How To Use Cilantro Stems

You can use cilantro stems in almost any dish where you’d use the leaves, and they pack just as much flavor.
 
If you’ve been tossing those stems in the trash, you’re actually throwing away one of the most flavorful parts of the herb.
 
Cilantro stems are tender, aromatic, and completely edible, which means there’s no reason to waste them.
 
In this post, we’ll look at how to use cilantro stems, why they’re worth keeping, and a few simple ways to work them into your everyday cooking.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Should Use Cilantro Stems

Cilantro stems are edible and useful, and here’s why they deserve a spot in your kitchen:
 

1. They Hold Serious Flavor

The stems of cilantro actually contain a concentrated amount of the herb’s signature flavor.
 
In fact, many cooks say the stems are more flavorful than the leaves themselves.
 
That means when you use cilantro stems, you’re getting a bigger punch of that fresh, citrusy taste.
 

2. They Cut Down on Waste

When you buy a bunch of cilantro, you’re paying for the whole thing, stems included.
 
Learning how to use cilantro stems means you get more value out of every bunch you bring home.
 
It’s a small habit that saves money and reduces food waste at the same time.
 

3. They Blend Smoothly

Cilantro stems are softer and more pliable than you might expect.
 
That makes them perfect for blending into sauces, marinades, and dressings.
 
Unlike the leaves, which can sometimes clump up, cilantro stems break down easily and distribute flavor evenly.
 

How to Use Cilantro Stems in Everyday Cooking

There are plenty of ways to use cilantro stems, and most of them take just a few extra seconds.
 
Here are some of the best methods:
 

1. Toss Them Into Sauces and Chutneys

One of the easiest ways to use cilantro stems is to blend them into sauces.
 
Things like cilantro chutney, chimichurri, and green curry paste all benefit from the stems.
 
Just chop them roughly and add them to the blender along with the leaves.
 
The stems give the sauce a deeper, more robust cilantro flavor.
 

2. Add Them to Soups and Stews

Cilantro stems hold up well in hot dishes.
 
You can chop them finely and stir them into soups, stews, or broths near the end of cooking.
 
They soften quickly and release their flavor into the liquid.
 
This is a great way to use cilantro stems if you want a subtle background note rather than a strong hit of the herb.
 

3. Mix Them Into Salsas and Salads

Fresh salsas and salads are another perfect place for cilantro stems.
 
Finely chop the stems and fold them into your pico de gallo, mango salsa, or cucumber salad.
 
The stems add crunch and a bright, herby taste that complements the other ingredients.
 

4. Use Them as a Garnish

Who says only the leaves can be a garnish?
 
Thinly sliced cilantro stems make a lovely, delicate topping for tacos, noodles, and grilled meats.
 
They look a bit like tiny green matchsticks and add a subtle pop of color and flavor.
 

5. Infuse Them Into Oils and Vinegars

If you want to get creative, try infusing oil or vinegar with cilantro stems.
 
Just pack clean, dry stems into a jar, cover them with your choice of oil or vinegar, and let it sit for a week or two.
 
The result is a fragrant, herbaceous liquid you can use in dressings and marinades.
 

How to Prep Cilantro Stems

Prepping cilantro stems is quick and simple.
 
Start by washing the bunch under cool running water to remove any dirt or grit.
 
Then pat the stems dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
 
Next, trim off the very bottom, woody ends, which can be tough.
 
After that, you can chop the remaining stems as finely or as roughly as your recipe calls for.
 
If you’re using cilantro stems in a blended sauce, you don’t even need to chop them much.
 
Just cut them into a few pieces and toss them in.
 
And if you’re not using them right away, you can store chopped cilantro stems in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
 

So, How Do You Use Cilantro Stems?

You can use cilantro stems just like the leaves, and they often deliver even more flavor.
 
They’re edible, versatile, and easy to work into sauces, soups, salsas, and more.
 
So the next time you bring home a bunch of cilantro, don’t toss the stems.
 
Chop them up, blend them in, or use them as a garnish.
 
Once you learn how to use cilantro stems, you’ll wonder why you ever threw them away.