Perhaps you're throwing something together before grocery shopping day, or you need to pivot due to a houseguest's allergy. Maybe you've grabbed the final onion in the bag and it's morphed into something unrecognizable.
These suggestions for substitutions might not help you if you were planning on, say, roasting or pickling the onion, in that case only the real thing will do. But if you're simply cooking with it, there are many things that can happily slide into its place.
The Best Substitutes for Onion
Shallot
Shallots are hands-down the best substitute for onions. They're small onions with a mild, delicate, flavor. Toss chopped, sliced, or finely diced shallots in literally anything: soups, sauces, and a host of sauteed dishes. Because of their smaller size, you'll need to use more, but the substitution is still one-for-one.
Leek
Creamy, sweet when cooked, and with a hint of a garlicky punch, these long, green and white stalks are a sophisticated substitution for onions. Using leeks instead of onions will elevate whatever you're cooking (try these skillet pork chops) and make it even better. One large leek will replace one medium onion.
Scallion (Green Onion)
With their milder flavor, scallions work in both cooked and raw applications. These green and white stems are also smaller, so you'll need more of them to get the same amount of onion. In terms of flavor, these will be the most similar, but with an added element of freshness. A heartier recipe like these Cheddar-Onion Drop Biscuits would be great with scallions instead. To switch, 1 medium onion or 1 cup chopped onion is equal to about 6-8 green onions.
Fennel
Fennel looks similar to an onion but packs a punch of rich anise flavor, especially when raw. That sharpness is tempered when cooked, so not only is it a fine onion replacement, but the nuance it brings along with it is lovely, particularly in sauces and gravies. One fennel bulb should have about the same amount of yield as one medium to large onion.
Celery
The blank canvas that is celery is another stand-in for those with an onion allergy. Celery won't have the same taste, but it'll closely mimic the texture. This substitution would be an especially good decision for something like soup, (just not French onion). Use 2-3 celery stalks for every 1 medium onion or one cup chopped onion.
Chives
If you only need a little onion, sprinkle in chives. You'd need a lot of these little green sticks to go tit for tat with onions. So, try and choose recipes where onions are not the star, and don't worry about being precise on the amount of substitution.
Onion Powder
Other veggies aren't the only option — your spice rack can offer a more concentrated solution. Onion powder will certainly succeed in the flavor category, but inevitably the texture will be different, so it would be a good idea to bring in a teammate to help in that area, like celery or carrots. (Try this in a stew, like spicy chicken sweet potato.) Use 1 tablespoon onion powder for every 1 cup chopped onion or one medium onion.
Minced Onion
Dried onion flake, or minced onion, has an excellent onion flavor, but keep in mind when substituting it for fresh onion that the texture will be altered. Like onion powder, consider throwing in something else like celery, carrots, or bell pepper to help on both accounts. 3 tablespoons of dried onion flakes will replace 1 cup chopped onion or one medium onion.
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FAQs
Yellow Onions: The general cooking onion. Usually relatively cheap and plentiful, they're the go-to onion when cooks get cooking. The flavour is strong but mild, with an onion flavour that isn't overpowering. They often have a bit of sweetness to them, they caramelize nicely and they hold up well when cooked.
What can I use if I'm allergic to onions? ›
Treatment for a spring onion allergy involves avoiding the allergen and taking antihistamines to manage symptoms. Severe reactions may require an epinephrine auto-injector. Immunotherapy or allergy shots can also be beneficial.
What is a good red onion substitute? ›
White Onions
The most popular red onion substitute is white onion. They're similar to red onions in texture, adding a delightful crunch to different recipes. But note that white onions have a milder, sweeter flavor than red ones, so they're great for recipes where you want a more subtle onion presence.
What herb can replace onion? ›
Chives. Finally, chives can be a worthy substitute in your no garlic or onion master plan. It's actually the best of both worlds, with mild notes of both onion and garlic. Fresh or dried chives are safe to eat on a FODMAP diet.
What is a good substitute for onions for GERD? ›
Fortunately, there are a number of substitutes that can give the same effect, from other aromatics such as fennel and bell peppers to herbs and spices like ginger and horseradish. Oil infused with garlic and garlic powder are also possible substitutes. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.
What is the healthiest onion to eat? ›
Only found in red or purple onions, anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants and pigments that give these onions their reddish color. Quercetin. An antioxidant flavonoid, quercetin may lower blood pressure and improve heart health ( 19 , 20 ).
Which onions are best for inflammation? ›
All onions are healthful, but not equally so, according to a study from Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. Disease-fighting chemicals are highest in shallots and yellow and red onions, and lowest in white and sweet onion varieties.
Which onion is a Superfood? ›
Improve Heart Health
2 Darker-colored onions, like red onions and chartreuse onions, contain the highest amounts of quercetin. Research from the American Chemical Society has also found that the "tearless onion" can help protect against heart disease.
What is a good substitute for onions for sensitive stomach? ›
How do you replace the onion flavour while eating low FODMAP?
- Use the green tips of spring onion or leek (3). ...
- Chives are low FODMAP onion alternative and provide dishes with a mild onion taste with just a hint of garlic flavour (3). ...
- Onion infused oil is a tasty and safe replacement for onion in low FODMAP meals.
Signs of an onion sensitivity may include hives, cramping, gas, or swelling around the mouth. Onions are a popular addition to a wide range of cooked dishes and prepared cold recipes. If you're allergic to onions or have a food sensitivity to them, you may find that they're hard to avoid.
Spring onions are fresh, not dried, and they're less likely to bring you to tears. The same goes for sweet onion varieties such as Vidalia. Try using spring onions during the spring and summer months, and switch to sweet onions in the fall and winter.
How to get onion flavor without onions? ›
Garlic, shallots, leeks, scallions, and chives are all great substitutes that can add a similar depth of flavor to your dishes. For example, instead of using onions in a stir-fry dish, you can try using garlic and ginger to add some flavor.
What is a Fodmap substitute for onions? ›
Green onions (or scallions) are great FODMAP-friendly onions. Just be sure you only use only the green part! Chives are also a wonderful choice for oniony flavor. Leek greens are low FODMAP as long as you keep your serving to ⅔ cup or less, so use them as you would use whole leaks to get the flavor you're looking for.
How can I add flavor without onions? ›
Whether you want to eat less garlic and onion or give them up entirely, try these tricks to boost flavor in your meals.
- Use fresh chives or the tops of scallions. ...
- Use infused oil. ...
- Pump up the flavor with other herbs and spices. ...
- Focus on umami.
When there's no time to chop onions, onion powder is one option. Substitute 1 tablespoon of onion powder for one medium chopped onion. For the best onion flavor, use frozen chopped onions or dried minced onion (found in the spice aisle). One tablespoon of dried minced onion equals 1/4 cup minced raw onion.
Which flower can replace onion as a spice in cooking? ›
Leeks, scapes, chives, and ramps are all sort of, vaugely similar, and may work better or in addition to onions. But it's very hard to replace the humble onion.
What can I use instead of onion onion seasoning? ›
What can you use instead of onion powder? Instead of onion powder you can use: grated fresh onion, shallots, fennel bulbs, scallions, garlic powder, onion salt, or celery.
