How to Cut Cilantro

Wondering how to chop cilantro? Here’s a step-by-step guide and video showing you the best way to chop cilantro (and also our favorite herb saver).

Video: cutting coriander

Wondering how to chop cilantro? What is the best way to remove the leaves and chop them for the garnish? Alex and I use cilantro all the time and use this method of cutting cilantro which is smooth and easy. We use this method all the time, like when topping recipes like our Mexican Sweet Potatoes or Crispy Cauliflower Tacos. Have you ever had problems with coriander spoiling in the plastic bag in the supermarket? We also share our favorite herb guardian. Here’s our step-by-step cilantro chopping guide, including a video of me chopping cilantro in our kitchen.

Related: 20 Knife Techniques Videos: How To Cut Anything!

Cut cilantro step by step

Before you begin, store your cilantro in a herb bowl for maximum freshness. Storing cilantro this way will keep it fresh for a week or more! Here is our best herb keeper.

Step 1

Hold the coriander roots with your non-cutting hand. Use a large chef’s knife to scrape the leaves in a downward motion.

2nd step

Using your fingers, pull the large stalks off the coriander leaves; small tender stalks are fine.

step 3

Hold the tip of the blade with your non-cutting hand and rock the blade back and forth to chop the cilantro. Place the leaves back in a pile and go over them several times with the knife until the pieces are the desired size.

And there you have it: how to cut cilantro in 3 easy steps!

Let us know if you try our cilantro cutting method and let us know how it works in the comments below.

Best Herb Keeper

Ever had rotten cilantro in what felt like hours when you kept it in the plastic bag at the grocery store? Keeping cilantro upright in water in an herb container can keep it fresh and happy for a week or more. Here’s our favorite herb container for storing cilantro, similar to the one shown in the video:

Best chef knives and cutting boards

Alex and I are often asked about the best cookware. And every time we reply: “A good, well-sharpened chef’s knife! A good knife can greatly improve your time in the kitchen and last for years (we’ve had our chef’s knives for over 10 years). Here are some of the knives we recommend, along with cutting boards and the best knife sharpener. These recommendations are perfect for outfitting your own kitchen, or great gifts for a wedding registry or someone who loves to cook!

Video: Knife skills, equipment and how to hold a knife!

Looking for cilantro recipes?

Now that you know how to chop cilantro, here are some of our favorite cilantro recipes to try:

• Mixed Coriander Recipes (does not need to be shredded):
• Recipes with chopped coriander: