Green onion is an immature, baby onion shoot that is picked before it is fully grown. Also known as salad onion, spring onion, or scallion, it has a small bulb and green stalk.
Its flavor is milder than a fully grown fresh onion that makes green onion is a popular ingredient in salads, dips, and soups, etc.
However, if you run out of it in the middle of preparing a dish, but still want that refreshing crunch and flavor, you can try some substitutes for green onion.
This article looks into some green onion substitutes that are quite easy to find.
Substitutes for Green Onion
1. Chives
Chives or Allium schoenoprasum are tiny vegetables that are known as the smallest member of the onion family. They are like green onions but don’t have small bulbs.
This alternatives to green onion are quite healthy for heart, thanks to allicin, an important organic component found in chives.
Allicin has been found quite beneficial for cardiovascular health as it can reduce the level of bad cholesterol.
Although not crunchy, chives taste quite similar to green onions. However, make sure to use fresh chives as the flavor changes dramatically when they are dried.
2. Leeks
Leeks are the close relatives of green onions and look a lot similar. However, the flavors are quite different.
Due to the unique combination of flavonoids and sulfur-containing nutrients, leeks have a higher rank on the nutritional chart.
A research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shows that leeks have anticancer activities.
Leeks have a rich depth and intense onion flavor. They can be a good replacement for green onion when cooked but can be overpowering if used raw.
Related: 6 Leek Substitutes in Soup and Other Recipes with Uses
3. Ramps
Ramps or Allium tricoccum is a North American species of wild onion. Also known as wild leek, they have an intense flavor and taste like a hybrid of onion and garlic.
Ramps contain numerous health benefits. An animal study published in 2000 shows ramp extract could reduce the tumor in rat subject.
You must use ramps sparingly in a recipe due to their strong flavor. They can be used for both garnishing and cooking.
4. Shallots
Shallot is a smaller type of onion that belongs to the species Allium cepa. It comes with a pulpy white inner flesh and a mild flavor.
Shallot is another nutrient-dense alternative to the green onion. It has a higher amount of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds compared to other onions.
Shallots can be a good fit if you use them in cooked dishes. Raw shallots are quite pungent, so use them in a small amount. Otherwise, it might change the flavor.
5. Onions
Onions are a kind of vegetables that belong to the Allium genus. They are a good source of minerals, vitamins, and potent plant compounds, which have been recognized since ancient time.
A study published in 2015 states that onions contain cancer preventive properties.
Onions are one of the most common ingredients in cooking and can be a good alternative to green onions.
Raw yellow or white onions should be used sparingly as their strong flavor may overpower the dish. As the red onions are comparatively sweet, you can use them for garnishing salads and tacos.
Related: Best Dill Substitutes: 6 Herbs That You Must Know!
Final Word
Finding a good substitute for green onion can be easy as they are readily available. However, you must use them in the right amount since their flavor may vary.
Right ingredients in the right amount are the key to a perfect recipe. You need to know which alternative may work best to bring almost the same flavor and taste.
Considering all these substitutes, green onions are easy to replace. Use them correctly and bring that special flavor in your cooking.
