Are you trying a new recipe and need the perfect tarragon substitutes? While tarragon is a popular herb for recipes it isn’t something that everyone has readily available at home. We are going to share the best substitutes for tarragon with both fresh herbs as well as dried herbs.
There are a variety of green herbs like Chervil, Fennel Seeds, and Basil Leaf that can be used in place of fresh Tarragon. If your recipe calls for dried Tarragon you can use other dried herbs like Marjoram, Dill, and Basil.
If you do not like the licorice profile that Tarragon traditionally has, you can omit the herb altogether as long as their other herbs and spices to enhance the flavors of your dish.
What is Tarragon?
Tarragon is a perennial herb that grows similar to grass. There are two main varieties – French Tarragon and Russian Tarragon.
Fresh Tarragon is the most popular variety used by chefs around the world. French Tarragon is known for its aroma and flavor that compliments most meat and poultry.
It is important to know what Tarragon tastes like to help you pick the perfect substitute for your dish. Tarragon is similar to licorice or anise. Depending on your tastes you may prefer to leave the licorice flavoring out of your dishes. That will help you decide which Tarragon substitute is right for your dish.
Fresh Tarragon Substitute
When creating a dish you can use these fresh herbs as a substitute for tarragon in your dishes.
Chervil
Chervil is a great substitute for Tarragon due to its hint of anise. This herb is shaped like flat-leaf parsley with it’s subtle flavor best in soups and salads.
Fennel Seeds
Fennel seeds are another popular herb that are similar to Tarragon. This flavor is much stronger so you will only need a pinch to enhance your dish.
Basil Leaf
Basil Leaf is widely available in supermarkets making it the perfect substitute for Tarragon. Basil Leaf is not as aromatic as Tarragon so you will need to use more than the recipe calls for to get the flavor profile you desire.
| Herb | Amount (for every 1 T of Fresh Tarragon) |
|---|---|
| Chervil | 1.5 t. |
| Fennel Seeds | .5 t. |
| Basil Leaf | 2 t. |
Dried Tarragon Substitute
When creating a dish that calls for dried Tarragon there are a few substitutes that you can use to enhance your dish.
Marjoram
Marjoram is known for its sweet flavor and is commonly added to soups, sauces, and stews. While it does not have the same flavor profile as Tarragon it can be used in the same types of dishes to enhance the flavors.
Dill
Dill does not have the same flavor profile as Tarragon with the licorice flavor but it is a common substitute for a variety of dishes like meat and fish.
Basil
Like it’s fresh variety, basil is a great substitute for Tarragon.
| Herb | Amount (for every 1 T of Fresh Tarragon) |
|---|---|
| Marjoram | 1 T. |
| Dried Dill | 1 T. |
| Dried Basil | 1 T. |
Herbs de Provence
Herbs de Provence is a blend of herbs that include Tarragon make it a great substitute to help blend a variety of spices. Herbs de Provence is traditionally used on grilled foods as well as in stews.
Can I use Dried instead of Fresh Tarragon?
Dried and fresh Tarragon have two different flavor profiles so it is not recommended to use them interchangeably.
Fresh Tarragon has a more intense flavor than it’s dried variety.
If you are in a pinch then dried varieties can be used, but you may need to use more than what the recipe calls for.
If you are able to purchase or grow fresh Tarragon we suggest freezing small bundles to preserve the intense fresh flavor and have it on hand all year round.
Conclusion
Tarragon boasts a licorice flavor that can be substituted with a variety of fresh herbs like Chervil, Fennel Seed, and Basil Leaf or dried herbs like Marjoram, Dill, and Basil.
It is important to note that substituting fresh Tarragon for dried Tarragon is normally not suggested because they do have a different profile that may not work in the dish you are creating.
