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Home » Tips » Substitutions

Best Leek Substitutes

Published: Oct 4, 2022 · Modified: Mar 8, 2023 by Ginny · This post may contain affiliate links.

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Whether you can’t finding leeks at your local grocery store or you want to try out a few new leek substitutes to jazz up your family favorites, we’ve got you covered.

nine images of veggies that are replacements for leeks.
No leeks? No problem. Our Favorite Leek Substitutes
Contents hide
1 ❓ What Can I Substitute for Leeks?
2 🔪 What Are Leeks?
3 🍲 Recipes with Leeks
4 🥘 Best Leek Substitutes
5 🔖 Tips for Substitutions
6 Our Best Ingredient Substitutions
7 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
8 Final Thoughts

No matter how good we set our our family’s meal plan, there are times when we aren’t able to locate an ingredient for a recipe and have to make a swap. This happens at the last minute or during the week’s grocery shopping trip.

❓ What Can I Substitute for Leeks?

There may be times when you want to spice things up in your recipes. With vegetables like leeks, it may be tricky to find an alternative because of their crunchy texture and strong flavor. However, there are many possibilities for leeks. 

If you’d like to know more, keep on reading. We’ll talk about the best leek substitutes so you can enjoy the taste and crunch in your recipes.

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🔪 What Are Leeks?

You can find leeks in many different dishes. They’re Alliums, which means they belong to the same family as onions and garlic. The vegetable gives the dish a sweet, oniony flavor that elevates its deliciousness. 

These vegetables are loaded with health benefits as well. They contain a lot of powerful antioxidants called flavonoids and they contain anti-inflammatory characteristics that some find beneficial. 

For instance, the vegetable contains kaempferol. This can help ward off disease and reduce the risk of heart attacks. Additionally, it encourages proper digestion and weight loss. 

So, if you’re seeking healthy food, think about leek-based dishes.

🍲 Recipes with Leeks

Leeks go well with many different foods. The vegetable works well in many kinds of soup and stew, and you’ll find them used in chicken and ham based dishes a lot. We love to roast them with our Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables to add a mild flavor to our favorite root veggies.

If you’re looking for some recipe inspirations, here are some of the most delicious leek dishes:

Potato Leek Soup 

One of the tastiest things you can cook with leeks is potato leek soup. It’s creamy, thick, and hearty. It takes about 45 minutes to make, but it’s worthwhile.

The best leek substitute in soup would be any of the onions as they are the easiest alternatives to find.

Leek Bread Pudding

The name of this recipe may be surprising. However, it’s a delicious meal that’s great to serve as a part of your Thanksgiving dinner. This meal combines sweet and salty elements since it contains cheese and nutmeg. 

All you have to do is to leave it to bake then you’ll get to enjoy your mouth-watering bread pudding.

Leek and Coconut Corn Chowder 

If you want a fast-to-cook dish, then you can go for this chowder. The recipe is fast to make, as it only takes half an hour to cook. While the leak will have a strong flavor, the sweetness of the coconut milk will counteract it. 

You’ll enjoy the contrast in the flavor, and your belly will be full and satisfied when you use any substitute for leeks in soup and chowder.

🥘 Best Leek Substitutes

Many good leek alternatives are available. Some of them might be closer for texture than taste, and you’ll need to decide which is more important for your recipe.

Whichever one you select, you can be sure that it’ll be a wonderful meal. Here are a few of our top suggestions for leek substitutions:

Shallots

trimmed and sliced minced shallots on a wooden counter top.
The Mild Taste of Shallots Work Well

We’ll start off with my favorite. The best substitute is shallots. They’re a type of onion, and their flavor is mild, sweet, and just a little bit spicy. 

You may swap with shallots for almost any dish without a problem. These vegetables always add a fantastic flavor boost. However, soups and sautéed meals are where they work best. 

If you’d like to add shallots, you should use two large shallots for every cup of chopped leek.

White Onions 

large pile of white onions.
White onions can work just as well.

White onions can be a suitable leek alternative because of their distinctively light and mellow taste.

These onions are a little bit milder and a little bit sweeter than other varieties. They work best when cooked in a sauce or when added to salads.

Sweet Onions 

sweet onions in a basket.
Sweet onions can be the perfect replacement.

If you’re looking for some sweetness, you should consider sweet onions. These are not quite as overpowering and they caramelize beautifully because they contain sugar, which gives the dish sweetness. 

These onions are great for salads and sandwiches and work best with a light sauté or even raw.

Make sure to print out the Egg Substitution Printable {FREEBIE}, Whole Plant Substitutions Printable {FREEBIE}, Cooking and Baking Ingredient Substitution Printables {FREEBIE} for your Recipe Binder!

Yellow Onions 

pile of yellow onions in a basket.
Yellow onions can be used in place of leeks.

Yellow onions are the most popular type of onion that people like to use. They work well in place of leeks because you can use them in almost any meal. 

The onions’ flavor is a nice balance between pungency and sweetness. They’re best used in soups or a purée.

Red Onions 

red onions whole and chopped.
Red onions can work perfectly!

Red onions are infamous for their spicy aroma that hurts the eyes when slicing them. However, when you get through the tears, you’ll enjoy their crispy texture and strong flavor in food. 

If you find their flavor too strong, you can soak them in water for half an hour before serving. 

