No chef wants their favorite recipe to taste like the biblical manna that the Israelites had to eat for forty years in the desert.
So, I’m always looking for ways to add more flavor to my cooking and avoid duplicating taste in every dish.
Scallions are an important addition to many recipes. They’re versatile, have a mild onion flavor, and can be used in so many different dishes.
But what if you’re looking for a way to introduce something new to your old and tired recipes?
One way to do this is by using substitutes for scallions. There are a few different options when it comes to scallion substitutes, and the best one for you will depend on what you’re looking for.
Here are 10 substitutes for scallions that will still taste great in your meal.
Substitutes for Scallion
- Onions
- Leek
- Brown onion
- Spring onion
- Ramps
- Chives
- Garlic scapes
- Green garlic
- Shallot
- Onion powder
Onions
Onions can replace scallions because they have a milder taste. They won’t overpower your dish, and they’re less likely to cause onion breath.
They also don’t have the strong herby smell of scallions, so if you’re looking for a more subtle flavor, onions are a good choice.
Onions can be used raw or cooked, so they’re versatile as well. For instance, if you’re using them in a salad, use raw and if you’re using them in soups, use cooked.
Also, since they don’t have the green tops of scallions, they’re less likely to discolor your dish.
Leek
Leeks are a type of vegetable that is closely related to onions and garlic. They have a long, cylindrical shape and are mostly composed of the white part, which is similar in appearance to scallions.
Leeks are very crunchy and have a milder flavor than onions. Consequently, they can be used as a replacement for scallions in many dishes.
For example, leeks can be used in salads, soups, or stir-fries. They can also be eaten raw or cooked. But if you eat it raw, you should always cook it up a little bit to soften and enhance its sweetness.
They have such a savory unique taste that is close to yellow onion. And offer numerous health benefits.
They are low in calories and fat but high in fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain antioxidants that can protect against chronic diseases such as cancer.
As a result, incorporating leeks into your diet is a great way to boost your health.
Brown onion
Brown onion is a type of onion that is very pungent. It can be used for frying, but it has a mild flavor when fried. If that’s what you’re going for, great!
Brown onion is not as strong as white onion, so it can be used as a replacement for scallion in some cases. It is also less likely to make you cry when you chop it.
However, don’t eat it raw because it is very pungent. Unlike scallions, don’t wait to add them at the end of the cooking, because of the strong flavor.
Also, it has a very controversial acceptance rate, so be careful when you use it for the first time because you might not like it and you may like it. It’s a 50/50 chance.
Spring onion
As a general rule of thumb, you can use half the amount of spring onions as you would scallions.
Spring onions have a stronger taste than scallions, so they can be used to add more flavor to a dish. However, some people may not enjoy the taste.
If you’re making a dish that calls for scallions and you’re not sure if your guests will like the taste of spring onions, you can always try using less or using only the bulbs – they’re sweet and crispy.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide whether or not to use spring onions as a substitute for scallions in your cooking.
Ramps
Ramps, also known as wild leeks, are a type of onion that grows in shaded and woody areas.
They have a pungent aroma and a mild flavor that is similar to garlic. Ramps are smaller than scallions and have a more delicate flavor.
When used as a substitute for scallions, they add a subtle garlicky flavor to dishes. It is why they are often used in soups, stews, and casseroles. They can also be sautéed or eaten raw.
A note of warning though, don’t use ramps as the main ingredient, use them as a supporting ingredient, because they have a stronger taste.
One drawback is that they are not easy to find, but if you have a farmers market near you, they might have it.
Chives
Chives are a type of vegetable that is very similar to scallions. In fact, they are often used as a replacement for scallions in dishes.
They have a mild onion flavor and are often used as a garnish or to add flavor to dishes. Chives can be used in salads, soups, or as a garnish on top of a dish.
They can also be eaten raw or cooked. When cooked, they become softer and their flavor becomes more pronounced.
Chives are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and iron. So, if you’re looking for a healthy way to add flavor to your dishes, chives are a great option.
Garlic scapes
Garlic scapes are the flower buds at the end of a garlic plant. They are typically thicker and have a stronger taste than scallions.
