What can I substitute for Spring Onions?
Looking for a Spring Onion substitute? Try using shallots, red spring onions, red onions, leeks, chives, or scallions. Now let’s look at those in a bit more detail.
What are Spring Onions?
Spring onions are a type of young onion that is harvested before the bulb has had a chance to swell. Spring onions have a mild, oniony flavor that is less pungent than mature onions. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes.
Spring onions are typically sold with the root end intact. The root end can be trimmed off before using, but it is not necessary. The green tops and white bulb of the spring onion are both edible. The green tops are the most tender part of the spring onion, and they have a slightly sweet flavor. The white bulb is more fibrous, but it still has a mild flavor.
Spring onions are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. They are also a good source of fiber. Spring onions can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
You can buy fresh spring onions, or if you prefer you can buy them freeze-dried.
Okay, before we look at your Spring Onion substitute options, let’s deal with that empty cupboard situation!
Where can I buy Spring Onions?
If you want to be more prepared and ensure you don’t run out of spring onions then you should stock up now.
Nowadays most general supermarkets stock spring onions. Or if you prefer you can also purchase spring onions on-line. Here is a link for freeze-dried spring onions.
So why not jump on and place your order today.
STOCK UP NOW!
Freeze-dried Spring Onions by Litehouse
Gluten free and keto friendly freeze-dried spring onions.
100% spring onion – no additives or preservatives.
Double pack – so you should never run out.
What can I substitute for Spring Onions?
Here are some of the best ingredients to substitute the flavor and role that Spring Onions provide in your recipes.
- Shallots
- Red spring onions
- Red onions
- Leeks
- Chives
- Scallions
Spring Onion substitutes
Shallots
Shallots can be used as a spring onion substitute in most dishes. They have a similar mild, oniony flavor, but they are slightly sweeter and have a more delicate texture. Shallots are also more expensive than spring onions, so they may not be the best option if you are on a budget.
Here are some tips for using shallots as a substitute for spring onions:
- Use the same amount of shallots as you would use spring onions.
- If the recipe calls for raw spring onions, you may want to cook the shallots for a short time before adding them to the dish. This will help to mellow their flavor and make them more similar to spring onions.
- If the recipe calls for the green tops of spring onions, you can use the green tops of chives or green onions as a substitute.
Here are some examples of dishes where you can use shallots as a substitute for spring onions:
- Salads
- Stir-fries
- Soups
- Stews
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
- Sauces
When using shallots as a substitute for spring onions, it is important to remember that they will have a slightly different flavor and texture. However, they will still add a delicious and flavorful touch to your dish.
Red Spring Onions
You can use red spring onions as a substitute for green spring onions in most recipes. The flavor of red spring onions is slightly stronger than green spring onions, but it is still mild and oniony. The texture is also similar, with the red and green parts being both crisp and tender.
If you are using red spring onions as a substitute for green spring onions in a raw dish, such as a salad or a stir-fry, you may want to chop them more finely to reduce the intensity of their flavor. You may also want to soak them in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow out their flavor even further.
In cooked dishes, red spring onions can be used in a 1:1 substitution for green spring onions. They will add a slightly different flavor to the dish, but it will still be delicious.
Red Onions
You can use red onions as a spring onion substitute in most recipes. The flavor of red onions is slightly stronger than green spring onions, but it is still mild and oniony. The texture is also similar.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using red onions as a substitute for spring onions. First, the color of red onions will bleed when cooked, so you may want to use them in dishes where the color of the onions is not important. Second, red onions have a slightly higher sulfur content than green spring onions, so they may have a slightly stronger aftertaste.
Overall, red onions can be a good substitute for spring onions in most recipes. If you are looking for a substitute that has a stronger flavor, red onions are a good option. However, if you are looking for a substitute that is more delicate, you may want to use a different onion, such as scallions or chives.
Here are some tips for using red onions as a substitute for spring onions:
- Use a smaller amount of red onion than you would use spring onions.
- Soak the red onions in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce their intensity.
- Use red onions in dishes where the color of the onions is not important.
