What Does Oregano Taste Like?

In this article, we’re talking about oregano.We’ll answer your questions about the taste, texture, substitutions and recipe tips for delicious meals.

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What Does Oregano Taste Like? 

Oregano is a pungent herb with bitter, grassy flavors and a trace of mint.At least, fresh oregano leaves have these qualities in abundance, which some people love and others shy away from in favor of the dried herb.

You may have topped a slice of vegan pizza with dried oregano from a shaker.This kind of oregano takes on a flavor similar to dried basil, gentle and slightly woody with a modest sweetness.

Oregano Texture 

The dried version is crumbly with the texture of crisp, dry autumn leaves.Even so, it usually doesn’t impart any texture you can detect when you cook with it.

A sprig of fresh oregano has soft leaves that are a little denser than basil leaves.They’re easier to chop than they are to tear, though they won’t give you a hard time. 

Related Article: What Does Olive Oil Taste Like?

Can You Eat Fresh Oregano? 

Yes, you can absolutely eat fresh oregano.Who knows?You may even side with the foodies who’ll take the fresh kind over the dried any day. 

This type of oregano is best for salads, pesto and marinades.Quite often, dried oregano is listed in recipes for tomato sauces, but fresh oregano can be used instead if you love the bolder, brasher flavor.

Read Also: What Does Orzo Taste Like?

Can I Substitute Oregano? 

Basil is going to be one of the top substitutes for oregano, especially if we’re talking about dried herbs.But fresh basil is robust and similar enough to replace fresh oregano, too, especially in Italian cooking.

Thyme is also recommended and may even be a better substitute than basil.It has a close flavor profile in pungency, bitterness and minty undertones. 

Related Article: Why Does My Arugula Taste so Bad?

What Food Goes Well with Oregano? 

Any Italian red sauce recipe can be enriched with oregano, but tomato-based sauces of all sorts, including those of Greek and Mediterranean cuisines, are good places to start.

Oregano also pairs well with garlic, citrus, onions and herbs like basil, rosemary, parsley, marjoram and thyme.

It’s potent enough to be the dominant flavor in a recipe, but oregano is totally blendable with a wide variety of seasonings.

Recommended Article: What Does Overripe Cantaloupe Taste Like?

Oregano Recipe Tips 

Using oregano effectively in your cooking is easy.Generally speaking, it’s good to match it with deep, bold flavors, as you’ll see in these videos with familiar vegan recipes.

If you’ve never made a vegan bolognese, there’s nothing to it.If you make it for family and friends, it’s a meal they’re going to request again and again.

Here are the ingredients:

• Firm tofu
• Onions
• Celery
• Mushrooms
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Chili flakes
• Cayenne
• Vegan marinara
• Vegetable stock
• Canned diced tomatoes
• Penne pasta
• Parsley
• Vegan parmesan

Further Reading: What Does Panang Curry Taste Like?

A savory tart with garden-fresh veggies like this one says summer. It’s gluten-free, but you can use any flour you like. Play around with different veggies, too, and you can have seasonal tarts any time of the year.

Here’s what you need to make it:

• Gluten-free oat flour
• Rice flour
• Vegan margarine
• Cold water
• Green beans
• Zucchini
• Grape tomatoes
• Red onions
• Fresh basil
• Fresh oregano
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Wrap Up 

Oregano is a vigorous herb, earthy, grassy and a touch minty.Dried oregano is milder and good for sauces while the fresh kind is nice for salads and raw soups.Any kind of oregano will add pep to savory vegan tarts, tomato sauces, hummus and roasted vegetables.

Related Article: What Does Pandan Taste Like?

Joey Bruno

Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!