Garlic chives are a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines. They add a unique savor and aroma to stir-fries, soups, and other dishes.
However, sometimes you may be without this herb, or your grocery store may not carry it in stock.
That’s why it’s essential to know the ideal garlic chives substitutes that you can use with measurement.
In this blog post, I’ll share with you 11 substitutes for garlic chives that you can use in your cooking.
In short, " What can I use instead of garlic chives?" Scallions or Spring Onion, Leeks, Onion Powder, Green Onions or Shallots, Chinese Chives, Dried Chives, Garlic and Chive Cream Cheese, Garlic and chives blend, Onion and garlic powder, Garlic flakes, Garlic paste.
What are garlic chives, and what do garlic chives taste like?
Garlic chives, also known as Chinese chives or Allium tuberosum, are an herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the onion family.
They are characterized by long, thin leaves that resemble grass and have a distinct garlic aroma and flavor.
Unlike regular chives, which have a milder onion-like taste, garlic chives have a more pronounced and garlicky flavor profile.
The flavor of garlic chives is a delightful combination of fresh, mild garlic and a subtle onion undertone.
The taste is generally milder than raw garlic cloves, making garlic chives a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes without overpowering the other flavors.
They add a pleasant, aromatic element to dishes, imparting a subtle garlic essence.
They can be diced and added as a garnish or incorporated into dishes during cooking to infuse their unique garlic-like flavor.
Overall, garlic chives are a wonderful herb to include in your culinary repertoire, providing a fresh and aromatic twist to your dishes with their distinctive garlic and onion taste.
Uses of garlic chives
Garlic chives, with their distinctive garlic and onion flavor, are versatile herbs that can enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some popular uses for garlic chives:
1. Culinary Herb: Garlic chives are widely used as a culinary herb, adding a fresh and aromatic touch to many recipes. They can be used as a flavorful garnish or chopped and incorporated into dishes for added taste.
2. Asian Cuisine: Garlic chives are commonly used in Asian cuisines, particularly in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean dishes. They are often added to stir-fries, dumplings, noodle dishes, and soups, providing a subtle garlic flavor and vibrant green color.
3. Salads and Dressings: The mild garlic taste of garlic chives makes them a great addition to salads, where they can add a burst of flavor and a pleasant crunch. They can also be used in homemade dressings or dips to give them a fresh, herbaceous kick.
4. Infused Oils and Vinegar: Garlic chives can be used to infuse oils or vinegar, creating flavorful condiments that can be drizzled over various dishes. The infused oils and vinegar can be used for dipping, marinating, or as a finishing touch to add extra flavor.
5. Pesto and Sauces: Incorporating garlic chives into pesto or other herb-based sauces can provide a unique twist to classic recipes. The garlic undertones of the chives complement other herbs and ingredients, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic sauce.
6. Baked Goods: Garlic chives can be used to flavor bread, savory muffins, or other baked goods. Chopped or minced garlic chives can be added to the dough or spread on top before baking, infusing the baked goods with their distinctive taste.
Where to buy garlic chives?
If you are looking for where to buygarlic chives, there are a few different places you can go. Many specialty food stores carry it, as do some international grocery stores.
You can also order online from many retailers that provide a variety of diverse flavors and types of garlic chives.
Best garlic chive substitutes with measurement
1. Scallions or Spring Onion
Garlic chives have a slight onion-like taste that makes them a great substitute for scallions or spring onions.
If you don’t have garlic chives, you can use scallions as a substitute.
Ratio or measurement: Use scallions in the same quantity as garlic chives, and you will get a similar flavor profile.
2. Leeks
Leeks have a milder, sweeter flavor than garlic chives, but they make a great substitute in dishes that require mild aromatics.
Ratio or measurement: Use half the quantity of leeks as compared to garlic chives, as their flavor is stronger and can overpower the dish.
3. Onion Powder
If you’re in a pinch, onion powder is an ideal garlic chives substitute. It’s also great for seasoning food without adding extra moisture, which is an issue with fresh ingredients like garlic chives.
Ratio or measurement: Use one tablespoon of onion powder for every two tablespoons of chopped garlic chives.
4. Green Onions or Shallots
To add some crunch to your dish, use green onions or shallots instead of garlic chives. They have an equal texture and provide a sharp flavor that adds complexity to the dish.
Ratio or measurement: Use one and a half times the number of green onions or shallots as compared to garlic chives.
5. Chinese Chives
Chinese chives, also known as Chinese garlic chives, have similar properties as their European counterpart. They have a milder, garlicky flavor and are great in stir-fries.
Ratio or measurement: Use the same amount of Chinese chives as you would with garlic chives.
