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Cilantro is an herb that’s used in many dishes to add a bright, almost citrus-like flavor. It compliments many ingredients used in Mexican cuisine, and is often used as a garnish on tacos, rice, and enchiladas as well as in marinades like carne asada.
It’s one of my favorite herbs to use on Isabel Eats and I learned this method of chopping cilantro from my Mexican parents!
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How to Chop Cilantro
If you’ve never used cilantro before, you may be wondering, “What’s the right way to chop cilantro?” Below is the best method (and my personal favorite way) to cut cilantro. No need to pluck off the leaves individually!
- Place cilantro bunch on cutting board.
Grab a handful of freshly washed cilantro and pinch the stems together like you would a bouquet of flowers. Lay it on a cutting board.
- Slice off long stems.
Cut off the large woody stems, right after where the leaves start to grow, and discard.
- Chop cilantro.
Cut the cilantro from one end of the bunch to other using a rocking motion with a knife.
- Stop when you reach desired consistency.
When the cilantro is chopped to your liking (either roughly chopped or finely chopped), it’s ready to use!
Tips and FAQs
Make sure to use a sharp knife.
When chopping cilantro (and other herbs), be sure to use a sharp knife. Because cilantro leaves are particularly tender, using a sharp knife ensures that you’re actually slicing and chopping the cilantro and not accidentally mushing it together.
Can I eat the long woody stems?
Yes, but I find that that they don’t have as much flavor as the thinner upper stems with leaves.
What can I do with the discarded stems?
You can place the long woody stems in your compost bin!
Recipes to make with cilantro
Now that you know how to cut cilantro, here are some recipes to make with this flavorful herb!
I am enjoying your recipes so much! My family compliments me every time I make one of your dishes and tell that this is the best birria, or picadillo or whatever I’ve ever made. I invite my kids over to taste my new recipes. I love using the original ingredients that you recommend, especially the chilies. I’m printing my favorite recipes and adding them to my old tattered cookbooks that I love to pass along to whomever asks me for my recipe. I do give you full credit, however. (Smile).
Amazing! I’m Italian I’ve worked in countless restaurants. My boys asked me if there was such a thing as Mexican potatoes I said I don’t know boys let’s find out! Five stars! BTW, did I mention there are 72 people in my immediate family that gathers for family dinner every Sunday and we brought them they were head straight across the board!
Hi Tracie! Big families are so fun! Thank you for sharing, we’re glad you enjoyed this recipe with your family.
Loved your very first line to the Kids! “I Don’t Know… Let’s Try It!”. 😂😊🙏 Nothing going to slow you down and it tells your young one’s… You only know if you try! A great example of Leadership! Thank You.. 😊🌹🙏👍👌
Beer Chicken!!!! This recipe was soooooo easy and even better the taste was amazing!! Step by step recipe made it easy and the tips were great. Thanks for a happy family with the help of this recipe
Hi Kelley! Yes this is definitely a favorite recipe! We’re glad you liked it!
I tried a couple of different ways and found the easiest was to use a sharp knife to scrape the leaves off of the stems. I tried using a knife to chop and decided that was too much work. Tried the hand chopper and the leaves were all chopped within a couple of minutes. Bagged the chopped leaves and put the bag in the freezer.
Hi Phyllis! Thanks for the tip!
Are you supposed to wash the cilantro before or after chopping it?
Hi Kayla, we suggest washing before you chop it. Thanks!