15 Best Substitutes for Leeks

Are you looking for substitutes for leeks? Well, if you don't have any in your pantry, can't find any in the supermarket, someone has allergies, or want a quick replacement that has a similar taste or texture, then you're in the right place! Here, you'll find the 15 best leek substitutes!

I absolutely love leeks! They're a great vegetable to keep in the fridge and use when you're looking for an earthy, pungent, onion-y style dinner. They can be fried, baked, charred...added into pastas, sauces, risottos, soups...the list goes on. In this post, I'll be sharing 15 of my personal favourite alternatives to leeks!

Jump to:

• What are leeks?
• How are leeks commonly used?
• 15 best substitutes for leeks
• Pick the right substitute for the right dish
• FAQs
• Some veggie recipes you might enjoy!
• 15 Best Substitutes for Leeks

What are leeks?

Leeks are a type of vegetable that have a mild, slightly sweet flavour with an onion-like taste. They consist of a white, bulbous root and a long cylindrical stem composed of tightly packed layers of leaves (that are notorious for holding dirt, so make sure to slice and wash them thoroughly before cooking!).

Leeks belong to the Allium family, which is a subgroup within the larger Amaryllidaceae family. Along with leeks, other members of the Allium family include onions, garlic, shallots, scallions (green onions), chives, and garlic chives.

How are leeks commonly used?

Leeks are commonly used in a variety of culinary dishes to add flavour, texture, and depth. Some common ways leeks are used include:

1. Soups and Stews: Leeks are frequently used as an aromatic base in soups and stews, adding a mild, sweet onion flavor. They can be sautéed along with other vegetables or meats to create a flavorful broth or base for the soup.
2. Sauces and Gravies: Chopped or sliced leeks can be cooked down and added to sauces and gravies to enhance their flavour. They can add complexity and depth to dishes like pasta sauces, creamy sauces, and meat gravies.
3. Quiches and Frittatas: Leeks can be sliced thinly and sautéed before being added to quiches, frittatas, or other egg-based dishes. They provide a subtle onion flavour and a pleasant texture to these dishes.
4. Side Dishes: Leeks can be braised, roasted, grilled, or sautéed as a side dish. They can be prepared simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or combined with other vegetables and condiments for added flavour and variety.
5. Casseroles and Gratins: Leeks can be incorporated into casseroles and gratins, adding a savory flavour and creamy texture. They pair well with ingredients like potatoes, cheese, cream, and herbs. This leek gratin made by my friend Georgie is so delicious as an example!
6. Sautéed or Stir-Fried: Sliced leeks can be quickly sautéed or stir-fried with other vegetables or proteins for a simple and flavorful side dish or main course. When fried, it's a great filling for dumplings, like my Vegan Oyaki recipe that is packed full of flavour.

Overall, leeks are versatile vegetables that can be used in a wide range of dishes to enhance flavour and add depth. Their mild, slightly sweet taste makes them a popular choice for cooks looking to incorporate onions into their recipes without overwhelming the dish with a strong onion flavour.

15 best substitutes for leeks

1. Green Onion (Spring Onion or Scallions)

Scallions are a suitable substitute for leeks due to their onion flavour and similar crisp texture. Both belonging to the Allium family, scallions offer versatility, readily available year-round, and can be used in various dishes from soups to casseroles. While they lack the bulbous white portion of leeks and they are considerably smaller in size, adjusting quantities and ensuring the spring onions are chopped really thinly and cooked for longer can compensate for their stronger taste.

2. Shallots

Shallots offer an excellent alternative to leeks due to their mild and sweet flavour profile reminiscent of leeks. Despite their subtler taste compared to onions, shallots still provide a delicate onion flavour that pairs well with various dishes including being a great substitute for leeks in soups. Their similar texture when cooked makes them suitable for recipes that call for leeks as an aromatic base or for sautéing. However, their smaller size means adjustments in quantities may be necessary when substituting.

