How To Cut Cilantro

By Rena Awada | Updated On January 21, 2023

Learning how to cut cilantro leaves has never been easier! Fresh cilantro is delicious and the perfect addition to pico de Gallo, tacos, burritos, and so much more! This quick tutorial teaches you everything you need to know about preparing cilantro.

slicing the stems off one bunch of cilantro

Fresh cilantro is an herb that we cannot get enough of. The pleasant flavors of cilantro do not go unnoticed, and they’re perfect for sprucing up those dishes that need an extra layer of freshness.

Cilantro is key to elevating any dish and creates the perfect combination when paired with savory ingredients. A lot of Mexican dishes contain cilantro because it’s so versatile and flavorful.

If you want your meal to taste super fresh and bright, then add this zesty herb: cilantro. We like to use cilantro whenever we’re enjoying fresh meals like Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Salad, Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad, Easy Cilantro Lime Chicken and Rice, and so much more!

cilantro on wooden cutting board

Storing Fresh Cilantro

Once you have washed and dried the cilantro, place the bunch in a mason jar filled with a little bit of water. You’ll want to place the cilantro stems into the water to maintain peak freshness. Cover the cilantro with a loose-fitting plastic bag, then place it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

You can easily cut off the cilantro leaves with scissors as you need them for recipes.

slicing the cilantro atop wooden cutting board

How To Pick Cilantro at the Store

Choose cilantro leaves that are perky, vibrantly green, and fresh looking. Avoid cilantro that is wilted, brown, or spotted.

How To Chop Fresh Cilantro

First, prepare your cutting board and a sharp knife. Next, wash and dry the fresh cilantro leaves. Set aside.

Carefully, cut the stems off the cilantro as shown below. Discard the stems or save them to grow cilantro from cuttings.

Next, place the cilantro leaves in a pile, then carefully rock the knife back and forth against the cutting board as you chop the leaves. Continue to gather the leaves into a pile as you cut through them.

Place the cilantro leaves into another pile, then continue to chop until you are left with fine pieces of cilantro. You can use chopped cilantro as garnishment for tacos, salsas, soups, burritos, and so much more.

Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you cut cilantro stems off?

You can enjoy the cilantro stems if you would like as they have a stronger flavor than the leaves.

Should you wash cilantro before you chop it?

Yes, be sure to wash the cilantro before using it to get rid of dirt and other types of particles.

Should cilantro be refrigerated?

Yes, to maintain freshness, be sure to store the cilantro in a refrigerator.

chopped cilantro atop cutting board

Cilantro Recipes You Will Enjoy

If you find yourself looking for some recipe inspiration, we have you covered!

Cilantro Lime Grilled Salmon

Lime and Cilantro Chicken Bites

Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken

Cauliflower Rice With Cilantro and Lime

Lime and Cilantro Shrimp Recipe

slicing the cilantro with knife

More Step-By-Step Tutorials

Looking for more ways to prepare your favorite ingredients? Be sure to click the list below to learn about more kitchen tutorials!

cutting board with cilantro

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chopping cilantro stems

How To Cut Cilantro

Learning how to cut cilantro leaves has never been easier! Fresh cilantro is delicious and the perfect addition to pico de Gallo, tacos, burritos, and so much more! This quick tutorial teaches you everything you need to know about preparing cilantro.
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Course: ingredient
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 bunch
Author: Rena

Equipment

  • 1 knife
  • 1 cutting board

Ingredients

  • 1 bunch cilantro

Instructions

  • Wash and dry cilantro. Place on wooden cutting board.
    top view image of a bunch of fresh cilantro on a wood cutting board
  • Carefully, cut the stems off the cilantro as shown below. Discard the stems.
    chopping cilantro stems
  • Next, place the cilantro leaves in a pile, then carefully rock the knife back and forth against the cutting board as you chop the leaves. Continue to gather the leaves into a pile as you cut through them.
    chopping cilantro leaves with knife
  • Place the cilantro leaves into another pile, then continue to chop until you are left with fine pieces of cilantro. You can use chopped cilantro as garnishment for tacos, salsas, soups, burritos, and so much more.
    chopping cilantro leaves with knife and cutting board

Notes

Note: How to choose cilantro- Choose cilantro leaves that are perky, vibrantly green, and fresh looking. Avoid cilantro that is wilted, brown, or spotted.
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