Out of Pearl onions, one case
Pearl onions substitute, case by case
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Shallots
Same amount as the pearl onions
The best substitutes for pearl onions are shallots (1:1 ratio) or cipollini onions (1:1 ratio). Both provide the sweet, mild flavor and tender texture that pearl onions contribute to dishes. Small yellow onions cut into pieces also work well.
- Best for —
- braising
One casethe full pearl onions card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of pearl onions | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shallotsbraising | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 2 | Cipollini onionsbraising | Same amount | No verdict on record |
| 3 | Small yellow onionsbudget-friendly option | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Frozen pearl onionsconvenience | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 5 | Red pearl onionscolor variation | Same amountWorks | Works |
Shallots
very similar
The best substitute for pearl onions. Shallots have a similar sweet, mild flavor and will caramelize beautifully during cooking.
- Best for
- braising, roasting, caramelization, French cooking, stews, sauces
Shallots have a slightly more delicate flavor than pearl onions but work in virtually all the same applications.
Cipollini onions
very similar
Excellent substitute with similar size and sweet flavor. Cipollini onions hold their shape well and caramelize beautifully.
- Best for
- braising, roasting, caramelization, presentation, stews
Cipollini onions are slightly larger than pearl onions but work well in most applications. Blanch briefly to make peeling easier.
Small yellow onions
similar taste and texture
Cut small yellow onions into quarters to mimic pearl onion size. They'll provide good flavor and texture in most dishes.
- Best for
- budget-friendly option, readily available, cooking applications, stews, braises
Cut into 1-inch pieces to match pearl onion size. They'll have a stronger flavor than pearl onions but work well in most dishes.
Frozen pearl onions
identical taste and texture
If fresh pearl onions aren't available, frozen ones work well. They're already peeled and ready to use.
- Best for
- convenience, exact match, time-saving, all applications
Add directly to your dish without thawing. They'll cook through during the normal cooking process.
Red pearl onions
identical taste and texture
Red pearl onions work just as well as white pearl onions, adding a slightly different color to the dish.
- Best for
- color variation, visual appeal, all applications
Red pearl onions have the same flavor as white pearl onions, just with a different color. They work identically in recipes.
How it behaves in this recipe
Pearl onions are small, sweet onions that are good for braising, roasting, and other cooking applications. The best substitutes maintain this sweet, mild flavor while providing similar texture and cooking properties. Shallots are the closest match, while cipollini onions offer a similar flavor profile.
Tips for substituting pearl onions
6 tips- Shallots are the best all-around substitute for pearl onions - they have a similar sweet, mild flavor and caramelize beautifully
- If using cipollini onions, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds to make peeling easier
- Small yellow onions should be cut into 1-inch pieces to match pearl onion size
- Frozen pearl onions are already peeled and can be added directly to dishes without thawing
- Pearl onions work well in both sweet and savory dishes, so most substitutes will work in both applications
- For raw applications like salads, shallots are often preferred for their milder flavor
Notes on pearl onions
- If you can't find any onion substitutes, you can omit pearl onions entirely - the dish will still be delicious
- Consider adding extra mushrooms or root vegetables to compensate for the missing pearl onions
- A small amount of sugar added during cooking can help replicate the sweetness that pearl onions provide
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for pearl onions?
Shallots are the best substitute for pearl onions. They have a similar sweet, mild flavor and will caramelize beautifully during cooking. Use a 1:1 ratio.
Can I use regular onions instead of pearl onions?
Yes, you can use small yellow onions cut into 1-inch pieces as a substitute. They won't be quite as sweet as pearl onions, but they'll work well in most dishes.
Are frozen pearl onions a good substitute for fresh?
Yes, frozen pearl onions work well as a substitute for fresh pearl onions. They're already peeled and can be added directly to dishes without thawing.
What's the difference between pearl onions and shallots?
Pearl onions and shallots are very similar - both are small, sweet onions. Shallots have a slightly more delicate flavor, while pearl onions are slightly more robust. Both caramelize well and work in similar applications.
Can I use cipollini onions instead of pearl onions?
Yes, cipollini onions are an excellent substitute for pearl onions. They have a similar sweet flavor and caramelize beautifully. Blanch them briefly to make peeling easier.