Chinese Chives Substitutes: Asian Cooking Guide
Garlic Chives
Use the same amount as the chinese chives you are replacing
The best substitutes for Chinese chives are Garlic Chives, Regular Chives + Garlic, Green Onions + Garlic, and Leeks + Garlic. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes and adjust based on your recipe needs.
Compare all 6 chives substitutes
Find the best substitutes for Chinese chives in Asian cooking and dumplings. Learn about garlic chives, regular chives, and other alternatives with proper ratios.
Other chinese chives substitutes
Ranked, with the exact amount to use
Substitutes for Chinese Chives
2Regular Chives + Garlic
Close matchWhat changes
- Best for
- Asian dishes, dumplings, stir-fries, cooking, when you want garlic flavor
Mix regular chives with minced garlic to get both the appearance and garlic flavor of Chinese chives.
3Green Onions (Scallions) + Garlic
Close matchWhat changes
- Best for
- Asian dishes, dumplings, stir-fries, cooking, when you want garlic flavor, garnishes
Green onions have stronger flavor than chives, so adjust garlic amount accordingly. Use both green and white parts.
4Leeks (Green Parts) + Garlic
Different tasteWhat changes
- Best for
- cooking, soups, stews, casseroles, when you want milder garlic flavor, dumplings
Leeks have milder flavor than chives, so the garlic will be more prominent. Use only the green parts.
5Regular Chives
Different tasteWhat changes
- Best for
- garnishing, when you don't need garlic flavor, visual appeal, mild onion flavor, dumplings
Same appearance and texture as Chinese chives but without the garlic flavor. Good for visual substitution.
How it behaves in this recipe
Chinese chives are used in Asian cuisine, especially in dumplings and stir-fries, for their unique combination of chive appearance and garlic flavor. The best substitutes depend on whether you need the garlic flavor (garlic chives, regular chives + garlic) or just the appearance (regular chives alone).
Cooking tips
- Chinese chives are essential in Asian cuisine, especially in dumplings and stir-fries, so choose substitutes that complement Asian flavors
- When combining regular chives with garlic, mince the garlic finely to distribute the flavor evenly
- For dumplings, Chinese chives add both flavor and texture, so use substitutes that can handle cooking
- Chinese chives work well in pad thai and other stir-fries, so use substitutes that can handle high heat cooking
- Fresh Chinese chives have a more pronounced garlic flavor than regular chives, so adjust garlic amounts accordingly
- Store fresh Chinese chives in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels for up to a week
- For authentic Asian flavor, look for Chinese chives in Asian grocery stores or grow your own
Notes on chinese chives
- Look for Chinese chives in Asian grocery stores for the most authentic flavor
- Growing your own Chinese chives is easy and ensures you always have fresh herbs available
- Freeze-dried Chinese chives are available and work well in cooked applications
- For a different approach, try using chive flowers which have a more intense flavor