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HomeKitchen Tips

How to Chop Cilantro

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By: IsabelPosted: 6/1/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclaimer.

A bunch of cilantro on a cutting board

Cilantro is an herb that’s used in many dishes to add a bright, almost citrus-like flavor. It compliments many ingredients used in Mexican cuisine, and is often used as a garnish on tacos, rice, and enchiladas as well as in marinades like carne asada.

It’s one of my favorite herbs to use on Isabel Eats and I learned this method of chopping cilantro from my Mexican parents!

Two hands chopping cilantro on a cutting board.

How to Chop Cilantro

If you’ve never used cilantro before, you may be wondering, “What’s the right way to chop cilantro?” Below is the best method (and my personal favorite way) to cut cilantro. No need to pluck off the leaves individually!

  1. Place cilantro bunch on cutting board.

    Grab a handful of freshly washed cilantro and pinch the stems together like you would a bouquet of flowers. Lay it on a cutting board.An entire bunch of cilantro on a cutting board.

  2. Slice off long stems.

    Cut off the large woody stems, right after where the leaves start to grow, and discard.A bunch of cilantro with the long stems cut off.

  3. Chop cilantro.

    Cut the cilantro from one end of the bunch to other using a rocking motion with a knife.Two hands chopping cilantro on a cutting board.

  4. Stop when you reach desired consistency.

    When the cilantro is chopped to your liking (either roughly chopped or finely chopped), it’s ready to use!
    Chopped cilantro.

Tips and FAQs

Make sure to use a sharp knife.

When chopping cilantro (and other herbs), be sure to use a sharp knife. Because cilantro leaves are particularly tender, using a sharp knife ensures that you’re actually slicing and chopping the cilantro and not accidentally mushing it together.

Can I eat the long woody stems?

Yes, but I find that that they don’t have as much flavor as the thinner upper stems with leaves.

What can I do with the discarded stems?

You can place the long woody stems in your compost bin!

Recipes to make with cilantro

Now that you know how to cut cilantro, here are some recipes to make with this flavorful herb!

  • Cilantro Pesto
  • Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
  • Cilantro Lime Chicken
  • Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
  • Cilantro Lime Rice
  • Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken

You may also like…

  • This Cilantro Lime Chicken is a creamy low carb and gluten free dish perfect for any night of the week!
    Creamy Cilantro Lime Chicken
  • A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice on a table next to fresh limes.
    Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
  • Cilantro Lime Dressing in a jar next to fresh limes and garlic cloves.
    Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing
  • Overhead photo of Cilantro Lime Rice in a bowl with a spoon
    Cilantro Lime Rice
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Cilantro pesto in a bowl ready to be served
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Recipe Rating:




  1. Tracie says

    Posted on 2/15 at 2:06 pm

    Amazing! I’m Italian I’ve worked in countless restaurants. My boys asked me if there was such a thing as Mexican potatoes I said I don’t know boys let’s find out! Five stars! BTW, did I mention there are 72 people in my immediate family that gathers for family dinner every Sunday and we brought them they were head straight across the board!

    Reply
    • Ana @ Isabel Eats says

      Posted on 2/16 at 1:53 pm

      Hi Tracie! Big families are so fun! Thank you for sharing, we’re glad you enjoyed this recipe with your family.

      Reply
    • Jim Rushing says

      Posted on 2/18 at 8:35 pm

      Loved your very first line to the Kids! “I Don’t Know… Let’s Try It!”. 😂😊🙏 Nothing going to slow you down and it tells your young one’s… You only know if you try! A great example of Leadership! Thank You.. 😊🌹🙏👍👌

      Reply
  2. Kelley says

    Posted on 7/13 at 2:07 am

    Beer Chicken!!!! This recipe was soooooo easy and even better the taste was amazing!! Step by step recipe made it easy and the tips were great. Thanks for a happy family with the help of this recipe

    Reply
    • Ana @ Isabel Eats says

      Posted on 7/18 at 10:56 am

      Hi Kelley! Yes this is definitely a favorite recipe! We’re glad you liked it!

      Reply
  3. Phyllis says

    Posted on 4/20 at 5:25 pm

    I tried a couple of different ways and found the easiest was to use a sharp knife to scrape the leaves off of the stems. I tried using a knife to chop and decided that was too much work. Tried the hand chopper and the leaves were all chopped within a couple of minutes. Bagged the chopped leaves and put the bag in the freezer.

    Reply
    • Ana @ Isabel Eats says

      Posted on 4/21 at 1:19 pm

      Hi Phyllis! Thanks for the tip!

      Reply
  4. Kayla says

    Posted on 11/8 at 2:54 pm

    Are you supposed to wash the cilantro before or after chopping it?

    Reply
    • Ana @ Isabel Eats says

      Posted on 1/11 at 11:18 am

      Hi Kayla, we suggest washing before you chop it. Thanks!

      Reply

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