Red onions are known for their sharp, sweet, and spicy taste, playing a crucial role in enhancing the flavor of countless dishes. It’s no wonder they’re a staple in every cuisine around the world!
But what do you do when — right in the middle of cooking — you realize there are no red onions in your pantry?
Well, there’s no need to panic. Several red onion substitutes can still deliver amazing flavors and make your dish a success.
Below, we’ve listed the best substitutes for red onions that can work for various recipes, from common alternatives like different onion varieties to unique ingredients that will unexpectedly work for your dish!
13 Red Onion Substitutes for Cooking and Garnishing
Get to know the familiar and versatile alternatives to red onions that are likely already in your kitchen below!
Note: Most of these substitutes can be used to replace red onion in a direct 1:1 swap unless otherwise stated. Of course, you can always adjust the amount you use depending on your tastes and desired results.
1. White Onions
The most popular red onion substitute is white onion.
They’re similar to red onions in texture, adding a delightful crunch to different recipes.
But note that white onions have a milder, sweeter flavor than red ones, so they’re great for recipes where you want a more subtle onion presence.
You can substitute red onions for white in any recipe that calls for raw onions, such as sandwiches, burgers, salads, pizza, and dips.
2. Yellow Onions
With their sweet and strong flavor, yellow onions can serve as a red onion substitute in onion tarts, onion jams, chutneys, and stir-fries.
And because they’re slightly sweeter and less pungent than red onions, they can be a good alternative for those who still something that offers a less intense flavor but still adds complexity to their dishes.
Nonetheless, keep in mind that yellow onions can be slightly more tender in texture than red onions, especially when cooked.
3. Shallots
Think of shallots as the sophisticated cousin of red onion. They have a milder, slightly garlicky flavor, making them the perfect substitute for red onion in salads, bruschetta, and other fresh dishes.
Like red onions, they’re also ideal for pickling!
But do take note that shallots can be more expensive than red onions or other substitutes.
Pro tip: Shallots are also smaller, so you may need to use more shallots than the amount of red onions your recipe calls for.
4. Onion Powder
Made from dehydrated and ground onions, this concentrated spice retains much of the pungent flavor and a bit of the sweetness that red onions are known for.
The dehydration process intensifies the flavor, so a small amount of onion powder can go a long way in replicating the taste of fresh onions.
You can easily swap out red onions for onion powder in soups, stews, marinades, dressings, and sauces like gravies.
But of course, this spice shouldn’t be used to replace red onions in recipes requiring the crispness and visual appeal of red onions, such as salads.
Pro tip: Onion powder has a very strong taste, so you can replace one medium red onion or one cup of chopped red onions with just one tablespoon of onion powder.
5. Scallions
Also known as green onion, scallions are fantastic red onion substitutes, providing a fresh, mild onion flavor with a hint of greenness.
While their taste might be a little different, they still add a good balance of flavor to your dish, and they’re great to use for sautéing and garnishing. Scallions can also step in as a red onion substitute in salsa recipes.
However, this ingredient’s mild flavor and crunch can be a drawback when you need a noticeable crunch and heavy onion taste.
Suggested substitution ratio: Use green onions as a substitute for red onions in a 1:1 ratio, but feel free to add more if you want a stronger onion flavor.
6. Leeks
Leeks are members of the same allium family as red onions, making them a great substitute when you’re in a pinch. They resemble large green onions, but they have a white base instead of a bulb.
They have a mild, sweet, and earthy flavor. And they don’t turn mushy during cooking, which makes them suitable for use in recipes that need longer cooking times like soups and stews.
Pro tip: Always clean your leeks thoroughly.
Leeks are dirt traps that tend to have a whole lot of grit between their layers because they’re grown with their stalks deep in soil, so you need to rinse, chop, and rinse them again before use.
7. Chives
There’s a garlicky and herbaceous flavor to chives that allow them to bring a unique twist to recipes calling for red onions.
Salads, baked potatoes, and omelets can benefit from the burst of oniony flavor and bright color that chives bring.
