The best spring onion substitutes for your kitchen

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Have you ever been in the middle of cooking a meal and realized you were missing an important ingredient? It’s frustrating, to say the least. But don’t let one missing ingredient ruin your dish. If you haven’t had spring onions, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore six amazing spring onion alternatives that will keep your dish tasty and fresh.

A bunch of spring onions Finely chop some of the white part of the onion on a cutting board.  There is a knife next to the onion.

From scallions to spices, you’ll learn how to substitute spring onions without sacrificing flavor. So do not panic, and let’s cook!

What are spring onions?

Spring onions are a staple in many kitchens, but what exactly are they?

Also known as scallions, green onions or Welsh onions, spring onions are a type of young onion with long, green stems and small white bulbs.

They have a milder flavor than regular onions, making them a popular addition to salads, soups, and stir-fries. Spring onions are a great source of nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin C and folate. [Source]

Why transplant spring onions?

Don’t worry if you’ve run out of spring onions or can’t find them at your local grocery store. There are plenty of alternatives that can offer a similar flavor and texture.

Additionally, if you’re cooking for someone who doesn’t like the taste of spring onions, these alternatives can provide a similar flavor without the same degree of pungency. So let’s find out some amazing options that you can use in your cooking today.

6 Best Spring Onion Alternatives

Want to replace spring onions in your kitchen? Here are some ideas you’ll love!

A wicker bowl holds a bunch of spring onions.

1. Scallions

Scallions, also known as green onions, are a great substitute for spring onions. In fact, they are actually the same thing.

So, if you’re looking for “spring onions” but can’t find them, green onions are the same thing with a different name.

These thin and long onions have a mild and sweet flavor that can spice up your dish. The green stalks can be chopped and used as a salad, sandwich or garnish, while the white bulbs can be cooked into soups and stews.

Scallions are readily available at most grocery stores and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

If scallions aren’t quite what you’re looking for, leeks can be a great substitute for spring onions.

A closeup of several leaks lying side by side.

2. Leaks

Leeks, with their delicate flavor and crunchy texture, can be a great substitute for spring onions.

They have a slightly sweeter flavor than spring onions and can be used in soups, stews and casseroles.

The green parts of leeks can be chopped and used as a garnish or in salads, while the white parts can be cooked and used as a base for sauces and gravies.

Leeks are easy to find in most grocery stores and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Bonus: You can plant the root-ends of leeks in the soil and they will grow to make more leeks that you can use in your next recipe!

Shallots are another great substitute for spring onions if you want to experiment with different flavors.

Looking at the root end of the pinkish pink shallots.

3. Shallots

If you’re looking for an alternative to spring onions with a more intense and slightly sweet flavor, shallots are a versatile option. Their slightly crunchy texture and mild onion-like flavor make them perfect for adding depth to a wide range of savory dishes.

Shallots can be used like spring onions and finely chopped and added to salads, soups and stews or cooked until caramelized and used as a topping for pizza, tossed with pasta or served on top of a black bean burger. can go

Shallots also work well in sauces and ranch dressings, and can be added to roasted vegetables for extra flavor. They are also a great alternative to spring onions in fried rice.

If you want to add a fresh and subtle onion flavor to your food, chives are a great alternative to spring onions.

The pink flowers at the top of a field of chives are highlighted in this photo.

4. Chives

Chives are a great alternative to spring onions. These slender green herbs are related to onions and garlic and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor that can brighten any dish. Chives are often used to garnish soups, salads, and even chickpea mock tuna salad.

But they are versatile and can be used in place of spring onions in many recipes.

To use chives as a spring onion substitute, finely chop them and add them to your meal. They work well in salads, stir-fries and even just egg omelets.

You can sprinkle them over baked potatoes or use them to flavor cashew cream cheese. Chives are a great addition to homemade dips and salad dressings.

However, chives are milder than spring onions, so you may need to use a larger amount to achieve the desired flavor. If you prefer a stronger onion flavor, you can combine the chives with a small amount of mince or shallots.

Looking at several fresh ramps on a cutting board next to a knife.

5. Ramps

Ramps are a spring delicacy, and if you’re lucky enough to live near them or otherwise have access to them, they make a great substitute for green onions in your recipes.

They look like spring onions, but they have broader leaves with purple stems. You can use them as you would spring onions, chopped in salads or stir-fried with vegetables.

Ramp’s growth period is a short three-weeks, so be ready to pounce on the next batch you find!

And if you’re looking for other ways to add flavor to your meals, check out the next section on dehydrated onions.

6. Dehydrated onions

If you’re in a pinch, using dehydrated onions will work with cooked dishes like soups and stews. You can even use them to make a delicious vegan ranch dressing or plant-based French onion dip.

I don’t recommend dehydrated onions in fresh recipes like salads because onions need to be rehydrated to provide the best flavor and texture.

Spring onion recipe

Use this spring onion substitute guide to make any of these popular plant-based recipes:

Conclusion

When it comes to cooking, running out of essential ingredients can be frustrating. But don’t worry, there are several amazing substitutes for spring onions that will keep your dish tasty and fresh.

From scallions to spices, experimenting with different ingredients can expand your culinary knowledge and lead to new and exciting dishes. So the next time you find yourself without spring onions, keep these six options in mind and don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen.

As famous chef Julia Child once said, “The only real stumbling block is the fear of failure.” Put your fears aside and approach your kitchen like a pro!

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