Whether you're adding it to salsas, salads, soups, or curries, knowing how to chop cilantro is a kitchen skill you need to know! This guide will walk you through the steps for preparing and cutting this herb to maximize flavor (and minimize mess).
Course How to
Cuisine Mexican
Diet Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword cilantro, how to chop cilantro, how to cut cilantro, how to prep cilantro
Rinse the cilantro under running water or place it in a bowl of cold water and gently swirl it around. After washing, lift the cilantro from the water and shake off the excess moisture.
Dry with paper towels or use a salad spinner. Also, make sure your hands and the cutting surface are dry!
Cutting
Hold the bunch of cilantro by the stems with one hand, and with the other hand, use a sharp knife to cut the leaves. I find it helpful to fold over the very top of the leaves to bunch them together and make cutting easier.Cut through the leaves and the thinner, more tender part of the stems. Continue cutting until you reach the thicker stems. Discard the thicker stems, or save them for making stock.