Using a shallot is typically the go to substitute for a leek. A shallot tastes a lot like a cross between garlic and an onion bulb. It has a delicatesweet flavor, with a hint of sharpness and can be a perfect replacement for a leek.
Equivalent ratio: 1 large leek1 cup chopped = 2 large shallots or 4 medium shallots
2.Sweet onion or white onion
Onions are stronger than leeks but subtle in flavorsespecially sweet onions or white onions, making them both good alternatives for leeks. Onions work well when eaten raw or added to dishes such as salsa, guacamole, salads, and others that don’t require cooking.
Equivalent ratio: 1 large leek1 cup chopped = 1 medium onion
3.Green onion / spring onions or scallions
Green onions are similar to spring onions or scallions. They are typically small in size compared to a leekbut have a generally more pungent flavor than a leek. A great thing about using green onions, spring onions, or scallions are that they create a similar appearance
Equivalent ratio: 1 large leek1 cup chopped = 6 to 8 medium green onions
4.Garlic
Garlic can have a spicy flavor when raw and somewhat of a nutty flavor when cooked. When dried and crushed into garlic powder it loses its raw flavormaking it perfect for seasoning dishes.
When using fresh garlicavoid buying soft or spongy feeling cloves. Instead, make sure they’re nice and firm and fresh.
Equivalent ratio: small quantity
5.Celery
Using chopped celery and chopped celery leaves can work well as a substitute for leeks in dishes like soups and stews. And the great thing about using celery is that it has quite a mild flavorwith a hint of earthy, leafy, salty, and juicy.
Equivalent ratio: 1 celery : 1 leek
6.Garlic Powder
Garlic powder can be used as a replacement for leeks in cooked dishes. The flavor of garlic powder is somewhat garlicky but is significantly different than raw garlic that’s been freshly chopped. It doesn’t include the caramel undertones that comes from roasting or sauteing garlic.
When using garlic powder as a substitute for leeksyou’ll want to think of it as a condensed flavor as only 1 teaspoon is enough to give you the same flavor as 1 leek.
Equivalent ratio: 1 tsp = 1 large leek
7.Onion Powder
The flavor of onion powder is the bold flavor of onion. When used in cooking it adds a savory flavor that’s somewhat sweet that you can’t get from fresh onions.
When determining how much onion powder to use as a substitute for leeksyou’ll want to think of it as a condensed replacement as 1 teaspoon gives enough flavor to be the equivalent of 1 leek.
Equivalent ratio: 1 tsp = 1 large leek
8.Chives
We don’t typically recommend using chives as a substitute for leeks. The reason being that chives are too subtle flavor compared to leeks and don’t exude adequate flavor. Chives work well as a garnishhowever.
Other Alternatives
When in a pinchand you’re open to other flavors, you might consider these three options. And remember sometimes it’s best to just leave it out.
9.Fennel
Fennel has a bit of a different flavor profile than that of a leek. Howeverit can be delicious when used to flavor soups and stews. Fennel has a mild anise or licorice flavor that can be enhanced, depending how it’s used.
10.Calcots
If you have access to calcotsthey can be used as a substitute for leeks. The Catalan calcot looks a lot like a leek, but tastes a lot like an onion. As with any replacement, use them sparingly and then add more if desired.
11.Wild Ramps
Wild ramps are also known as wild leeks and they’re one of the first green things to appear in the woods in the spring. When using wild ramps to flavor dishesstart small and then add more if you like them.
Instructions
Choose the best substitute for leeks, according to your recipe flavors.
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