3. White Onions

White onions are an easy and accessible substitute for leeks due to their similar flavour profile and versatility in cooking. While white onions have a much sharper taste compared to leeks, they still offer a distinct onion flavour that can enhance various dishes. They can be sautéed or cooked down to provide a savory base in soups, stews, and sauces, similar to how leeks are used. Additionally, white onions are readily available in most grocery stores year-round, making them a convenient alternative when leeks are not accessible. However, it's essential to note that white onions lack the mild sweetness of leeks, so adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired flavour balance in recipes.

4. Red Onions

Now, providing you with a sweeter alternative to the white onion, red onions are a great alternative for leeks. Because of their red, vibrant appearance, and milder flavour, they're a great alternative for when you're looking for a raw substitute such as salads, sandwiches, and garnishes. They're also very readily available in the majority of stores, all year round.

5. Fennel

While fennel has a distinct anise or licorice-like flavour, it also has a subtle sweetness that can resemble the mild sweetness of leeks. Additionally, both fennel and leeks have a crunchy texture when raw and become tender and flavorful when cooked, making them suitable for similar culinary applications. Fennel can be sliced or chopped and used as a flavourful addition to soups, stews, and braises, providing a similar aromatic base as leeks. Moreover, fennel's versatility allows it to be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, side dishes, and even as a standalone vegetable dish. However, it's important to note that fennel has a stronger and more distinctive flavour compared to leeks, so adjustments may be needed in quantities to achieve the desired taste balance in recipes. To add in that onion-y flavour to the fennel, you could sprinkle in some onion or garlic powder to the dish.

6. Celery

Celery can be a subtle substitute for leeks in certain recipes due to its comparable texture and ability to impart a savoury depth to dishes. While celery lacks the mild onion-like flavor of leeks, it still adds a pleasant earthiness and crunch when cooked. Similar to leeks, celery can be sautéed or braised to release its flavors and blend seamlessly into soups, stews, and sauces. Additionally, celery's affordability and widespread availability make it a practical alternative when leeks are unavailable or less accessible. However, it's important to adjust quantities accordingly as celery's flavour profile is milder than that of leeks.

7. Chives

Chives can be considered a good substitute for leeks in certain recipes due to their similar flavour profile and versatility. While chives have a slightly different flavour compared to leeks, they still offer a subtle onion taste that can complement a variety of dishes. Chives are often used as a garnish or finishing touch to dishes, adding a pop of colour and a hint of onion flavour. Additionally, like leeks, chives are part of the Allium family and share some similarities in taste and aroma. Chives are particularly well-suited as a substitute for leeks in dishes where a delicate onion flavor is desired, such as salads, dips, dressings, and garnishes. Furthermore, chives are readily available in most grocery stores and can often be grown at home, making them a convenient and accessible substitute for leeks, especially when fresh leeks are not available or in season.

However, it's important to note that chives lack the bulk and texture of leeks, so they may not provide the same substance or mouthfeel in dishes where leeks are used as a main ingredient. You might be better off combining chives with another bulkier item like a white onion to get that rounded flavour.

8. Garlic or Onion Powder

Garlic and onion powder are convenient substitutes for leeks in recipes requiring their distinct flavours. While lacking the texture of fresh leeks, these powders offer concentrated garlic and onion tastes respectively. Useful for imparting subtle onion or garlic notes without added moisture, they're ideal for soups, stews, sauces, and marinades. With a longer shelf life and wide availability, they serve as convenient pantry staples when fresh leeks are unavailable. However, just be careful when using, because it's easy to overpower dishes with their concentrated flavour. Furthermore, you might want to add another vegetable like zucchini (courgette), or fennel to just get a bulkier result in your dish.

9. Pak Choi

If you're looking to replicate a slight crunch, pak choi (or bok choi or choy sum) can be a good alternative for leeks in certain recipes due to it's mild flavour and tender texture when cooked. While it lacks the onion-like taste of leeks, pak choi's versatility makes it suitable for various dishes such as soups, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. Additionally, it is readily available, making it a practical alternative option. To add a slight onion-y flavour, you might want to add in a sprinkle of onion powder.

