Out of scallion?

Scallion substitutes

Scallion is Young onion with long green stalks and small white bulbs, also known as green onion or spring onion, used for its mild onion flavor.

Use this

Chives

Use the same amount for green parts as the scallion you are replacing

Best for garnishes

The best substitutes for scallions are chives, leeks, or regular onions depending on the use.

At a glance

Every scallion substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Scallion substitutes compared
#	Substitute	Instead of scallion, use
1	Chives	Same amount, for green parts
2	Leeks	¼ cup chopped leek per 1 scallion
3	Regular Onion	1-2 tbsp chopped onion per 1 scallion
4	Shallot	1 small shallot per 1 scallion
5	Green Garlic	Same amount

Every scallion substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

1. Chives
Use the same amount for green parts
Thin, hollow green herbs with mild onion flavor.
What changes
Perfect substitute for scallion greens.
Best for
garnishes, soups, salads, dips, baked potatoes, eggs
Taste
mild onion
Texture
thin, delicate
Prep. Snip with scissors or chop finely. Add at the end of cooking to preserve flavor and color.
Use only the green parts. More delicate than scallions, so add at the end of cooking.
2. Leeks
Use ¼ cup chopped leek for every 1 scallion
Mild, sweet onion with white and light green parts.
What changes
Good substitute when you need both white and green parts.
Best for
soups, stews, stir-fries, quiches, casseroles
Taste
mild, sweet onion
Texture
firm, layered
Prep. Trim off dark green tops and root end. Slice lengthwise and rinse well to remove dirt. Chop as needed.
Use white and light green parts only. Much larger than scallions, so use less. Wash thoroughly as they can be sandy.
3. Regular Onion
Use 1-2 tbsp chopped onion for every 1 scallion
White, yellow, or red onion with stronger flavor.
What changes
Use sparingly as substitute.
Best for
cooking applications, when scallion is cooked, sauces, marinades
Taste
strong onion
Texture
firm, layered
Prep. Chop finely and cook longer than scallions to mellow the strong flavor.
Much stronger flavor than scallions. Use less and cook longer to mellow the flavor.
4. Shallot
Use 1 small shallot for every 1 scallion
Mild, sweet onion with a hint of garlic.
What changes
More expensive but closer to scallion flavor.
Best for
salad dressings, vinaigrettes, sauces, fine cooking, when you need mild onion flavor
Taste
mild, sweet with garlic hint
Texture
firm, layered
Prep. Peel and chop finely. Use raw or cook briefly to preserve delicate flavor.
More expensive than other substitutes but closest to scallion's mild flavor profile.
5. Green Garlic
Use the same amount
Young garlic with green stalks, similar appearance to scallions but with garlic flavor.
What changes
Best for
when you want garlic flavor, Asian dishes, stir-fries, soups
Taste
mild garlic
Texture
similar to scallion
Prep. Use like scallions - chop white and green parts. Add at the end of cooking for best flavor.
Has garlic flavor instead of onion. Use when garlic flavor is acceptable in the dish.

Tips for substituting scallion

Use the white bulb for cooking and the green stalks for garnishing
Scallions are best added at the end of cooking to preserve their fresh flavor
For raw applications, scallions provide a mild, crisp onion flavor
The green parts are more delicate and should be added just before serving
Scallions work well in Asian, Mexican, and American cuisines
Store scallions in the refrigerator with roots in water to keep them fresh
For a milder flavor, use only the green parts and discard the white bulb
Scallions can be grilled, roasted, or used raw in salads
They pair well with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and citrus
For a quick substitute, use chives for garnishing or leeks for cooking

Questions about scallion substitutes

What's the difference between scallions and green onions?

Scallions and green onions are the same thing - young onions harvested before the bulb develops. They have long green stalks and small white bulbs.

Can I use the green and white parts of scallions differently?

Yes! The white bulb has a stronger onion flavor and is good for cooking, while the green stalks are milder and perfect for garnishing.

How do I store scallions to keep them fresh?

Store scallions in the refrigerator with the roots in a glass of water, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag.

What's the best substitute for scallions in Asian cooking?

Chives work well for garnishing, while leeks or regular onions work for cooking applications. Green garlic is also a good option if garlic flavor is acceptable.

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At a glance

Every scallion substitute

1. Chives

2. Leeks

3. Regular Onion

4. Shallot

5. Green Garlic