6. Dried Chives
Dried chives have a more intense savor than fresh chives, making them an excellent substitute for garlic chives.
Ratio or measurement: Use one tablespoon of dried chives for every two tablespoons of chopped garlic chives.
7. Garlic and Chive Cream Cheese
Garlic and chive cream cheese are versatile ingredients used in various dishes. It adds a tangy and creamy flavor to dips, spreads, and even sauces.
Ratio or measurement: Use in equal parts as garlic chives, i.e., two tablespoons of garlic and chive cream cheese for two chopped garlic chives.
8. Garlic and chives blend
Garlic and chives blend the closest substitute for garlic chives as it combines the flavors of garlic and chives.
Ratio or measurement: You can combine one-part garlic and three-part chives to get the same taste as garlic chives.
For example, if your recipe calls for half a cup of garlic chives, use two tablespoons of garlic and six tablespoons of chives.
9. Onion and garlic powder
Onion and garlic powder can also use as a substitute for garlic chives.
Ratio or measurement: Use one tablespoon of onion powder and one teaspoon of garlic powder for every two tablespoons of garlic chives required in your recipe.
10. Garlic flakes
Garlic flakes are dried pieces of garlic that have a strong and pungent garlic flavor.
Ratio or measurement: Use one tablespoon of garlic flakes for every two tablespoons of garlic chives required in your recipe.
11. Garlic paste
Garlic paste is a convenient substitute for garlic chives as it is readily available at grocery stores.
Ratio or measurement: Use one and a half teaspoons of garlic paste for every tablespoon of garlic chives required in your recipe.
Substitute dried chives in ranch dressing
If you’re looking for substitutes for dried chives in ranch dressing, here are three alternatives, along with their suggested measurements:
1. Fresh Chives
Substitute one tablespoon of fresh chives for one teaspoon of dried chives. Fresh chives offer a milder and more vibrant flavor compared to dried chives.
Finely chop the fresh chives and add them to the ranch dressing to provide a fresh and herbal taste.
2. Green Onions (Scallions)
Use one tablespoon of finely chopped green onions (both the green and white parts) as a replacement for one teaspoon of dried chives.
Green onions have a mild onion-like flavor that can complement the flavors in ranch dressing.
3. Dried Parsley
Substitute one teaspoon of dried parsley for one teaspoon of dried chives. While parsley doesn’t have the same onion-like flavor as chives, it adds a fresh and herbaceous note to the dressing.
garlic chives substitute pad Thai
When it comes to substituting garlic chives in Pad Thai, you can consider the following alternatives along with their suggested measurements:
1. Green Onions (Scallions)
Use one tablespoon of finely chopped green onions (both the green and white parts) as a replacement for one tablespoon of garlic chives.
Green onions provide a mild onion flavor and a slight crunch, which can add a similar element to your Pad Thai.
2. Regular Chives
Substitute 1 tablespoon of finely chopped regular chives for 1 tablespoon of garlic chives.
While regular chives have a milder flavor than garlic chives, they can still contribute a fresh and herbaceous taste to your dish.
3. Leeks
Use one tablespoon of finely sliced leeks as a substitute for one tablespoon of garlic chives. Leeks have a mild onion-like flavor and a slightly sweet taste, making them a suitable alternative to Pad Thai.
Substitute garlic chives in chicken
When substituting garlic chives in chicken dishes, you can consider the following alternatives along with their suggested measurements:
1. Regular Chives
Use one tablespoon of finely chopped regular chives as a replacement for one tablespoon of garlic chives.
Regular chives have a milder flavor, but they can still provide a fresh and herbaceous taste to your chicken dish.
2. Green Onions (Scallions)
Substitute one tablespoon of finely chopped green onions (both the green and white parts) with one tablespoon of garlic chives.
Green onions offer a mild onion flavor and can add a nice crunch to your chicken dish.
3. Fresh Garlic
Use one clove of minced or finely chopped fresh garlic as a substitute for one tablespoon of garlic chives.
Fresh garlic will provide a stronger and more pronounced garlic flavor to your chicken dish.
4. Garlic Powder
Substitute half a teaspoon of garlic powder with one tablespoon of garlic chives. Garlic powder is a condensed form of garlic flavor and can add a hint of garlic taste to your chicken.
5. Shallots
Use one tablespoon of finely chopped shallots to replace one tablespoon of garlic chives. Shallots have a mild onion and garlic flavor, making them a suitable substitute in chicken dishes.
Substitute garlic chives in baking
When substituting garlic chives in baking recipes, you can consider the following alternatives along with their suggested measurements:
1. Regular Chives
Use one tablespoon of finely chopped regular chives as a replacement for one tablespoon of garlic chives. Regular chives have a milder flavor, but they can still provide a fresh and herbaceous taste to your baked goods.
