Let me show you How to Dry Cilantro Leaves, so you can enjoy the yummy citrus like flavor of cilantro anytime you want!
Then… be sure to try even more flavor packed DIY Seasoning Recipes!
How to Dry Cilantro Leaves
Got a microwave and a few spare minutes? Learning How to Dry Cilantro Leaves is soooo easy.
Especially when you use my tip for how to dry cilantro in the microwave!
It seems like I am never able to use all of the cilantro in my fridge before it goes bad.
To start, I help my cilantro last as long as possible by using this clever tip for How To Keep Cilantro Fresh.
Then with the rest of the cilantro I don’t have a use for right now, I love to use this Cilantro drying hack. It’s an easy way to avoid the waste and to save money!
Why throw out that beautiful, half used cilantro when I can preserve it for later?
Plus, using cilantro in your recipes is really genius.
Not only do you add so much flavor to whatever you’re making, but you also get the added health benefits.
I especially love using dried cilantro in these easy to make chicken marinade recipes.
Just follow these steps for how to Dry Fresh Cilantro for yourself…
What is Dried Cilantro Used For?
Cilantro has a delicious fresh and tangy flavor, and is often used in Salsas, Marinades, Beans, Soups, and a variety of Mexican Dishes!
If you don’t have fresh cilantro on hand, dried cilantro can be a fabulous substitute!
Related: 20 DIY Seasoning Recipes!
How Do You Dry Cilantro Fast?
Are you wondering how to dry cilantro leaves fast?
Or maybe just wondering how in the world to preserve the cilantro from your herb garden?
It’s really SO easy! All you’ll need is fresh cilantro, a microwave, a plate, and some microwave-safe paper towels.
Talk about simple!
What You’ll Need to Dry Cilantro
- Fresh Cilantro
- Glass (microwaveable) Plate
- Microwave-Safe Paper Towels
How to Dry Cilantro Leaves
You won’t believe how EASY it is to dry your own cilantro leaves at home!
Here’s what you’ll do…
Place 1 paper towel flat on your plate.
Lay out fresh cilantro in a single layer on the paper towel, then add another paper towel on top.
Microwave 1 minute, then in 15 second increments until it is dry. Mine is usually dried out and ready after a total of 2 minutes. If you have a larger bundle of cilantro you are microwaving, you may need to add a little extra time.
After leaves are dry and crunchy, remove and discard stems.
Then crush dried cilantro leaves by pinching and rubbing together between your fingers.
Transfer your dried cilantro to a small spice jar, and you’re done!
See… I told you this was going to be EASY!!
How To Use Dried Cilantro
Dried cilantro can work as a great substitute for fresh cilantro in a pinch.
You can use your dried cilantro in your favorite Mexican Food Recipes, including Homemade Pico de Gallo Salsa and dips!
More Ways To Preserve Herbs Longer
So now that you know how to preserve cilantro, I have even more genius hacks to share with you.
Look brilliant in the kitchen when you try these fun ideas…
How to Keep Cilantro Fresh
Keeping Cilantro Fresh really couldn’t be easier, and it’s the only way I store it. This little kitchen trick works like a charm!
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Never run out… and save some serious $$ moola at the same time. If using homegrown herbs, you’ll even end up with Organic dried herbs… which can be a huge money-saver!
How to Dry Oregano
This is seriously so easy… you’ll never want to pay for Oregano on the spice aisle again!! It takes only a couple of minutes, and is such a fabulous way to save a little extra money!
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Save money on herbs with this easy trick for Drying Fresh Rosemary in 60 seconds!
How to Dry Thyme Leaves in 2 Minutes!
Making your garden fresh Thyme last all year long is easy with this tip for how to Dry Thyme Leaves.
How to Dry Dill
Once you know How to Dry Dill, you’ll be able to easily preserve your fresh dill from the garden or leftover dill from the grocery store! It’s so easy!
How to Dry Sage Leaves Fast
Try my simple tips for how to Dry Sage Leaves so you can save money and always have a plentiful supply of sage on hand!
How to Dry Parsley Leaves Fast (Dried Herb Trick)
When you grow parsley in your garden like I do, you really need to know how to Dry Parsley and keep it green for later!
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This Ranch tastes absolutely amazing!! Ever wonder what makes Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix so amazingly delicious?? It’s the Buttermilk!!
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This Fajita Seasoning is so yummy and so so frugal!! Ever wonder why fajita seasoning is so expensive? So did I… and I could not think of one good reason! 😉
Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe
You’re gonna fall in love with this Taco Seasoning! Yum!! Skip a trip to the store, and have some yummy fun making your own taco seasoning!
20 DIY Seasoning Recipes
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30 Sauce Recipes for Chicken (Easy Homemade Sauces)
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So have you tried this method for How to Dry Cilantro Leaves yet?
Leave a comment & share!
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Simone says
Genius! Thank you! I thought dried coriander was the same as dried cilantro. Found out I was wrong and needed dried cilantro for a recipe this morning. Your truck worked perfectly! Albeit I needed two tablespoons so I had to do several rounds and after washing the cilantro my microwave took closer to 3 minutes, but so grateful to have found this!