You can also choose them to stand in for red onions in Asian recipes since they’re already commonly used in Asian cuisine.
Pro tip: Remember that chives quickly lose their flavor when exposed to heat. That’s why it’s recommended to use fresh chives.
8. Spring Onions
Spring onions, also known as salad onions, are close relatives of scallions. They have a white base and green tops, and both parts can be used in cooking.
They can replace red onions in different recipes, as they resemble their oniony and slightly sweet taste.
While they’re ideal for raw dishes, they can also be used in curries and other dishes with longer cooking times, provided that they’re added toward the end of cooking.
9. Garlic
With its pungent aroma and robust flavor, garlic is among the most excellent substitutes for red onion in many recipes, particularly for those who want a more intense flavor profile.
For example, minced garlic can replace diced red onions in bruschetta. Where the latter might provide a sweet and sharp bite, the former can give the tomato topping a punchier, more aromatic quality.
You can also use garlic to sub for red onions in marinades for grilled chicken or steak as well as salad dressings. It works particularly well for salads with greens that have robust flavors, such as arugula.
10. Fennel
With its slightly sweet and anise-like taste, fennel can be a unique substitute for red onions in certain recipes.
It’s a bulbous vegetable that’s white and crunchy, with feathery green leaves on top.
Its crunchy texture is comparable to that of a red onion. When thinly sliced, it can be used in salads or as a topping for burgers or sandwiches.
Plus, fennel can be sautéed, braised, or roasted, which adds an extra layer of flavor when you need a red onion substitute in cooked dishes.
Pro tip: Fennel’s anise-like flavor can change the flavor profile of your recipe, so start with a smaller amount of it and adjust as needed.
11. Celery
Celery is another option that can provide a refreshing crunch similar to red onions, though its flavor is much milder.
It can elevate the texture of your salads, sandwiches, and chicken soup.
But its very mild and watery taste may make it less than ideal for dishes that need the potent kick of red onions.
Pro tip: To intensify the taste, you can combine celery with other red onion substitutes, like green onions, scallions, or chives.
12. Radish
For a peppery and slightly zesty flavor, radish makes for an interesting red onion substitute.
It’s great when added to salads, as a taco topping, or thinly sliced and pickled for extra zing.
Depending on the type of radish you use, its spiciness can add a unique kick to your dish, setting it apart from using traditional red onions.
It also comes in a variety of colors, including red, white, and black, giving your dish more vibrance.
Pro tip: The flavor of radish becomes much milder and less distinctive when cooked, so it might not work well for hearty recipes enhanced by the aromatic quality of red onions.
13. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers, especially the red and yellow varieties, can serve as a colorful and crunchy alternative to red onions.
Their sweet flavor and crunchy texture make them versatile substitutions; you can enjoy them raw in salads and sandwiches or cooked in omelettes, stir-fries, soups, baked meats, roasted sheet pan vegetables, and more.
Like red onions, bell peppers can enhance the overall taste of your recipe.
For a stronger onion-like taste, you can season them with onion powder.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Red Onion Substitute for Guacamole?
White onions can be used to replace red onions in guacamole, giving the dip a milder and simpler flavor. These are perfect if you don’t want the onion flavor to be overwhelming.
You can also use green or yellow onions if the white ones are not available.
What Is the Best Substitute for Onion and Garlic?
Onion and garlic are ubiquitous in recipes from all around the world, but if you don’t have either on hand, don’t worry. You can replace this combo with other aromatics like bell peppers.
Don’t Shy Away From Using Red Onion Alternatives!
Now you know all about the substitutes that can provide the oniony flavor you're looking for in your dish. Whether you want an ingredient that perfectly resembles red onion or something to mix things up, you’ve got plenty of options.
So the next time you run out of red onion, you no longer have to panic — you can reach for any of the alternatives above instead!
Feel free to mix and match these substitutes as needed, and don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations to find the perfect flavor profile for your dish.
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