🥬 Vegetables & Aromatics

Scallion Substitute Onion: Complete Guide

Learn how to substitute regular onions for scallions including proper ratios, cooking techniques, and when to use this stronger onion alternative.

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Quick Answer

Use 1-2 tablespoons chopped onion to substitute for 1 scallion. Regular onions have much stronger flavor than scallions, so use less and cook longer to mellow the flavor. Best for cooked applications.

Best Substitutes

Regular Onion (White, Yellow, or Red)

1-2 tablespoons chopped per scallion

White, yellow, or red onion with stronger flavor than scallions. Use sparingly as substitute, as it has much stronger flavor. Best for cooked applications.

Best for:

cooking applicationswhen scallion is cookedsaucesmarinadeswhen you want stronger flavor

Much stronger flavor than scallions. Use less and cook longer to mellow the flavor. Best for cooked applications.

Sweet Onion

1-2 tablespoons chopped per scallion

Sweet onion with milder flavor than regular onions. Good substitute for scallions when you want sweetness. Still stronger than scallions, so use less.

Best for:

when you want sweetnesscooking applicationssaucesmarinadeswhen you want milder flavor

Sweet onion has milder flavor than regular onions but still stronger than scallions. Use less and cook longer to mellow the flavor.

Onion + Chives

1 tablespoon chopped onion + 1/2 bunch chives per scallion

Combination of onion and chives provides both onion flavor and green color. Good substitute when you want both elements.

Best for:

when you want both elementsgarnishesfresh preparationssoupssalads

Combination provides both onion flavor and green color. Good substitute when you want both elements.

Onion + Green Onion Tops

1 tablespoon chopped onion + 1/2 bunch green onion tops per scallion

Combination of onion and green onion tops provides both onion flavor and green color. Good substitute when you want both elements.

Best for:

when you want both elementsgarnishesfresh preparationssoupssalads

Combination provides both onion flavor and green color. Good substitute when you want both elements.

Onion + Parsley

1 tablespoon chopped onion + 1 tablespoon parsley per scallion

Combination of onion and parsley provides onion flavor with fresh herb note. Good substitute when you want herbaceous flavor.

Best for:

when you want herbaceous flavorgarnishesfresh preparationssoupssalads

Combination provides onion flavor with fresh herb note. Good substitute when you want herbaceous flavor.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Regular onions have much stronger flavor than scallions, so use less (1-2 tbsp per scallion)
  • 💡Cook onions longer than scallions to mellow the strong flavor
  • 💡Onions work best in cooked applications where scallions are used
  • 💡For best results, chop onions finely for even distribution
  • 💡Sweet onions have milder flavor than regular onions but still stronger than scallions
  • 💡Combine onions with chives or green onion tops for better scallion substitute
  • 💡Onions don't provide the green color of scallions
  • 💡Store onions in a cool, dry place to maintain flavor
  • 💡Onions are more widely available and affordable than scallions
  • 💡For garnishing, combine onions with fresh herbs for better appearance

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular onion instead of scallions?

Yes, use 1-2 tablespoons chopped onion to substitute for 1 scallion. Regular onions have much stronger flavor than scallions, so use less and cook longer to mellow the flavor.

What's the difference between regular onions and scallions?

Regular onions have much stronger flavor than scallions and don't provide the green color. Scallions have a more delicate, fresh flavor and green color.

Can I use regular onion for garnishing like scallions?

Regular onions can be used for garnishing, but they don't provide the green color and delicate appearance of scallions. For better results, combine onions with chives or green onion tops.

How much onion should I use to replace one scallion?

Use 1-2 tablespoons chopped onion to replace one scallion. Regular onions are stronger in flavor than scallions, so you need less.

Can I use sweet onion instead of scallions?

Yes, sweet onions can substitute for scallions, but they still have stronger flavor than scallions. Use less (1-2 tbsp per scallion) and cook longer to mellow the flavor.

Can I use regular onion in Asian cooking?

Regular onions can be used in Asian cooking as a substitute for scallions, but they have a different flavor and don't provide the green color. For better results, combine onions with chives or green onion tops.

Are regular onions better than scallions for cooking?

Regular onions have stronger flavor than scallions and work well in cooked applications. However, they don't provide the green color and delicate texture of scallions.

How do I prepare regular onions for cooking?

Chop onions finely for even distribution. Cook longer than scallions to mellow the strong flavor. For garnishing, combine with fresh herbs for better appearance.

Summary

Learn how to substitute regular onions for scallions including proper ratios, cooking techniques, and when to use this stronger onion alternative. Perfect for cooked applications.