What Types of Herbs Are Substitutes for Thyme and Sage?

Have you ever grabbed to prepare a dish, only to discover that the essential ingredient has been left out of the list by accident?

Okay, everyone calm down. It’s food time! The scenarios of thyme and sage, one of the palatable herbs, start some wonderful alternatives that help in both of your cases – the dish and your dish. 

In this inclusive guide, we will look at What Types of Herbs Are Substitutes for Thyme and Sage as well as their one-of-a-kind features. I will also provide you with 10 great substitutes that will certainly make your taste buds happy.

All About Thyme:

Thyme, scientifically known as Thymus vulgaris, is an herb native to the Mediterranean region, belonging to the same family as oregano, basil, and mint. It features small green leaves that grow in clusters on woody stems.

Common thyme

“Common thyme,” the type that home cooks are most acquainted with, presents a minty taste. Over a hundred other varieties exist, including lemon thyme, orange thyme, caraway thyme, and za’atar thyme.

Thyme plants produce tiny leaves and flowers in gardens during spring and summer. These cuttings can be utilized whole or stripped to obtain the delicate leaves.

This perennial herb is adaptable and fairly easy to grow, making it a good option for beginner gardeners. It should be a staple in any kitchen garden, but if it doesn’t exist what types of herbs are substitutes for thyme and sage?

What Does Thyme Taste Like?

Thyme has a complex flavor profile that combines earthy, minty, and slightly lemony notes. This makes it a versatile herb used in a variety of cuisines, from Mediterranean to French and American. 

Thyme pairs well with a range of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, soups, and stews.

Fresh Thyme vs. Dried

• • Fresh thyme can be used in a recipe as a whole stem or the leaves can be removed and sprinkled into a dish. 
  • The leaves are left intact when a whole sprig of fresh thyme is used in a recipe. Fresh cuttings of thyme have a soft stem, making it easy to chop and use the entire herb since the leaves are not easily removed.
    Dried vs. Fresh Thyme
  • Dried thyme preserves much of the flavor of fresh thyme and makes an excellent substitute. However, it tends to offer a more concentrated herb taste.
  • When substituting the dried thyme for the fresh one, use a smaller amount and build the flavor according to your preference. Dried herbs should always be added toward the beginning of the recipe to allow their flavors to meld with the other ingredients.

The Sage Story: Earthy Notes with a Touch of Sweetness

Sage (Salvia officinalis), a member of the mint family, is a leafy green herb that adds assertive pine and woodsy notes to a recipe. 

Collected from summer until early winter, sage gains popularity during the holiday season for imparting its aromatic essence into signature dishes such as stuffing.

This herb’s feathery soft leaves add a clean sweetness and slight bitterness that pairs well with ingredients like onion, garlic, dairy, and fatty meats.

Commonly

Sage is available in three forms: dried, rubbed, and fresh. To maximize the flavoring potential of fresh sage, add it towards the end of the cooking process to avoid burning or releasing an overly bitter taste. 

By contrast, add dried sage toward the beginning of a recipe, so it has time to tone down as the cooking progresses. Rubbed sage—dried sage ground into a fine powder—should also be added at the beginning of your recipe to calm its potency as it cooks. 

Read about: The Best Way to Dry Thyme

What types of herbs are substitutes for thyme and sage?

Thyme and sage are not in your kitchen, don’t worry. Herbs for that matter are a myriad of them and with these, you can balance the flavors in your dishes all the same.

For thyme, you can consider using herbs like oregano, marjoram, or savory. Oregano, with its slightly stronger flavor, can mimic thyme’s earthiness and peppery notes. 

As for sage, its distinctive flavor can be replicated to some extent by using herbs like rosemary, marjoram, or savory. Rosemary, with its woody aroma and pine-like flavor, can bring depth to dishes in a way similar to sage. Marjoram, again, can step in with its slightly sweeter and milder taste, adding a pleasant herbaceous note.

