5 Best Sweet Onion substitutes

White onions can be used as a substitute for red sweet onions in many recipes, but there will be some differences in flavor and appearance. They have a sharper and more pungent taste compared to the mild sweetness of red sweet onions. They also have a stronger aroma.

In terms of appearance, white onions have a white papery skin and white flesh, whereas red sweet onions have a purplish-red skin and white flesh with streaks of red.

If you are substituting white onions for red sweet onions in a recipe, you may want to consider reducing the amount used or sautéing them briefly to mellow their flavor. Keep in mind that the final result may have a slightly different taste profile, but it can still work well in most dishes that call for red sweet onions.

If you are unsure how much to add then we suggest using a half a teaspoon of white onion to one teaspoon of red onion. You can always add the smaller amount to start with and add more if you want a stronger flavor.

Brown onions are a good substitute for red sweet onions as well, although they do have a stronger flavor. They have a golden-brown skin and a slightly more pungent taste. When cooked, brown onions become sweeter and milder, so they can work well as a substitute in cooked dishes.

If you’re using brown onions instead of red sweet onions, you might want to consider reducing the amount used or sautéing them to help mellow their flavor. This will help to balance the stronger taste of brown onions and approximate the mild sweetness of red sweet onions.

While the color of the dish may be slightly different, brown onions can still provide a good flavor base in various recipes.

Shallots can be a suitable substitute for red sweet onions in many recipes. They have a mild and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of garlic, making them a versatile option in cooking. They have a brownish papery skin and are typically smaller than onions. There are other varieties available including some red skinned varieties which look similar to sweet red onions.

When using shallots as a substitute for red sweet onions, we would recommend that you use a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that shallots have a milder flavor, so the dish may have a slightly different taste profile. However, their delicate sweetness can still provide a pleasant flavor to your recipes.

Shallots are particularly great for dressings, sauces, stir-fries, and other dishes where a subtler onion flavor is desired.

While garlic can add flavor and aroma to a dish, it may not be an ideal substitute for red sweet onions. Garlic has a distinct and pungent taste that is quite different from the mild sweetness of red sweet onions. Additionally, garlic cloves are much smaller than onions, so the texture and volume in the dish would be different.

However, if you’re in a pinch and don’t have red sweet onions on hand, you can still use garlic to add flavor to your recipe. Keep in mind that the final result will have a different taste profile and may lack the subtle sweetness that red sweet onions provide. Adjust the amount of garlic according to your personal preference, as its strong flavor can quickly overpower other ingredients.

We also recommend roasting the garlic before use as this will enhance its sweetness.

Chives can be used as substitutes for red sweet onions as they have a mild onion flavor with a hint of garlic. They are much milder compared to red sweet onions.

Chives are typically used as an herb or garnish rather than a main ingredient. They are commonly chopped and sprinkled over dishes like baked potatoes, soups, and omelets.

When using chives as a substitute for red sweet onions, consider their flavors and adjust the amounts accordingly. They can add a touch of onion-like flavor to your dishes, but the final taste and texture may differ from using red sweet onions directly.

Spring onions can be used as substitutes for red sweet onions, and are readily available in most supermarkets.

Spring onions, can also be known as scallions or green onions. They have a milder taste compared to red sweet onions. The white part of the spring onion is more pungent, similar to a regular onion, while the green tops have a fresh and slightly sharp flavor. Spring onions can be used raw or cooked and are often used as a garnish or ingredient in salads, stir-fries, and soups.