Cooking with Oregano: Flavorful Ways to Use It in Everyday Dishes

Oregano is one of my favorite herbs, whether fresh or dried, and I always keep a spare jar on hand. It’s an herb I can’t afford to run out of.

What is Oregano?

Oregano is a flowering herb originally from the Mediterranean, now cultivated across much of the Northern Hemisphere. Plants can reach about three feet in height, with leaves that vary from tiny to around an inch long. In Mediterranean traditions oregano has been used both as a seasoning and as a herbal remedy for reducing inflammation and fighting bacteria. Its name comes from Greek and translates roughly to “joy of the mountains” or “joy of heart.”

What Does Oregano Look Like?

Oregano resembles mint in appearance—it’s part of the mint family—with flat, oval green leaves that often have a slightly fuzzy texture. It’s frequently mistaken for marjoram because the two look similar, though their flavors differ.

Dried oregano appears as flaky green bits, like many other dried herbs.

What Does Oregano Taste Like?

Oregano has a strong, unmistakable aroma and a bold, peppery flavor. Fresh leaves can taste pleasantly sharp or slightly bitter, especially when the plant is mature. That pungent scent enhances the overall flavor. Oregano often balances acidic or salty dishes with a subtle sweetness and is a staple in Mediterranean cuisines—Italian and Greek in particular—but it’s also common in Mexican, Argentinian, and Turkish cooking.

How to Cook with Oregano: Everything you need to know about how to buy, store, prepare, and cook with fresh oregano. Plus recipes with oregano!

Dried Oregano Substitute

Dried oregano can sometimes substitute for fresh oregano, and in cooked dishes such as tomato sauces, pizza, marinades, and dressings it is often preferred. Use the general conversion of 1 teaspoon dried oregano for every 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh oregano (a 1:3 ratio). If the recipe calls for fresh oregano and the herb will not be cooked, use fresh. For recipes that are cooked, the dried-to-fresh substitution usually works well because dried oregano holds up during longer cooking.

Reserve fresh oregano for salads, crostini, or as a finishing garnish when you want a brighter, more herbaceous note.

Substitute for Oregano

Fresh marjoram is the closest substitute for fresh oregano, though marjoram is milder—so you may want to add a bit more. Fresh thyme works as another alternative; its flavor is different but complementary in many Mediterranean dishes. In a pinch, dried Italian seasoning can stand in for dried oregano since oregano is a primary component of that blend.

Where to Find Fresh Oregano?

Dried oregano is available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. Fresh oregano is usually sold in the produce section with other herbs—either by the bunch or in small clamshell containers. Oregano also grows easily in pots or garden beds, so growing your own is an excellent option if you use it regularly.

How to Pick Fresh Oregano?

Choose oregano that is bright green and fragrant. Avoid bunches that look brown, damp, or overly dry.

Cooking With Oregano

Oregano is used both fresh and dried. Dried oregano is typically added earlier in the cooking process so its flavor infuses the dish steadily, while fresh oregano is often added at the end or used as a garnish to preserve its brightness. When cooked, fresh oregano mellows and becomes more earthy.

How to Store Oregano

Store fresh oregano in an airtight plastic bag in the refrigerator; it will keep for about three days. Adding a slightly damp paper towel to the bag can extend its life to nearly a week. Dried oregano keeps best in a cool, dark spice cabinet and will retain good flavor for up to a year.

Also See How to Cook Other Fresh Herbs!

• Parsley
• Thyme
• Mint

Other Recipes with Fresh Herbs:

• Easiest Herb Dip Ever
• Radishes with Herb Butter
• Herbed Mayonnaise
• Herb Mashed Potatoes
• Herbed Salmon Salad
• Orange and Herb Orzo

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7 Fresh Oregano Recipes

Try these recipes that showcase fresh oregano.

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