Heidi says
Fantastic – I’m so glad this tip was helpful, Simone!
Teresa says
How long its it good after you dry it out and store it in an air tight container?
Heidi says
Hi Teresa ~ it will typically last 1 – 2 years. 🙂
Nancy says
I love cilantro! I never used dried cilantro before. It is great when you want to preserve them and have it for future use. Thanks for sharing all of these great hacks for leaves! Now I know more kitchen tricks hehe!
Nancy ✨
Heidi says
Oh you’re very welcome, Nancy! I’m so glad you’re enjoying all of the kitchen tricks and short-cut hacks! 🙂
Balvinder says
Using microwave for drying cilantro is smart. I’ll try mint and basil because that’s what i have right now in my garden.
Heidi says
That’s a great idea, Balvinder! Here are some tips for drying Basil…
https://thefrugalgirls.com/2016/03/dry-fresh-basil.html
Aimsy says
I didn’t realise it was that easy to dry out cilantro/corriander! I will definitely have to try this method out, and try drying out some other herbs.ut lots of other herbs!
Thanks for sharing your method!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
Heidi says
I know, right? It’s ridiculously easy to do, Aimsy! You will love having all of those fresh-dried herbs on hand! 🙂
Jeff the Chef says
I had no idea you could dry herbs in the microwave. I’m going to try it.
Heidi says
You’ll love this trick, Jeff… it’s amazing to go from fresh to beautiful dried herbs in minutes!
Christie says
Oh wow that is really easy to do! I had no idea you could just microwave them and then bam – they’re dried! Amazing trick! You know all the tips girl!
Heidi says
Aww… thanks, Christie! Isn’t it amazing how simple it is to dry your own herbs? 🙂
CoCo says
Such a great tip, Heidi, thank you! For the last few weeks I’ve bought fresh herbs and they’ve gone bad before I’m able to use them all so this will be the perfect solution. I can’t wait to try it, thank you! I hope your week has been a happy one, CoCo
Heidi says
Thanks, CoCo… and I’m so glad you like the tip! It really is such a simple way to preserve those extra fresh herbs you have on hand! 🙂
Josiah - DIY Thrill says
This is such a smart way to save cilantro before it goes bad!
Heidi says
Right? This little trick can save so much money! 🙂
Lauren - BasicGinger.com says
Wonderful idea! Too easy not to do it!!
Heidi says
I know, right? It’s SO easy!! 🙂
Letscurry says
Heidi
I use so much of cilantro and mint in my cooking that I actually freeze them to last longer. I have now borrowed your idea of drying them. Thanks for such an amazing tip.
Heidi says
Oh that’s such a great idea, too! 🙂
Harry Stafford says
Such important information. Keep it coming.
Heidi says
Thanks, Harry… so glad you liked the tip! 🙂
Natalia says
I love fresh cilantro☺
Heidi says
So do I, Natalia… it’s so delicious! 🙂
delphine says
Merci beaucoup pour ce partage c’est très intéressant j’aime beaucoup les plantes aromatiques dans les sauces
Belle journée
Heidi says
De rien Delphine… Belle journée
Michelle | Sift & Simmer says
Omygosh, this is such a brilliant hack Heidi! I love cilantro so much but find it wilts so quickly. I am definitely going to try this the next time we get cilantro. Thanks for sharing!
Heidi says
Aww… thanks, Michelle! It really does wilt quickly, doesn’t it? If you need it to last fresh longer, here’s another trick you might like for How to Keep Cilantro Fresh Longer…
https://thefrugalgirls.com/2015/04/how-to-keep-cilantro-fresh.html
John / Kitchen Riffs says
I’ve dried parsley this way, but not cilantro. Gotta five that a try! Thanks. 🙂
Heidi says
I love drying parsley this way too, John! Isn’t it so easy to dry your own herbs?
Judee says
Thanks for this post. I have seen this method but never tried it. Your step by step makes it look easy.
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Judee! It really is So easy to do! 🙂
Michelle says
I never knew drying cilantro was so easy!
Heidi says
Right? It really is so fast and simple to dry your own herbs at home!
Alex says
Fabulous idea, Heidi! Thanks so much for sharing!
Heidi says
You’re very welcome, Alex… so glad you liked the tip!
Juliana says
I love the idea of drying cilantro, as most of the time, I end up throwing away half of it. Thanks Heidi!
Have a wonderful week ahead!
Heidi says
Oh I’m so glad you liked this trick, Juliana! You’ll never have to throw your leftovers away again! 🙂
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs says
What a fantastic idea Heidi!! We use a lot of cilantro at my house and this would be a great way to save those little bits we don’t use up. Now I just need to get a microwave…
Heidi says
Hi Tasia ~ if you don’t have a microwave, you could also try drying them in your dehydrator or by hanging a bundle of leaves upside down in a dry area of your home. Hope that helps! 🙂
angiesrecipes says
I wish I had excess cilantro to dry LOL…never have enough of them…
Heidi says
Haha… right? Fresh cilantro can be pretty easy to use up ~ it’s so delicious! 🙂