Out of Chives, one case
Garlic chives substitutes: Asian herb
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Regular chives + garlic
Same amount as the chives
Chives + ½ clove garlic per tbsp chives
The best substitutes for garlic chives are Regular Chives, Green Onions (Scallions), Leeks, and Garlic + Chives combination. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes and adjust based on your recipe needs.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- Asian dishes
One casethe full chives card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of chives | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Regular chives + garlicAsian dishes | Same amountChives + ½ clove garlic per tbsp chivesWorks | Works |
| 2 | Green onions (scallions) + garlicAsian dishes | Same amountGreen onions + ½ clove garlic per tbspWorks | Works |
| 3 | Regular chivesgarnishing | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Leeks (green parts) + garliccooking | Same amountLeeks + ½ clove garlic per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Garlic powder + chivesspice blends | Same amountChives + ¼ tsp garlic powder per tbspTweak it | Tweak it |
Regular chives + garlic
similar taste and texture
Combine regular chives with minced garlic to replicate the garlic chives flavor profile. Good for most applications.
- Best for
- Asian dishes, stir-fries, garnishes, cooking, when you want garlic flavor
Mix regular chives with minced garlic to get both the appearance and garlic flavor of garlic chives.
Green onions (scallions) + garlic
similar taste and texture
Combine green onions with minced garlic to replicate garlic chives. Good substitute with similar appearance and flavor.
- Best for
- Asian dishes, 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.
Regular chives
different taste, similar texture
Regular chives provide similar appearance and texture but lack the garlic flavor. Good for visual appeal and mild onion flavor.
- Best for
- garnishing, when you don't need garlic flavor, visual appeal, mild onion flavor
Same appearance and texture as garlic chives but without the garlic flavor. Good for visual substitution.
Leeks (green parts) + garlic
different taste, similar texture
Combine leek greens with minced garlic for a milder version of garlic chives. Good for cooked applications.
- Best for
- cooking, soups, stews, casseroles, when you want milder garlic flavor
Leeks have milder flavor than chives, so the garlic will be more prominent. Use only the green parts.
Garlic powder + chives
similar taste, different texture
Combine regular chives with garlic powder for a dry version of garlic chives. Good for spice blends and cooking.
- Best for
- spice blends, cooking, baking, when you want dry garlic flavor, marinades
Garlic powder provides the garlic flavor without the fresh texture. Use sparingly as it's more concentrated.
How it behaves in this recipe
Garlic chives are used in Asian cuisine for their unique combination of chive appearance and garlic flavor. The best substitutes depend on whether you need the garlic flavor (regular chives + garlic) or just the appearance (regular chives alone).
Tips for substituting chives
7 tips- Garlic chives are essential in Asian cuisine, so choose substitutes that complement Asian flavors
- When combining regular chives with garlic, mince the garlic finely to distribute the flavor evenly
- For stir-fries, add garlic chives or their substitutes at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavor
- Garlic chives work well in pad thai, so use substitutes that can handle high heat cooking
- Fresh garlic chives have a more pronounced garlic flavor than regular chives, so adjust garlic amounts accordingly
- Store fresh garlic chives in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels for up to a week
- For authentic Asian flavor, look for garlic chives in Asian grocery stores or grow your own
Notes on chives
- Look for garlic chives in Asian grocery stores for the most authentic flavor
- Growing your own garlic chives is easy and ensures you always have fresh herbs available
- Freeze-dried garlic chives are available and work well in cooked applications
- For a different approach, try using chive flowers which have a more intense flavor
Questions
5 questionsWhat can I substitute for garlic chives?
The best substitutes for garlic chives are regular chives mixed with minced garlic (1:1 ratio), green onions with garlic, or leeks with garlic. Choose based on your specific recipe needs.
Can I use regular chives instead of garlic chives?
Yes, but regular chives lack the garlic flavor. For best results, mix regular chives with minced garlic (about ½ clove per tablespoon of chives) to replicate the garlic chives flavor.
What's the best substitute for garlic chives in pad thai?
For pad thai, use regular chives mixed with minced garlic, or green onions with garlic. Add them at the end of cooking to preserve their flavor and texture.
Are garlic chives and regular chives the same?
No, garlic chives have a distinct garlic flavor and are wider and flatter than regular chives. Regular chives have a mild onion flavor and are thinner and rounder.
Can I substitute green onions for garlic chives?
Yes, but green onions have a stronger onion flavor. For best results, combine green onions with minced garlic to replicate the garlic chives flavor profile.