Savory is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family and is often used in cooking to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, stuffings, meat dishes, and vegetable recipes.
Its slightly peppery, earthy flavor makes it a popular ingredient in savory recipes, especially in Mediterranean, European, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
However, if you find yourself without savory or are looking for an alternative due to dietary restrictions, taste preferences, or availability, there are several substitutes that can mimic its unique flavor profile.
Contents
10 Substitutes for Savory
In this guide, we’ll explore the best substitutes for savory and how to use them in your cooking.
1. Thyme
Thyme is one of the most commonly recommended substitutes for savory due to its similar earthy flavor and fragrant aroma. Thyme has a slightly minty, lemony, and herbaceous flavor that can mimic savory’s peppery kick and work well in soups, stews, and meat dishes.
How to use: Use thyme as a 1:1 substitute for savory in most recipes. It works particularly well in Mediterranean, French, and Italian cooking. Both fresh and dried thyme can be used, but fresh thyme will provide a stronger flavor.
2. Oregano
Oregano has a robust, slightly peppery flavor, making it another good substitute for savory. While oregano is often more bitter than savory, it still shares a similar earthy, herbaceous quality, which works well in a wide variety of savory dishes like tomato-based sauces, pizza, and roasted meats.
How to use: Replace savory with oregano in a 1:1 ratio. While oregano is a stronger herb, it complements savory dishes such as stews and gravy. If using dried oregano, use a little less, as it can be more potent than fresh oregano.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary has a strong, piney, and slightly lemony flavor, making it a good alternative to savory in roasted dishes, stews, and stuffing. Though rosemary is more intense than savory, it can still provide a similar earthy depth and aromatic quality to your dishes.
How to use: Use rosemary in a 1:1 ratio for savory, but keep in mind that rosemary is stronger, so you may want to start with less and adjust to taste. Fresh rosemary is ideal, but you can use dried rosemary as well.
4. Sage
Sage has a robust, slightly peppery flavor that makes it an excellent substitute for savory, especially in stuffing, sauces, and roasted meats. It is an earthy herb with a slightly bitter, piney taste, similar to savory’s flavor profile.
How to use: You can replace savory with sage in a 1:1 ratio. Sage works well in hearty dishes like stuffing and sausage, or for flavoring soups and stews. Fresh sage will give a more vibrant flavor than dried sage, but both work well.
5. Tarragon
Tarragon has a distinctive, slightly sweet flavor with herbaceous and licorice-like notes, making it a good substitute for savory, especially in lighter dishes. While it’s not as peppery, it has an earthy, aromatic profile that can enhance many savory recipes, particularly chicken and vegetable dishes.
How to use: Use tarragon in a 1:1 ratio as a substitute for savory. It’s a good choice for soups, salads, and dressings. Since tarragon has a more distinct flavor, start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste.
6. Basil
Basil has a sweet, slightly peppery flavor with minty undertones, making it a suitable replacement for savory in dishes that require a fresh, herbaceous profile. While it’s milder than savory, basil still brings an earthy quality to dishes like pasta, pizza, and roasted vegetables.
How to use: Use basil in a 1:1 ratio to replace savory. Fresh basil works best for its flavor, but you can also use dried basil if fresh is unavailable. It works well in Italian and Mediterranean-style recipes, especially those featuring tomato or garlic.
7. Marjoram
Marjoram is another herb from the oregano family and has a milder, sweeter flavor than its close relative. It shares similar earthy, peppery notes to savory but is more delicate and floral in taste. Marjoram is a great alternative for savory in soups, sauces, and roasted meats.
How to use: Substitute marjoram for savory in a 1:1 ratio. Marjoram pairs well with herb-based dishes like pasta or chicken and can also be used in stuffings or sauces.
8. Lavender
Lavender has a distinctive, floral, slightly peppery flavor that can be used as a substitute for savory in some dishes. It’s not as commonly used in savory recipes, but it can provide a unique herbal fragrance to your cooking, especially in roasted meats, soups, or herb blends.
How to use: Use lavender sparingly, as its flavor can be quite strong. You can start with a pinch of dried lavender or half the amount of savory in a recipe and adjust to taste. Lavender is best paired with other herbs like rosemary or thyme.
9. Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro, also known as coriander, has a fresh, citrusy flavor with a hint of spice. While it’s more distinctive and bright compared to savory’s more earthy taste, it can still be used in many dishes to bring a fresh herbaceous note, especially in Mexican, Indian, or Middle Eastern cuisines.
How to use: Replace savory with cilantro in a 1:1 ratio. Cilantro works well in salsas, salads, soups, or stews, especially if you are looking for a fresh herb flavor rather than the earthiness of savory.
10. Cumin
Cumin has a warm, earthy flavor with a slight spiciness and citrus undertone, making it a useful substitute for savory, particularly in spicy or bold-flavored dishes. While it doesn’t provide the same freshness as savory, cumin’s earthy depth can work well in soups, chili, or Indian dishes.
How to use: Use cumin sparingly as a substitute for savory, especially in 1/4 teaspoon increments per recipe, as cumin has a stronger flavor. It works best in spiced dishes like curries or Mexican-inspired recipes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use thyme instead of savory?
A: Yes, thyme is a great substitute for savory due to its earthy and herbaceous flavor. Use it in a 1:1 ratio, especially in soups, stews, and roasted meats.
Q: How can I make my own savory seasoning?
A: You can create a homemade savory seasoning by combining thyme, oregano, and rosemary. This blend will mimic the earthy, herbal qualities of savory and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Q: What is the best substitute for savory in stuffing?
A: The best substitute for savory in stuffing is sage, which provides a similar earthy flavor and works well in the hearty, aromatic base of the dish. You can also use rosemary or thyme.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh savory?
A: Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh savory, but be sure to reduce the quantity, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Use 1/3 of the amount when substituting dried herbs for fresh ones.
Conclusion
Savory adds a unique flavor to dishes, but there are plenty of herbs and spices that can substitute it in cooking.
Whether you use thyme, oregano, sage, or rosemary, these substitutes will add the earthy, peppery flavor that savory is known for.
Experiment with these alternatives to find the one that best suits your recipe and enjoy a deliciously herbaceous dish!