10. Spinach

You might wonder why I'm suggesting spinach as a substitute for leeks. Well, despite their flavour and textural difference, spinach is a great alternative for when you're looking for a green, wilted option. In soups, stews, casseroles, or rice dishes like risotto, it provides a great dosage of greenery and nutrition. You can add in a sprinkle of garlic or onion powder to gain pack that flavour, and optionally add in an onion to provide more texture too.

11. Artichoke

While artichokes aren't generally considered a direct substitute for leeks, they can provide a unique flavour and texture to dishes. Artichokes have a nutty, slightly sweet flavour with a tender yet firm texture, which differs significantly from the mild onion-like taste and soft texture of leeks. However, in certain recipes where the texture and flavour of artichokes complement the dish, they can be used as a substitute for leeks to add complexity and depth. For example, in dishes like dips, casseroles, or pasta sauces, artichokes can contribute a rich flavour and hearty texture similar to what leeks might provide. Nonetheless, it's essential to consider the specific flavour and texture requirements of the recipe when substituting artichokes for leeks, as the two ingredients offer different culinary profiles.

12. White Cabbage

Once again, while white cabbage might be the obvious go-to substitute for leek, it's a great one for a textural substitution and adding in extra veg when you're looking for something more nutritious and bulky. For example, in dishes like soups, stews, or stir-fries where leeks are cooked down and provide a subtle onion flavour, white cabbage could be added for its texture and slight sweetness. Nonetheless, it's important to note that the flavour and texture of the dish may be different from the original recipe when substituting white cabbage for leeks, so adjustments may be needed in seasonings or additional ingredients to achieve the desired taste and texture.

13. Zucchini (courgette)

Zucchini can serve as a potential substitute for leeks in certain dishes, particularly those where the leeks provide texture and bulk rather than a strong onion flavor. While zucchini doesn't have the same mild onion-like taste as leeks, its mild, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture when cooked can complement various dishes. Zucchini can be sliced or diced and used in recipes such as soups, stews, risottos, casseroles, and stir-fries as a substitute for leeks, adding a similar texture and moisture to the dish. Additionally, zucchini is readily available and versatile, making it a convenient option when leeks are not on hand. Make sure to add in additional seasonings to make up for the lack of onion flavour.

14. Wild Garlic (Ramps)

Wild garlic can serve as a suitable substitute for leeks in certain recipes, especially those where a mild onion flavour is desired. Wild garlic, also known as ramps or ramsons, has a flavour profile reminiscent of both garlic and leeks, making it a versatile ingredient. Like leeks, wild garlic can be chopped and used in various dishes such as rice dishes, salads, or casseroles to add depth and aroma. Additionally, wild garlic is often foraged or available seasonally in spring, providing a fresh and flavourful alternative to leeks. However, it's essential to note that wild garlic may not be as readily available as leeks and may have a shorter season, so substitutions may be limited depending on availability. Also, the bulk and texture isn't the same, so you might want to add in a different type of vegetable to provide more volume to your dish.

15. Okra (Lady Fingers)

Despite okra's slightly slimy texture, it is more of a unique substitute for leeks. It's green (the same as leeks), and slightly crunchy in texture (similar to leeks), so although the flavour profile is different, it does provide an interesting alternative. It would work best in stir-fries, braising, roasting, and frying. Probably best not to add okra into a casserole, stew, or soup.

Pick the right substitute for the right dish

Substitutes for leeks in soups

• White onion
• Red onion
• Shallots
• Fennel
• Celery
• Garlic or onion powder
• Pak choi
• Spinach
• Zucchini

Sauces and gravies

• White onion
• Red onion
• Shallots
• Green onion
• Chives

Quiches and frittatas

• Green onion
• Red onion
• Fennel
• Chives
• Spinach
• Artichoke
• Zucchini
• Okra

Gratin

• White onion
• Red onion
• Shallots
• Fennel
• Chives
• Garlic or onion powder
• Spinach
• Artichoke
• Zucchini

Stir-fry

• Green onion
• White onion
• Red onion
• Celery
• Chives
• Pak choi
• White cabbage
• Zucchini
• Okra

FAQs

Some veggie recipes you might enjoy!

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