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Substitute for Onion

What it does in a recipe: Foundation aromatic; sweetens as it cooks.

3 substitutes, ranked by what's already in your pantry. Amounts are dataset values — US and metric where a ratio exists.

Onion powder

per 1 medium onion

US1 Tbsp onion powder (bloom it in hot fat)
Metric8 g
Pantry stapleBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

Concentrated dried onion.

What changes: No moisture or browning

Best for: Rubs, slow dishes

Leeks

per 1 medium onion

US1 large leek, white and light-green parts (sweeter, more delicate)
Metric150 g
CommonBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

A gentler allium.

What changes: Sweeter, more delicate

Best for: Soups, braises

Shallots

per 1 medium onion

US2-3 shallots (milder and sweeter — a true upgrade, not just a stand-in)
Metric120 g
CommonBaking-safe ✓VeganDairy-freeGluten-freeEgg-freeNut-freeSoy-freeAlcohol-free

A refined allium — you won't miss the onion.

What changes: Sweeter, milder

Best for: Anything

Related swaps

Common questions

What can I use instead of Onion?
Onion powder: 1 Tbsp onion powder (bloom it in hot fat). Leeks: 1 large leek, white and light-green parts (sweeter, more delicate).
What is the exact ratio to substitute Onion?
Onion powder (per 1 medium onion) — US: 1 Tbsp onion powder (bloom it in hot fat). Metric: 8 g.
What changes when you substitute Onion?
No moisture or browning. Sweeter, more delicate.

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