- Be aware that red onions may have a slightly stronger aftertaste.
Leeks
Leeks can be used as a substitute for spring onions in most recipes. They have a mild, oniony flavor that is similar to spring onions. They also have a similar texture, with the white and green parts being both crisp and tender.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using leeks as a substitute for spring onions. First, leeks are larger than spring onions, so you will need to use less of them. Second, leeks have a slightly stronger aftertaste than spring onions, so you may want to use them in dishes where the flavor of the onions is not important.
Overall, leeks can be a good substitute for spring onions in most recipes. If you are looking for a substitute that has a similar flavor and texture to spring onions, leeks are a good option. However, if you are looking for a substitute that is more delicate, you may want to use a different onion, such as scallions or chives.
Here are some tips for using leeks as a substitute for spring onions:
- Use half as much leek as you would use spring onions.
- Trim the root end and the dark green leaves from the leek.
- Slice the leek thinly, discarding the tough center core.
- Rinse the leek thoroughly to remove any dirt or grit.
- Use leeks in dishes where the flavor of the onions is not important.
Chives
Chives can be used as a spring onion substitute in most recipes. They have a mild, oniony flavor that is similar to spring onions. They also have a similar texture, with the green parts being both crisp and tender.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using chives as a substitute for spring onions. First, chives are milder than spring onions, so you may need to use more of them. Second, chives have a slightly more delicate texture than spring onions, so they may not be as suitable for dishes where the onions need to be cooked for a long time.
Overall, chives can be a good substitute for spring onions in most recipes. If you are looking for a substitute that is milder and more delicate than spring onions, chives are a good option. However, if you are looking for a substitute that has a similar flavor and texture to spring onions, you may want to use a different onion, such as red-onion or leeks.
Here are some tips for using chives as a substitute for spring onions:
- Use twice as much chives as you would use spring onions.
- Chop the chives finely before adding them to the dish.
- Use chives in dishes where the flavor of the onions is not important.
- Be aware that chives may have a slightly more delicate texture than spring onions.
Scallions
Scallions: Also known as green onions, scallions are the most similar substitute for spring onions. They have a mild onion flavor and a slightly milder bite. You can use both the white and green parts of scallions in your dishes. Unlike spring onions scallions do not have a bulb at the base.
If you are using scallions as a substitute for spring onions, you will want to use the same amount. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 cup of chopped spring onions, you would use 1 cup of chopped scallions.
Here are some tips for using scallions as a substitute for spring onions:
- If the recipe calls for cooked spring onions, you may want to cook the scallions for a slightly shorter amount of time, as they will cook more quickly than spring onions.
- If the recipe calls for raw spring onions, you can use the scallions raw. However, the scallions may have a slightly milder flavor than the spring onions.
- If you are using scallions as a garnish, you can use them whole or chopped.
Summary for Spring Onion substitutes
Okay – that’s you all sorted with suitable substitutes for Spring Onions.
In summary, when you need a substitute for spring onions, you have several options to choose from:
- Scallions: Also known as green onions, they are the most similar substitute with a mild onion flavor.
- Leeks: They have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to spring onions, especially the white and light green parts.
- Shallots: Shallots have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor, making them a suitable substitute when you want a milder taste.
- Red or White Onions: These onion substitutes have a stronger and more pungent flavor, so use them in smaller quantities if you don’t mind a more pronounced onion taste.
- Chives: Chives have a delicate flavor but can still provide a mild onion-like taste. Use them as a garnish or in dips, sauces, or dressings.
Remember to adjust the quantity and cooking time according to the substitute onion chosen to achieve the desired flavor in your recipe.
Fun Facts
There is some debate as to whether green onions and scallions are actually the same thing? My understanding is that it is all down to the age and size of the bulb. So spring onions are slightly more mature than green onions/scallions, so therefore the white bulb at the base has grown a little bigger and rounder. What do you think?
- Spring onions have a small, white bulb at the base.
- Scallions do not have a bulb at the base.
- Green onions are the same as scallions, but they are often called green onions in the United States.
If you would like to learn about other ingredients you can swap out, why not head over to our Substitutes section?