Oregano

ρίγανη / rígani; origano

Flavor and role

A classic herb whose aroma becomes stronger when dried, slightly bitter and warm. There is Greek/Italian oregano and Mexican oregano (a different plant).

Typical dishes and uses

Pizza, tomato sauce, Greek salad, souvlaki, moussaka, chimichurri, pozole. In this book: moussaka, souvlaki, chimichurri and pozole.

Substitutes

1 tsp dried oregano = 1 tbsp fresh oregano = 1½ tsp marjoram or 1 tsp Italian herb mix.

Storage

Dried: 1-2 years airtight at room temperature. Fresh: wrapped in a kitchen towel, 1 week in the fridge.

Main countries

Greece · Italy · Mexico

Used in this book

MoussakaTacos with GuacamoleChimichurri SteakWhite Chicken ChiliPozole RojoSouvlakiBirria Tacos with ConsoméCampfire Skillet NachosChili con CarneChicken Enchiladas RojasGreek salad (horiatiki)Pork Gyros PitaJambalayaPastel de ChocloPeri-Peri ChickenRopa ViejaShort Rib and Shank Quesabirria TacosBirria Ramen with Soy-Marinated EggBirria Grilled Cheese with Consomé DipBolognese Cheese-Pull ToastieChile Colorado Beef BurritoSkillet Bannock Pizza Margherita (Italian-style)Guajillo-Ancho Chicken Chilaquiles with Crispy Fried EggTexas Bowl of RedReverse-Seared Thick Sirloin with Shallot ChimichurriChimichurri Steak and Whipped Feta BaguetteHidalgo-Style Chicken Tinga Paste (Mexican Cornish Pasty)Doro Wat with Homemade Niter Kibbeh and Honey-Wine FinishCrispy Tortilla Empanada Pockets with ChimichurriThree-Chile Enchiladas GratinadasChicken Enchilada Rice BowlChipotle Feijoada ChiliMarinated-feta horiatiki with tomato-water dressingWhipped feta horiatiki toastStacked Gyros Loaf with Sumac Onions and Dill TzatzikiGyros al Pastor Tacos with Charred Pineapple and Lime TzatzikiSheet-Pan Gyros Nachos with Pita Chips and Whipped FetaGreen Chile Lamb and Potato Stew (Irish × New Mexican)Kimchi Jeon Pizza with Pepperoni and Hot HoneyCrispy Lasagna CupsMargherita Pull-Apart Pizza RollsMilanesa a la NapolitanaOven-Crisp Milanesa a Caballo Rice BowlRoasted Minestrone Salad BowlMofongo Relleno with Shrimp CriolloLamb Moussaka with Pecorino BéchamelMoussaka Doria (Japanese Rice Gratin)Crispy Moussaka BowlPastel de Choclo with Knife-Cut Beef Pino and White-Wine ChickenPastitsio Melt Toast with Cinnamon Beef and Béchamel CrustFlame-Grilled Braai Peri-Peri ChickenPeri-Peri Chicken TacosPeri-Peri Popcorn ChickenPozole Rojo Especial (Bone-In Broth and Chile de Árbol Salsa)Pozole Quesatacos with Red Consommé DipHandmade Corn Tortilla Mushroom Quesadillas with Charred SalsaRogan Josh Birria-Style TacosOven-Braised Ropa Vieja with MadurosChino-Cubano Ropa Vieja Lo MeinRopa Vieja Loaded TostonesPizza SamosasPork Neck Souvlaki with Homemade Yogurt FlatbreadSouvlaki Loaded FriesTacos al PastorTonkatsu ParmigianaCharred Poblano White Chicken Chili with Seared ThighsWhite Chicken Chili Baked Taquitos with Lime Crema

Updated 2026-10-10