How To Freeze Cilantro Cubes

Freezing cilantro cubes is one of the easiest ways to keep fresh cilantro on hand without watching it wilt in the fridge.
 
You simply chop the cilantro, pack it into an ice cube tray with water, oil, or broth, and freeze until solid.
 
Once frozen, you can pop the cubes out and store them in a freezer bag for months.
 
This method works because the ice or liquid protects the delicate cilantro leaves from freezer burn while locking in that fresh, herbaceous flavor.
 
If you’re tired of tossing slimy cilantro every week, learn how to freeze cilantro cubes and save both time and money.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to freeze cilantro cubes, the best liquids to use, and how to use them later without ruining your recipes.
 
Let’s get started.
 

Why Freeze Cilantro Cubes?

Learning how to freeze cilantro cubes is a game changer for anyone who cooks with fresh herbs regularly.
 
Here’s why this method is worth trying.
 

1. It Preserves Fresh Cilantro for Months

When you freeze cilantro cubes properly, the herb stays vibrant and flavorful for up to six months.
 
That means no more rushing to the store every time you want to make salsa, guacamole, or curry.
 
The freezing process locks in the essential oils that give cilantro its signature taste.
 

2. It Saves Money and Reduces Waste

A bunch of cilantro is cheap, but throwing half of it away every week adds up.
 
When you make cilantro cubes, you use every last leaf, stems and all.
 
This is perfect for anyone who has ever bought a big bunch of cilantro for one recipe and watched the rest turn to mush.
 

3. It’s Perfect for Everyday Cooking

Freezing cilantro cubes means you always have a portioned amount ready to go.
 
You don’t have to defrost a whole bunch; just grab one or two cubes and drop them into your dish.
 
This makes cooking with cilantro cubes faster and more convenient than dealing with fresh bunches.
 

How to Freeze Cilantro Cubes Step by Step

If you want to know how to freeze cilantro cubes the right way, follow this simple method.
 

1. Wash and Dry the Cilantro

Start by rinsing your fresh cilantro thoroughly to remove dirt and grit.
 
After washing, dry the leaves gently with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
 
You don’t need them bone dry, but removing excess water helps prevent ice crystals from forming inside the cubes.
 

2. Chop the Cilantro

Chop the cilantro leaves and tender stems into small pieces.
 
There’s no need to be precise; you just want pieces small enough to fit into your ice cube tray.
 
This chopped cilantro will be the base for your cilantro cubes.
 

3. Fill Your Ice Cube Tray

Pack the chopped cilantro into each compartment of an ice cube tray.
 
Fill each cup about two-thirds of the way with cilantro, then press it down gently.
 
This gives you a good herb-to-liquid ratio in every cube.
 

4. Add Your Liquid of Choice

Now pour your chosen liquid over the cilantro until it just covers the leaves.
 
Water works fine, but olive oil, melted butter, or broth adds extra flavor.
 
When you use oil or broth to make cilantro cubes, you’re basically creating a flavor bomb that’s ready for the pan.
 

5. Freeze Until Solid

Place the tray flat in your freezer and let the cilantro cubes freeze for at least four hours or overnight.
 
Make sure the tray sits level so the liquid doesn’t spill.
 
Once fully frozen, your cilantro cubes are ready for storage.
 

6. Store the Cubes Properly

Pop the frozen cilantro cubes out of the tray and transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
 
Label the bag with the date so you remember when you made them.
 
Properly stored cilantro cubes will keep for about six months in the freezer.
 

Best Liquids for Making Cilantro Cubes

The liquid you choose changes how you’ll use your cilantro cubes later, so pick wisely.
 

1. Water for Mild Flavor

Water is the most neutral option when you’re learning how to freeze cilantro cubes.
 
It works great for soups, stews, and sauces where you don’t want added oil or broth taste.
 
Just be aware that water-based cilantro cubes can water down your dish slightly as they melt.
 

2. Olive Oil for Sautéing

Freezing cilantro cubes in olive oil is perfect if you plan to toss them into a hot pan.
 
The oil melts quickly and blends right into whatever you’re cooking.
 
These cilantro cubes are ideal for sautéing vegetables, cooking meat, or finishing a dish with fresh herb flavor.
 

3. Broth for Added Depth

Using chicken or vegetable broth adds a savory note to your cilantro cubes.
 
This option is fantastic for soups, rice dishes, and curries.
 
When your broth-based cilantro cubes melt, they season the dish while adding that bright cilantro kick.
 

How to Use Frozen Cilantro Cubes

The best part about learning how to freeze cilantro cubes is how versatile they are in the kitchen.
 
You can drop them straight into hot dishes without defrosting.
 
They work beautifully in soups, stews, chili, and curries where the cilantro will distribute evenly as it melts.
 
For cold dishes, like salsa or guacamole, let a cilantro cube thaw in the fridge first, then drain off any excess liquid before mixing it in.
 
Remember that frozen and thawed cilantro won’t have the same crisp texture as fresh, so it’s best used in cooked dishes rather than as a raw garnish.
 

So, How Do You Freeze Cilantro Cubes?

Freezing cilantro cubes is as simple as chopping fresh cilantro, packing it into an ice cube tray with water, oil, or broth, and freezing until solid.
 
Once frozen, transfer your cilantro cubes to a freezer bag and store them for up to six months.
 
This method saves you money, cuts down on waste, and means you’ll never be caught without fresh cilantro flavor again.
 
So the next time you have extra cilantro on hand, don’t let it go bad.
 
Now you know exactly how to freeze cilantro cubes and use them in all your favorite recipes.