These onions are great for salads, salsas, and other recipes that require raw leeks. 

Green Onions 

three stalks of green onions on a white background.
Green onions can be more than just a topping!

Green onions, or scallions, are a great substitute for leeks as they have a similar appearance. Both have a white base with green leaves. The size and flavor, however, differ. 

In terms of size, leeks are much larger. They have a similar texture, though. 

When it comes to flavor, scallions are strong and slightly peppery. This enhances the taste of whichever dish you’re cooking, making them a good replacement for leeks.

Celery

stalks of celery on a white background.
Celery is one of my favorite snacks, but can also be a leek substitute.

Using celery is another good option. It’s salty, rich in flavor, and slightly spicy. Also, it closely resembles leeks as it’s fresh and crisp. 

However, it’s best to avoid using it in meals such as soups. Celery easily disintegrates and becomes mushy. Therefore, it won’t give a good texture if steeped for too long. 

If you wish to prevent that, add the celery when the dish is almost finished cooking.

Garlic

two garlic cloves on a white background.
For my garlic lovers, this can work wonders!

Given that garlic complements every possible recipe, it’s a great choice.

You should add chopped garlic towards the end of the cooking process to avoid losing its robust taste. 

You can roast the garlic if you prefer a texture that is something closer to leeks. 

🔖 Tips for Substitutions

We provided several alternatives to leeks, but you really need to see which one will work best in the dish you are preparing.

Some of these have intense flavors and could overpower your meal. Here are a few other tips.

Balance the Ratio

The quality of your food greatly depends on having the proper ratio. Typically, you add one cup of your preferred vegetable for every cup of leek.

Note: The major exception is using garlic. Start small if you choose this substitute as it will quickly overpower a dish.

If you are in doubt, start with only one or two teaspoons and taste it. It is much easier to add more.

Think About the Flavor and Texture

You’ll need to consider both the flavor and texture of the substitute in your dish. 

For example, in salads, you may want to replicate the leek’s texture. When uncooked, the vegetable is firm and crisp. However, when it’s cooked, it takes on a softer texture. If you’re looking for a replacement to give the same texture as leeks, you consider scallions. 

If you’re making a broth or stew, you’ll want to focus on the flavor. For example, you can swap leeks for onions as their flavor is comparable.

Consider Using Powder

If you don’t have any fresh produce, think about using powdered garlic or onion as a replacement. They are great alternatives in a pinch.

They won’t have the leek’s texture, but they’ll provide you with a nice flavor.

You can use one teaspoon of onion or garlic powder, which is equivalent to one cup of chopped leek.

Our Best Ingredient Substitutions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bok Choy the Same as Leeks?

At first glance, you may think that a bok choy looks the same as a leek. However, they’re not the same thing. Leeks are a variety of the onion family, while bok choy are a variety of the cabbage family. 

While both may be crunchy and have a slightly bitter taste, leeks have a much stronger flavor.

What Can I Use if I Have an Allergy to Allium Vegetables?

It’s best to stay away from foods like garlic, onions, and shallots if you have allergies to Allium vegetables. Instead, you can use celery. It’s from the Apiaceae family and is a great substitute. 

All of your substitutes needs all in one handy reference spot! Comprehensive list substitutes here or to print off for your own menu binder. You to find an ingredient option that will allow you to not run out to the store or you may find a flavor combination you love even better than the original. Garlic Powder Substitute, Cojita Cheese Substitute, Parsley Substitute, Green Chilis Substitute, Italian Seasoning Substitute, Mustard Seed Substitute, Cilantro Substitute, Sriracha Substitute, White Pepper Substitute, Onion Powder Substitute, Five Spice Substitute, Turmeric Substitutes, White Wine Vinegar, Cardamon Substitute, Parsley Substitute, Cremini Mushroom Substitute, Egg Yolk, Leeks, Egg Wash, Coconut Cream, Tomato, Stewed Tomatoes, Coconut Sugar, Palm Sugar, Hoisin, Adobo, Chili Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Escarole, Watercress, Rice Wine Vinegar, Ketchup, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Lemongrass, Chervil, Cheesecloth, Worcestershire Sauce, Fennel, Dark Soy Sauce.

Final Thoughts

Leeks are delicious vegetables that can pair well with many dishes. Yet, if you wish to change things up, there are many versatile substitutes that you can use. 

Try using the five different types of onions. However, if you’re not a fan, you can use celery, shallot, or garlic instead. Either way, your meal will turn out delicious.

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Ginny
Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

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About Ginny

Hi!

Ginny Collins is a passionate foodie and recipe creator of Savor and Savvy and Kitchenlaughter. Indoors she focuses on easy, quick recipes for busy families and kitchen basics. Outdoors, she focuses on backyard grilling and smoking to bring family and friends together. She is a lifelong learner who is always taking cooking classes on her travels overseas and stateside. Her work has been featured on MSN, Parade, Fox News, Yahoo, Cosmopolitan, Elle, and many local news outlets. She lives in Florida where you will find her outside on the water in her kayak, riding her bike on trails, and planning her next overseas adventure.

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Family Photo Hi! I'm Ginny and for over 30 years, I've been creating simple and easy recipes without sacrificing on taste for our family on the go. I can't wait to show you how to do the same for your family. Read More...

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