You can check the full blog about All You Want to Know About Dried Thyme

10 Substitutes for Thyme and Sage

When you’re out of thyme or sage, several other herbs can serve as suitable replacements, providing similar flavors and aromatic qualities. Here we showcase what types of herbs are substitutes for thyme and sage:

• Oregano

Oregano is a close relative of thyme and shares a similar earthy and minty flavor profile. It’s a bit stronger than thyme, so use it in smaller quantities. Oregano works well in Mediterranean and Italian dishes, making it an excellent substitute for thyme in sauces, soups, and roasted meats.

• Marjoram

Marjoram is milder and sweeter than oregano, with a flavor that closely resembles thyme. It’s often used in German and Mediterranean cuisine. When substituting marjoram for thyme or sage, you can use it in equal amounts. It’s particularly good in stews, dressings, and meat dishes.

• Parsley

Parsley has a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that can complement many dishes where thyme or sage would be used. While it doesn’t have the same depth of flavor, it adds a bright, clean taste to soups, salads, and sauces. Use parsley as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio.

• Rosemary

Rosemary is much stronger than thyme and sage, with a piney, woody flavor. It should be used sparingly when substituting for either herb. A little rosemary goes a long way in dishes like roasted meats, potatoes, and bread. Use about half the amount of rosemary when substituting it for thyme or sage.

• Basil

Basil has a sweet and slightly peppery flavor with hints of mint and anise. While it’s not as earthy as thyme or sage, it can work in many recipes, especially those that are tomato-based or involve pasta. Use fresh basil as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio, but start with less if using dried basil, as it is more concentrated.

• Tarragon

Tarragon boasts a unique taste reminiscent of anise with a subtle touch of bitterness. It complements chicken, fish, and egg-based dishes excellently. When substituting for thyme, you can do so in a 1:1 ratio, but when replacing sage, use slightly less to prevent overwhelming the dish.

• Summer Savory

Summer savory has a peppery flavor that is often compared to a blend of thyme and mint. It’s a great substitute for thyme and sage in soups, stews, and meat dishes. Use it in equal amounts to thyme and slightly less when replacing sage.

• Poultry Seasoning

Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs that usually includes sage, thyme, marjoram, and rosemary. It’s designed to enhance the flavor of poultry dishes, but it can be a great all-purpose seasoning for stuffing, soups, and casseroles. Use it as a substitute in equal amounts for both thyme and sage.

• Bay Leaf

Bay leaf has a subtle, slightly floral flavor with hints of thyme and sage. It’s often used in slow-cooked dishes like soups, stews, and braises. While it doesn’t directly replace the flavor of thyme or sage, a bay leaf can add a complementary depth of flavor. Use one or two leaves per recipe.

Conclusion

Thyme and sage, supporting herbs, give a diversity of flavors: whether grilled or stewed. Just the same, other herbs that are free of charge are available when you don’t have them, but you can still prepare an appealing dish. What types of herbs are substitutes for thyme and sage?

Organo, parsley, rosemary, basil, tarragon, and summer savory can be used as substitutes, and they give flavors that make the cuisine unique.

Acquainting the flavors of the products you are out of stock with and the portion sizes required will prevent you from misplacing the recipes and ultimately spoil the results.

FAQs

1 -What types of herbs are substitutes for thyme and sage in Chicken Recipes?

Thyme enjoys popularity in chicken recipes for its subtle taste and distinct aroma. To replicate its essence in a rub, consider opting for poultry seasoning or tarragon for a similar effect.

2-What types of herbs are substitutes for thyme and sage for Beef Recipes?

In beef recipes, thyme is a traditional choice, enhancing the beef’s flavor and imparting depth to dishes. Thyme forms an ideal crust for roasts; however, if thyme is unavailable, consider substituting it with marjoram or parsley for a similarly delightful result!

3-What are the equivalents of dried thyme and fresh thyme?

For example, if a recipe calls for one tablespoon of fresh thyme, you need only one teaspoon of dried thyme (or other herbs!) This is because the flavors are more concentrated in dried herbs.