Water chestnuts add a crunchy texture and a mild nutty flavor to dishes. They are used in many Asian cuisines, often in stir-fries or as a Dim Sum ingredient.
While water chestnuts are not difficult to find in grocery stores, you can use some substitutions if you can’t find them or feel like experimenting.
If you’re looking for a water chestnut substitute because you can’t find them or you’re looking to try something else, we’ve got you covered!
This blog post will list 6 substitutes for water chestnuts that taste great and are easy to find.
We’ll also give you the ratios to use when substituting so your dish turns out perfect every time.
Substitutes for Water chestnut
- Turnips
- Bamboo Shoots
- Jerusalem Artichokes
- Jicama
- Celery
- Canned water chestnuts
Turnips
Turnips can be a great substitute for water chestnuts in any recipe. They have a similar taste and texture and can be used in a 1-to-1 ratio.
Turnips are also a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they are low in calories.
When substituting turnips for water chestnuts, it is important to cook them thoroughly to avoid any bitter taste.
Turnips can be boiled, roasted, or mashed and make a great addition to soups, salads, and stir-fries.
If you are looking for a healthy, delicious alternative to water chestnuts, turnips are a great choice.
Bamboo shoots
Bamboo shoots are another great alternative to water chestnuts. They have a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
You can use them in a variety of dishes in place of water chestnuts.
When substituting bamboo shoots for water chestnuts, use a ratio of one cup of bamboo shoots for every one cup of water chestnuts.
Bamboo shoots are a great source of dietary fiber and nutrients. You can buy them canned or fresh in most Asian markets.
Jerusalem artichokes
Jerusalem artichokes are a great substitute for water chestnuts because of their similar taste and texture.
They are also called sunchokes and have a nutty flavor. Jerusalem artichokes can be eaten raw, roasted, or mashed.
Jerusalem artichokes are a great source of dietary fiber and vitamins, and they are also low in calories.
When substituting Jerusalem artichokes for water chestnuts, use a ratio of one cup of Jerusalem artichokes for every one cup of water chestnuts.
You can boil Jerusalem artichokes, roasted, or mashed. They make a great addition to soups. You can also use them in a stir-fry or salad.
Jicama
Jicama is a Mexican root vegetable that resembles a turnip. It has a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
The sweet flavor of jicama means it works well in sweet and savory dishes alike. It is also a good source of fiber, so it can help to regulate digestion.
Jicama is a great alternative to water chestnuts. Its starchy properties mean that it can be used as a thickener in soups and sauces.
When substituting jicama for water chestnuts, use a ratio of one cup of jicama for every one cup of water chestnuts.
Jicama can be eaten raw or cooked. It’s a great addition to salads and stir-fries. In addition, it is available year-round, making it a convenient substitute for water chestnuts.
Furthermore, it’s easy to prepare; simply peel and dice the jicama into small pieces.
Next time you’re looking for a substitution for water chestnuts, give jicama a try!
Celery
Celery is a great alternative to water chestnut because it has a similar taste and texture.
This vegetable is crunchy and slightly sweet, making it perfect for soups, salads, and stir-fries.
It is also a good source of sodium, vitamins, and minerals, including potassium and vitamin C.
When substituting celery for water chestnuts, use a ratio of one cup of celery for every one cup of water chestnuts.
Celery is a versatile vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. You can also boil it, roasted, or mashed.
Canned Water chestnut
Interestingly, canned water chestnuts are a great substitute for fresh water chestnuts.
They have a similar taste and texture, and they are already peeled and diced, making them very convenient to use. In addition, you can find canned water chestnuts in most supermarkets.
When substituting canned water chestnuts for freshwater chestnuts, use a ratio of one cup of canned water chestnuts for every one cup of freshwater chestnuts.
MSG is often used in canned foods, but canned water chestnuts usually do not have MSG. But still check the label to be sure. Some brands may add MSG to their canned water chestnuts.
If you are looking for a substitute for water chestnuts that is quick and easy to use, canned water chestnuts are a great choice. Just be sure to check the label for MSG.
FAQ
What do water chestnuts taste like?
Water chestnuts have a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
What are the best substitutes for water chestnuts?
The best substitutes for water chestnuts are celery, bamboo shoots, Jerusalem artichokes, jicama, and canned water chestnuts.
What is the best substitute for water chestnuts in a stir-fry?
The best substitute for water chestnuts in a stir-fry is celery.
How do you substitute water chestnuts in a recipe?
The best substitutes for water chestnuts are celery, bamboo shoots, Jerusalem artichokes, jicama, and canned water chestnuts.
When substituting any of these for water chestnuts in a recipe, use a ratio of one cup of substitute for each cup of water chestnuts.
Remember to check the label on canned water chestnuts, as some brands may add MSG.
Do all substitutes have a similar taste and texture to water chestnut?
No, each substitute has a different taste and texture that You can use for different recipes.
For example, jicama has a sweet flavor that works well in sweet and savory dishes alike. Celery is crunchy and slightly sweet, making it perfect for soups, salads, and stir-fries. However, canned water chestnuts have a similar taste and texture to fresh water chestnuts.
What are some good recipes to use substitutes in?
You can use substitutes in soups, salads, stir-fries, and sweet and savory dishes. But bear in mind they each bring their unique flavor to a dish.
For example, if you want to substitute water chestnuts in a sweet dish, jicama would be a good option.
Conclusion:
Water chestnuts are a crunchy and slightly sweet vegetable that is often used in Asian cuisine. However, they can be difficult to find and are not always in season.
When substituting for water chestnuts, some of the best substitutes are celery, bamboo shoots, Jerusalem artichokes, jicama, and canned water chestnuts.
Use a ratio of one cup of substitute for every one cup of water chestnuts.
Substitutes can be used in soups, salads, stir-fries, as well as sweet and savory dishes. But bear in mind they each bring their unique flavor to a dish.
We hope this article has helped you find the perfect substitute for water chestnuts in your next dish.