2. Green Onions (Scallions)
Substitute one tablespoon of finely chopped green onions (both the green and white parts) with one tablespoon of garlic chives.
Green onions offer a mild onion flavor and can add a subtle savory note to your baked goods.
3. Fresh Garlic
Use one clove of minced or finely chopped fresh garlic as a substitute for one tablespoon of garlic chives. Fresh garlic will provide a stronger and more pronounced garlic flavor to your baked goods.
Adjust the quantity based on your desired level of garlic intensity.
Conclusion on garlic chives substitute
Garlic chives are an essential ingredient in many dishes, but sometimes you may not have them on hand.
These 11 ideal garlic chives substitutes with ratios will be useful when you want to substitute garlic chives but still want that same garlicky and pungent flavor in your dish.
Remember to adjust the ratio of each substitute based on your recipe’s requirement to get the best flavor. So go ahead and try these substitutes in your next recipe!
FAQs on garlic chives substitute
Q1. What is similar to garlic chives?
1. Regular Chives: Regular chives have a milder onion-like flavor compared to garlic chives, but they can still add a fresh and herbaceous taste to dishes.
2. Green Onions (Scallions): Green onions have a mild onion flavor and can provide a subtle hint of garlic-like taste, although they are not as pungent as garlic chives.
3. Shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor than garlic chives, but they do offer a combination of Onion and garlic-like taste that can complement dishes.
4. Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a concentrated form of garlic flavor and can be used as a substitute for a more pronounced garlic taste. However, it lacks the fresh and herbaceous notes of garlic chives.
Q2. What is an Indian substitute for chives?
An Indian substitute for chives would be fresh coriander leaves, commonly known as cilantro. While cilantro doesn’t have the exact same flavor as chives, it can provide a fresh and herbaceous element to Indian dishes.
The leaves can be finely diced and used as a garnish or incorporated into curries, chutneys, and other recipes to add a vibrant and aromatic touch. Additionally, fenugreek leaves, also known as methi, can offer a slightly bitter and earthy flavor that can complement Indian cuisine as a substitute for chives.
Q3. Can I substitute garlic with garlic chives?
Yes, you can substitute garlic with garlic chives in some recipes, although it will result in a milder and slightly different flavor profile. Garlic chives have a more delicate and subtle garlic flavor compared to regular garlic cloves. When using garlic chives as a substitute for garlic, you may need to use a larger quantity to achieve a similar intensity of flavor.
Keep in mind that the texture of garlic chives is different from garlic cloves, as they are leafy and green. It’s best to finely chop or mince the garlic chives to distribute their flavor evenly in the dish. Experiment with the quantities and adjust according to your taste preferences to achieve the desired garlic-like taste in your recipes.
Q4. What herb can you substitute for chives?
One herb that can be substituted for chives is green onions, also known as scallions. Green onions have a similar mild onion flavor to chives and can provide a fresh and slightly pungent taste to dishes. They can be used in place of chives in different recipes such as soups, salads and garnishes.
Another option is to use finely chopped shallots, which have a milder and sweeter flavor than chives but can still offer a subtle onion-like taste.
Additionally, if you are looking for a herb with a more pronounced flavor, you can consider using finely chopped parsley or cilantro, which can add a fresh and herbaceous element to dishes. Experiment with these alternatives and adjust the quantities according to your taste preferences and the specific recipe you are working with.
Q5. Can I use parsley instead of chives?
Yes, parsley can be used as a substitute for chives in certain recipes, although it will provide a different flavor profile. Parsley has a fresh and herbaceous taste with a hint of bitterness, while chives offer a milder onion-like flavor. When using parsley instead of chives, it’s best to use it as a garnish or add it near the end of cooking to preserve its vibrant green color and delicate flavor.
Keep in mind that parsley has a more pronounced texture compared to chives, so finely chopping or mincing it will help distribute the flavor more evenly. Experiment with the quantities and adjust to your taste preferences to achieve the desired flavor in your dishes.
Q6. Can I use dill instead of chives?
Yes, dill can be used as a substitute for chives in certain recipes, although it will impart a different flavor profile. Dill has a distinct flavor that is herbal, slightly sweet, and reminiscent of anise or licorice. Chives, on the other hand, have a milder onion-like taste.
When substituting dill for chives, it’s important to consider the dish’s overall flavor profile and whether the dill’s anise-like taste complements the other ingredients.
Dill works well in dishes like salads, dressings, and fish dishes but may not be suitable for all recipes that call for chives. Experiment with small quantities and adjust according to your taste preferences and the specific recipe you are working with to achieve the desired flavor.