What To Do With Cilantro Roots

Cilantro roots are edible, flavorful, and incredibly useful in the kitchen, so don’t toss them out with the stems.
 
If you’ve been wondering what to do with cilantro roots after trimming a fresh bunch, you’re in for a treat.
 
They carry a deep, concentrated cilantro taste that’s earthier and more intense than the leaves.
 
In this post, we’ll explore what to do with cilantro roots, from blending them into pastes to using them in soups and marinades.
 
Let’s dig in and give these underrated roots the spotlight they deserve.
 

What to Do with Cilantro Roots: The Basics

The first thing to know about what to do with cilantro roots is that they’re completely edible.
 
Many cooks in Thai, Vietnamese, Indian, and Mexican kitchens use cilantro roots as a foundational ingredient.
 
They look like thin, pale tendrils, and they hold a punchy cilantro flavor that survives cooking far better than the delicate leaves.
 
So when you ask yourself what to do with cilantro roots, think of them as a secret weapon rather than scraps.
 

1. Wash Them Thoroughly First

Cilantro roots come straight from the soil, so they’re usually covered in grit.
 
Rinse them under cold running water and scrub gently with your fingers or a soft brush.
 
Once they’re clean, you can use them right away or pat them dry for later.
 

2. They Freeze Beautifully

If you’re not ready to use your cilantro roots immediately, freeze them.
 
Chop them roughly, pack them into ice cube trays with a little water or oil, and freeze.
 
That way, whenever you’re figuring out what to do with cilantro roots, you just pop out a cube and drop it into a hot pan.
 

3. Treat Them Like Aromatic Roots

Think of cilantro roots the way you think of ginger, garlic, or lemongrass.
 
They belong in the same category of flavor builders that go in early during cooking.
 
Knowing what to do with cilantro roots becomes easy once you make that mental switch.
 

Delicious Ways to Use Cilantro Roots in Cooking

There are countless ways to use cilantro roots, and they shine in both raw and cooked applications.
 
Here are some of the best ways to put them to work.
 

1. Pound Them into Curry Pastes

Thai and Indian curry pastes almost always call for cilantro roots.
 
Their fibrous texture breaks down in a mortar and pestle, releasing oils that leaves simply can’t match.
 
So if you’re making green curry or a fragrant masala, you already know what to do with cilantro roots.
 

2. Blend Them into Marinades

Cilantro roots blend into marinades for grilled meats, fish, and tofu.
 
Combine them with garlic, lime juice, fish sauce, and a little sugar for a punchy Vietnamese-style marinade.
 
This is one of the most flavorful answers to what to do with cilantro roots.
 

3. Drop Them into Soups and Broths

Toss a few cilantro roots into simmering soups for a subtle, savory depth.
 
They soften as they cook and infuse the broth with that unmistakable cilantro aroma.
 
If you’re simmering a pot of pho or tom yum, you’ll be glad you asked what to do with cilantro roots.
 

4. Add Them to Stews and Braises

Slow-cooked dishes love cilantro roots because their flavor holds up over long hours of heat.
 
Add them whole or chopped alongside onions and garlic at the start of cooking.
 
That’s another simple answer to what to do with cilantro roots.
 

5. Muddle Them into Drinks

Yes, really.
 
Cilantro roots can be muddled into cocktails, mocktails, and even lemonades for a savory twist.
 
Their earthy bite pairs beautifully with lime, cucumber, and gin.
 
So the next time someone asks what to do with cilantro roots, suggest a drink.
 

Tips for Storing and Prepping Cilantro Roots

Proper storage keeps cilantro roots fresh for weeks, so you can use them whenever inspiration strikes.
 
Here are a few handy tips.
 

1. Refrigerate Them in a Damp Paper Towel

Wrap clean cilantro roots in a slightly damp paper towel and place them in a sealed bag.
 
They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to two weeks this way.
 

2. Keep Them Away from Ethylene Producers

Store cilantro roots away from bananas, apples, and other ethylene-releasing fruits.
 
Ethylene speeds up spoilage, and you want your roots to last as long as possible.
 

3. Dry Them for Long-Term Storage

You can also dry cilantro roots in a dehydrator or a warm, ventilated spot.
 
Once dry, grind them into a powder and use it like you would ground coriander.
 
Now you have yet another option for what to do with cilantro roots.
 

So, What to Do with Cilantro Roots?

Cilantro roots are edible, aromatic, and endlessly versatile, so the best thing to do with cilantro roots is to cook with them.
 
Wash them, freeze them, or use them fresh in curry pastes, marinades, soups, and even cocktails.
 
They bring a deep, concentrated cilantro flavor that leaves just can’t deliver.
 
Next time you trim a bunch of cilantro, don’t throw those roots away.
 
Now you know exactly what to do with cilantro roots, so put them to work in your kitchen.