The taste seats comfortably between onion and garlic – just like scallions! They are green too.
Because of their stronger taste, use fewer garlic scapes than you would use scallions.
Use them in soups, stews, and sauces.Also, use them as a garnish or add them to salads.
The benefits of using garlic scapes as a substitute for scallions include the strong flavor and the fact that they are less likely to go bad.
Green garlic
Green garlic, also known as young garlic, is a type of garlic that is harvested before the bulbs have had a chance to form.
It has a similar flavor to onions and can be used as a substitute for scallions in many dishes.
Green garlic has a slightly spicy flavor and can be used in both cooked and raw dishes. It is also a good source of antioxidants and vitamin A.
When choosing green garlic, look for stalks that are firm and bright green in color. Avoid stalks that are limp or have brown spots.
Green garlic can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Shallot
Shallots are a child of the onion family; delicate and soft, with a deep flavor that contains traces of garlic. They even look like brown onions.
Shallots are often used in French cooking, and they can be substituted for onions in most recipes. They can also be used as a garnish, in soups, or added to salads.
Use shallots in the same way you would use scallions and in an equal ratio. You can also use them raw or cooked.
Onion powder
Onion powder is a common kitchen staple that can be used as a scallion substitute in many dishes.
Simply add a few sprinkles of onion powder to soups, stews, sauces, and dips for an instant flavor boost.
While onion powder will never taste exactly like scallions or give you that fresh herby flavor of onions, it is a convenient and budget-friendly way to add a pop of onion flavor to your favorite recipes.
It is also a great way to add onion flavor to dishes without the overwhelming taste of raw onion.
So if you’re looking for a scallion substitute that is easy to find and won’t break the bank, you’ve got it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
3 Scallions Equal How Many Onions?
In general, you can use one onion for every three scallions called for in a recipe.
So, if a recipe calls for nine scallions, you can use three onions as a replacement.
Of course, this will depend on the dish and your personal preference. If you’re looking for a more subtle onion flavor, you may want to use less onion.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a stronger onion flavor, you can use more onions. It’s really up to you.
2 Scallions Equal How Much Onion?
If a recipe calls for two scallions, you can use about one-third of an onion as a replacement.
So, if you’re making a dish that calls for six scallions, you can use two onions. This is a general rule of thumb, but it will depend on the dish and your personal preference.
When Should I Use Scallions?
Scallions are most commonly used as a garnish or to add flavor to dishes. They can be used in soups, salads, or as a topping on cooked dishes.
They can also be eaten raw or cooked. When cooked, they become softer and their flavor becomes more pronounced.
Substitute for Green Onions in Fried Rice?
If you’re looking for a substitute for green onions in fried rice, there are a few options. You can use shallots, garlic scapes, or onion powder.
Each of these options will give you a different flavor, so you really need to decide for yourself, what you want to use.
If you want the closest flavor to green onions, you’ll want to use shallots. If you’re looking for a more subtle flavor, you can use garlic scapes.
And if you’re looking for an onion flavor without the overwhelming taste of raw onion, you can use onion powder.
Do Substitutes for Scallions Taste the Same?
No, substitutes for scallions will not taste exactly the same as scallions. Each substitute has its own unique flavor that will be different from scallions.
However, each of the substitutes will still give you a similar flavor profile as scallions. So, if you’re looking for a substitute that tastes similar to scallions, any of the options on this list will work.
Just make sure to use them in equal amounts as the recipe calls for.
Scallion vs Green Onion
What’s the difference between scallions and green onions? Scallions and green onions are actually the same thing.
A scallion is a younger onion that didn’t reach full maturity before getting harvested.
They can be used interchangeably in recipes. So, if a recipe calls for green onions and you only have scallions or vice versa, don’t worry.
You can use them interchangeably without any problems.
Conclusion
Finding a scallion replacement is easy with this list of 11 substitutes. So go ahead and give them a try in your next recipe.
And don’t forget, when substituting, make sure to use the same amount as the recipe calls for. This will ensure that your dish comes out tasting just as good as it would with scallions.