and it’s why this method works so well when you best freeze cilantro.
 
Spoon the chopped cilantro into the cups of a standard ice cube tray.
 
Fill each cup about halfway with your chosen liquid, which we’ll cover next.
 

4. Top with Water, Oil, or Broth

This step is where you get to customize your frozen cilantro for future recipes.
 
If you’re making soups or stews, top with water or vegetable broth.
 
For sautéing or marinades, use olive oil or another neutral oil.
 
Either way, make sure the liquid completely covers the cilantro to prevent freezer burn.
 

5. Freeze and Transfer to Bags

Pop the trays into the freezer for about four to six hours until solid.
 
Once frozen, remove the cilantro cubes and store them in a labeled freezer bag.
 
Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing to keep them fresh for up to six months.
 

Why Freezing Cilantro Is Better Than You Think

Freezing cilantro gets a bad rap because fresh leaves turn mushy when thawed.
 
But when you best freeze cilantro in liquid, you sidestep that problem entirely.
 
The ice or oil protects the delicate leaves and holds their flavor in place.
 
So instead of tossing out wilted bunches, you get a stash of ready-to-use flavor bombs.
 
Plus, you can freeze cilantro in several different ways depending on how you plan to use it.
 

1. Water Cubes for Soups and Stews

Water-frozen cilantro cubes are perfect for anything simmering on the stove.
 
Just drop a cube or two into your pot and let it melt into the dish.
 
The flavor stays bright and you never have to chop cilantro at the last minute again.
 

2. Oil Cubes for Sautéing and Sauces

Oil cubes are my personal favorite when I best freeze cilantro.
 
They go straight into a hot pan for stir-fries, scrambled eggs, or roasted veggies.
 
The oil melts and carries that fresh cilantro taste right into your meal.
 

3. Broth Cubes for Rice and Grains

Broth-based cubes add a savory kick to rice, quinoa, or couscous.
 
Toss one in while your grains cook and the cilantro flavor infuses every bite.
 

How to Thaw and Use Your Frozen Cilantro

Here’s the thing about cilantro that’s been frozen: don’t bother thawing it for salads.
 
The leaves will be limp, and that’s totally normal.
 
Instead, add your frozen cilantro cubes directly to hot dishes, where they’ll thaw instantly.
 
If you need it for a cold sauce like salsa verde, let a cube thaw in the fridge overnight.
 
You can also blend the frozen cubes straight into smoothies or dressings for an instant herby boost.
 
And if you want to best freeze cilantro without any liquid at all, you can freeze whole sprigs on a tray.
 
Then transfer them to a bag and crumble what you need over cooked dishes.
 

So, How to Best Freeze Cilantro?

To best freeze cilantro, chop it up and pack it into ice cube trays with water, oil, or broth.
 
This method keeps the flavor fresh and makes it easy to add to any recipe.
 
Just remember to wash, chop, portion, cover with liquid, and freeze until solid.
 
Then store your cubes in a freezer bag and use them within six months.
 
Whether you’re making soup, sautéing veggies, or whipping up a sauce, your frozen cilantro will be ready to go.
 
No more wilted bunches or wasted herbs, just fresh cilantro flavor whenever you need it.