The Top 10 Red Onion Substitutes

Red onion is a common ingredient in many kitchens. You may find it in a variety of meals. Red onion is a versatile vegetable that may be cooked, roasted, or sliced and used in sandwiches. It may also be eaten raw because of its strong taste and superb crunch. Most grocery shops have red onion, but if you can’t locate it or don’t have any on hand, there are a variety of replacements you may use. White onion, shallots, green onion, leeks, onion juice, or some of the following are suitable red onion replacements. If you’re seeking the finest red onion alternatives, check out this list of ten components that will produce comparable effects in your recipe.

1. White Onion

White onion is one of the best red onion alternatives since it can be used in the same way as red onion and won’t change the flavor of your meal.

White onion also has a gentler, less acidic flavor than red onion, so it’s a good option if you don’t like the strong flavor of red onion. It may be sauteed, roasted, or eaten raw in salads and guacamole, and it will have the same results as red onion.

2. Shallots

Shallots are significantly smaller onions commonly used in sauce recipes and have a delicate taste. They don’t have much of an onion flavor, which makes them a good option for folks who don’t enjoy the strong flavor of red onion. Shallots may be diced and cooked or eaten raw as a substitute for red onion; thus, you can use them in any dish that calls for the red onion.

3. Green Onions

In Chinese cuisine, green onions are often called scallions. They may be eaten raw or cooked, making them an excellent red onion replacement. They have a faint acidic flavor but are not nearly as strong as red onions. Nonetheless, they are pretty adaptable. Instead of red onion, it can be chopped, sautéed, and used as a garnish. The lower, white half is better for sautéing or frying. You may use it in stir-fries or any dish that calls for red onion, but the top green piece is generally reserved for decoration and has a mild flavor that makes it ideal for salads. It is not recommended to roast green onions or use them in guacamole.

4. Leeks

Leeks are another excellent red onion alternative in cooked meals, as they are much better cooked than fresh. They may be sauteed, used in sauces, and stir-fried in the same manner as onions are. Because of their delicate flavor, leeks are pretty popular. They also have garlicky undertones, so they’ll complement your dishes nicely. In prepared meals, they’re a fantastic alternative for the red onion.

5. Chives

Chives are a good substitute for red onions since they have more spice than onions, but not to the same extent. Instead of red onion, cut the chives and add them to any meal for added color and taste. Unlike leeks, chives may be eaten uncooked. You may also use them to garnish foods, particularly eggs, and provide a fantastic, fresh flavor to sauces and dressings. Salads and sandwiches benefit from them.

6. Onion Juice

Onion juice is a great replacement when you require onion taste in sauces or condiments like guacamole. It will add a strong onion taste to your food without the need for the actual onion, so you may also use it to add taste to prepared meals. You can also make your onion juice, preserve it, or purchase it online. It does not, however, work well in sandwiches or salads.

7. Onion Powder

Another pantry item that many people already have in their homes is onion powder. It will simply and quickly impart onion flavor to any cuisine. In prepared recipes, it performs pretty well. However, when creating French onion soup, you cannot use it in place of red onions. It’s also good in salad dressings, but not in salads. Start with roughly half a tablespoon of onion powder when substituting red onion for onion powder. Add more as needed, depending on how strong you want the onion to taste.

8. Garlic

Even though garlic and red onion are not the same, you may surely use garlic instead of red onion if you want to add flavor to your cuisine. Add garlic to sauces, stir-fries, or soups for a delicious taste boost. Garlic is also good in salad dressings and guacamole.

9. Celery

If you’re looking for an onion alternative or don’t like the flavor of red onion, celery is a terrific option. Celery and onion are used as a foundation for sauces in cooking. As a result, you may omit the onion in prepared recipes and replace it with celery. Celery has a fantastic crunch and a mild taste, making it an excellent raw vegetable. As a result, celery may be used in place of red onion in sandwiches and salads, making it a fantastic replacement.

10. Fennel

Fennels have a milder flavor and may be used in various cuisines. This, like celery, is an excellent red onion alternative. When uncooked, fennel has a licorice taste. It has an onion-like taste when cooked, so that you may use it for both. Fennel slices can be thinly sliced and added to salads. You may also use it to spice your food by sautéing and roasting it. Fennel should not be used to make guacamole since it alters the flavor too much.

Substitute for Red Onion in Guacamole

White onions, shallots, onion powder, onion juice, and garlic are the most acceptable red onion alternatives in guacamole since they offer an onion taste to the meal and have a similar consistency.

Related Concerns

Is it possible to use an ordinary onion for the green onion?

Yes, ordinary onions come in yellow or white varieties and may be substituted for red onions in any recipe. They have a milder taste than the others. They will be less dominating as a result. You may use them in place of the red onion by sautéing, baking, or eating them raw.

In salads, can I use white onion instead of red?

Yes, you may substitute white onion for red onion in a salad, and the flavor will be just as good. You can also use shallots or green onions.

Can I use red onions instead of green onions?

Yes, you certainly can. In most meals, you may use green onion to replace red onion, especially stir-fries and quiches. The bottom white portion of a green onion is best cooked and maybe diced and sauteed in the same way as an onion; however, the top green section can be eaten raw and is typically used as a garnish for meals, but can also be used in salads.

Can I use shallots instead of red onion?

Yes, you may use shallots in place of red onions. Red onions and shallots are both versatile ingredients. Shallots have a softer, more delicate flavor than onions and are delicious raw or cooked. Shallots can be sauteed, used as a foundation for sauces, or thinly sliced and tossed into salads or sandwiches.