Substitutes for Tarragon (Fresh or Dried)
French tarragon, a licorice-flavored herb essential in bearnaise sauce, French cuisine, chicken dishes, and egg dishes.
The Short Answer
The best substitute for tarragon (fresh or dried) is Basil (Fresh). Different flavor (sweet and peppery vs anise) but works in most recipes where tarragon adds an herby freshness. The most
Best Substitutes
Basil (Fresh) 👨🔬 Professor's Pick
Ratio: 1:1 replacement
Works for: chicken dishes, salads, sauces, egg dishes
Avoid for: bearnaise sauce
Flavor impact: Different flavor (sweet and peppery vs anise) but works in most recipes where tarragon adds an herby freshness. The most versatile substitute.
Fennel Fronds
Ratio: 1:1 replacement
Works for: salads, fish dishes, garnish
Avoid for: cooked dishes where fennel fronds wilt
Flavor impact: Provides the anise/licorice flavor that tarragon has. Closest flavor match among common herbs.
Dill
Ratio: 1:1 replacement
Works for: fish dishes, egg dishes, salads, sauces
Avoid for: French dishes where tarragon's anise flavor is essential
Flavor impact: Lighter and grassier than tarragon, without the anise notes. Works in dishes where herby freshness is the goal.
Tarragon is one of the four fines herbes of French cuisine and has a distinctive anise flavor that no single herb perfectly replicates. If the recipe is specifically French (bearnaise, tarragon chicken), try to use it. For general cooking where it is one of several herbs, basil is the easiest swap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tarragon has a distinctive licorice or anise flavor with herby, slightly sweet undertones. French tarragon is the culinary variety. Russian tarragon is a different plant with almost no flavor; avoid it.
Yes. Use 1 teaspoon dried for every 1 tablespoon fresh. Dried tarragon retains its flavor better than many other dried herbs, making it a reasonable substitute when fresh is unavailable.
Chicken, eggs, fish, mushrooms, and cream-based sauces. It is a defining flavor in bearnaise sauce, French tarragon chicken, and many egg dishes. A little goes a long way.
The Bottom Line
When you need a substitute for tarragon (fresh or dried), your best bet is Basil (Fresh). The right choice depends on your recipe and dietary needs. Start with the Professor's Pick and adjust from there.