Out of Hearts of palm, one case
Substitute for hearts of palm
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Artichoke hearts
Same amount as the hearts of palm
The best substitute for hearts of palm is artichoke hearts (1:1 ratio) for most recipes. For Asian dishes, use bamboo shoots. For elegant preparations, try white asparagus. For crunch, use water chestnuts.
- Best for —
- Caesar salads
One casethe full hearts of palm card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of hearts of palm | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Artichoke heartsCaesar salads | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 2 | White asparaguselegant salads | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Bamboo shootsAsian stir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Water chestnutsAsian stir-fries | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Canned artichoke heartsall applications | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 6 | Fennel bulbMediterranean salads | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Artichoke hearts
very similar
Artichoke hearts are the closest substitute for hearts of palm with similar tender texture and mild flavor. They work in virtually any recipe that calls for hearts of palm.
- Best for
- Caesar salads, Mediterranean dishes, appetizers, pasta dishes, dips and spreads
Artichoke hearts have a slightly more earthy, nutty flavor than hearts of palm but work as a direct replacement in most recipes. Available canned or jarred.
White asparagus
similar taste and texture
White asparagus provides a similar delicate texture and mild flavor to hearts of palm. Good for elegant dishes and salads where you want a refined taste.
- Best for
- elegant salads, gourmet appetizers, light pasta dishes, delicate preparations, upscale presentations
White asparagus is more delicate and slightly sweeter than hearts of palm. It's good for sophisticated dishes and works well in most applications.
Bamboo shoots
similar taste, different texture
Bamboo shoots offer a similar mild flavor with more crunch than hearts of palm. Excellent for Asian dishes, stir-fries, and soups.
- Best for
- Asian stir-fries, soups and broths, Asian salads, when you want crunch, Asian-inspired dishes
Bamboo shoots are much crunchier than hearts of palm and have a more neutral flavor. They're ideal for Asian cuisine and add great texture.
Water chestnuts
similar taste, different texture
Water chestnuts provide a similar mild, slightly sweet flavor with more crunch than hearts of palm. Great for Asian dishes and crunchy salads.
- Best for
- Asian stir-fries, crunchy salads, Asian appetizers, when you want crisp texture, Asian-inspired dishes
Water chestnuts are much crunchier and sweeter than hearts of palm. They're good for adding texture to Asian dishes and salads.
Canned artichoke hearts
very similar
Canned artichoke hearts are the most readily available and closest substitute to hearts of palm. They have similar texture and mild flavor.
- Best for
- all applications, quick substitutions, when hearts of palm unavailable, most recipes, emergency substitutions
Canned artichoke hearts are the most convenient and closest substitute. They're widely available and work in almost any recipe that calls for hearts of palm.
Fennel bulb
different taste, similar texture
Fennel bulb offers a similar crunchy texture with a distinct anise flavor. Good for Mediterranean dishes and salads where you want fresh crunch.
- Best for
- Mediterranean salads, when you want fresh crunch, aromatic dishes, when you like anise flavor, Mediterranean appetizers
Fennel has a strong anise/licorice flavor that's quite different from hearts of palm. Only use if you enjoy this distinctive taste.
Tips for substituting hearts of palm
8 tips- Hearts of palm are naturally tender with a mild, slightly nutty flavor
- They're commonly used in Caesar salads and Mediterranean dishes
- Most hearts of palm are sold canned or jarred in water or brine
- Rinse canned hearts of palm before using to remove excess salt
- Slice hearts of palm into rounds or lengthwise strips for best presentation
- They work well both raw and lightly cooked
- Pair hearts of palm with citrus, herbs, and light vinaigrettes
- Store opened cans in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Questions
6 questionsWhat can I use instead of hearts of palm?
The best substitutes for hearts of palm are artichoke hearts, white asparagus, bamboo shoots, and water chestnuts. Artichoke hearts are the closest match and work in most recipes, while bamboo shoots and water chestnuts are better for Asian dishes.
Are artichoke hearts the same as hearts of palm?
No, they're different vegetables. Artichoke hearts come from artichokes, while hearts of palm come from certain palm trees. However, they have very similar textures and mild flavors, making artichoke hearts an excellent substitute.
Can I use bamboo shoots instead of hearts of palm?
Yes, bamboo shoots can work as a substitute for hearts of palm, especially in Asian dishes. They're much crunchier and have a more neutral flavor, so they work best in stir-fries and Asian-inspired recipes.
What's the best substitute for hearts of palm in Caesar salad?
Artichoke hearts are the best substitute for hearts of palm in Caesar salad. They provide a similar tender texture and mild flavor that complements the dressing and romaine lettuce well.
Can I use white asparagus as a hearts of palm substitute?
Yes, white asparagus is an excellent substitute for hearts of palm, especially in elegant preparations. It has a similar tender texture and delicate flavor, making it good for salads and light appetizers.
Do I need to cook substitute ingredients the same way?
Most substitutes can be used the same way as hearts of palm - either raw or lightly cooked. However, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts are often better when cooked briefly, while artichoke hearts and white asparagus work well both raw and cooked.