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Best Substitutes for Onion — What to Use Instead

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Onion Powder: 1 tsp per small onion — No texture but good flavor. Best in sauces and rubs.

Shallot: 3 shallots per 1 medium onion — Milder, sweeter. More refined flavor.

Overview

Top substitute for onion: Onion Powder (1 tsp per small onion). No texture but good flavor. Best in sauces and rubs. Plus 4 more alternatives.

Key Details

  • Onion Powder: 1 tsp per small onion — No texture but good flavor. Best in sauces and rubs.
  • Shallot: 3 shallots per 1 medium onion — Milder, sweeter. More refined flavor.
  • Leek (white part): 1:1 — Milder onion flavor. Great in soups.
  • Scallions/Green Onions: 1 bunch per 1 small onion — Milder. Use white parts for cooking, green for garnish.
  • Celery: 1:1 — Different flavor but similar aromatic role in cooking.

Why This Matters

  • Onion is a common ingredient that may need substituting
  • Dietary restrictions (vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free) may require alternatives
  • Sometimes you simply run out of an ingredient mid-recipe
  • Allergies or intolerances may necessitate a swap

How To

  1. 1Best overall substitute: Onion Powder at 1 tsp per small onion
  2. 2Consider the role of the ingredient (flavor, texture, binding, leavening)
  3. 3Test substitutes in small batches first
  4. 4Adjust other ingredients as noted for best results
  5. 5Some substitutes work better in certain recipes than others

Tags

substitutesveganonioningredient-swapcooking-tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best substitute for onion is Onion Powder at 1 tsp per small onion. No texture but good flavor. Best in sauces and rubs.