Spanish onion is a versatile ingredient that can be used in all sorts of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and stir-fries.
However, sometimes you may find yourself in a situation where you don’t have any Spanish onion on hand.
Whether you’ve run out or it’s simply not available at your local grocery store, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of other ingredients that can be used as a Spanish onion substitute.
Here are 10 of the best spanish onion alternatives for you like Bermuda onions, Sweet onions, Italian onions, or cipollini onions, Vidalia Onions, Walla Walla Onion, Yellow Onions, Pearl onions, White Onions, Shallots, Scallions etc.
So, Let’s get started!
What is a Spanish onion?
Spanish onions are a variety of onion that is typically larger than other types of onions, such as white onions.
Spanish onions are typically oval in shape and have light brown skin. The flesh of the onion is white or pale yellow in color.
Spanish onions are grown in a number of different countries, including Spain, Mexico, and the United States.
It has a milder flavor than other onions and is often used in salads or as a topping on pizza. Spanish onions can also be used in cooking, although they may need to be cooked for longer than other onions to soften their flavor.
Best Spanish Onion Substitutes in Detail
1. Bermuda onions – Ideal Spanish onion substitute
Bermuda onions are a kind of sweet onion that gets its name from the island of Bermuda. These onions have a similar shape and taste to Spanish onions, making them the perfect substitute.
The Bermudas are also more widely available, so you can always have them on hand. Keep in mind, however, that the Bermudas are usually more expensive than other types of onions.
Additionally, Bermuda onions have a high water content, which gives them a crisp texture.
When cooked, they also tend to be more mellow and sweet than their Spanish counterparts. So if you’re searching for a strong flavor, you may want to stick with Spanish onions.
But if you’re looking for a versatile onion that you can always find at your local grocery store, Bermuda onions are the way to go.
Uses:
Bermuda onion’s a mild, sweet flavor and is commonly used in salads and as a topping for burgers and other sandwiches. It can also be cooked and served as a side dish.
In the United Kingdom, the term “Bermuda onion” is typically used to refer to red onion. This type of onion has deep red skin and a strong, pungent flavor. It is often used in Mediterranean dishes such as ratatouille and pasta sauce.
In Australia, the term “Bermuda onion” generally refers to brown onion, which has dark brown skin and a strong flavor. These onions are often used in stews and roasts.
2. You can try Sweet onions in place of Spanish onion
Sweet onions are the perfect substitute for Spanish Onions. They are milder in flavor and have a sweetness that is perfect for cooking.
Sweet onions can be used in any dish that calls for Spanish onions. They are perfect for stir-fries, salads or sandwiches, soups, stews, and sauces.
When cooking with sweet onions, be sure to add them at the beginning of the cooking process, so they have time to soften and release their sweetness.
When substituting sweet onions for Spanish onions, use half as much sweet onion as you would Spanish onion.
3. Italian onions or cipollini onions gives you a similar flavor to Spanish onion
Cipollini onions, also known as Italian onions, are a good substitute for Spanish onions.
These onions have a sweeter flavor than other varieties of Spanish onion.
They are also smaller and more compact, making them ideal for use in salads, stir-fries and other dishes where diced onion is desired.
In addition, Italian onions tend to be less pungent than other varieties of Spanish onion, creating them a suitable choice for people who are sensitive to strong flavors.
4. Vidalia Onions – A versatile spanish onion substitute
While Spanish onions are a common ingredient in many recipes, they can be difficult to find in some parts of the country.
However, Vidalia onions make an excellent substitute for Spanish onions as they have a similar flavor and texture, making them ideal for use in any dish that calls for Spanish onions.
For one thing, they are much easier to find since they are grown in Georgia. While Vidalia onions are also mild, they have a slightly sweeter taste that makes them ideal for salads and other raw dishes.
In addition, Vidalia onions are usually larger than Spanish onions, so you may need to use fewer of them in your recipe.
Finally, Vidalia onions tend to be less expensive than Spanish onions, so substituting them can help to save money.
In conclusion, Vidalia onions are a versatile and convenient substitute for Spanish onions.
5. Walla Walla Onion – an excellent substitute for Spanish onion
Walla Walla Onion is the best substitute for Spanish onion. Walla Walla onions are a variety of sweet onion that is named after the city of Walla Walla, Washington, where they were first grown.
These onions are large, round, and have light brown skin with white or yellow flesh. They are milder than most other types of onions and have a sweetness that is similar to that of a Vidalia onion.
While they can be used in any recipe that calls for a Spanish onion, they are especially well-suited for salads and grilled dishes.
When choosing a Walla Walla onion, look for one that is firm and has no signs of sprouting. The onion should also be free from blemishes and heavy root growth.
Store the onion in a cool, dry place and use it within two weeks for the best flavor.
6. Try Yellow Onion instead of spanish onion
One of the most popular substitutes for Spanish onions is yellow onions. Yellow onions have a similar flavor profile to Spanish onions, but they’re a bit sweeter and not as sharp.
They’re also a bit moister, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you’re making.
If you’re looking for a substitution in a dish where the onion will be cooked, such as in soup or stew, then yellow onions are a great option.
However, if you’re making something where raw onion is called for, such as in a salad or salsa, then you might want to try another option.
7. Substitute Pearl onions for Spanish onions while garnishing
Pearl onions are a great substitute for Spanish onions in recipes that call for garnish. Their delicate flavor pairs well with both light and rich sweet flavors, making them an ideal addition to a variety of dishes like pickles, sauces and stews.
They can be eaten raw or cooked. Pearl onions are most commonly used. They are roasted or grilled whole.
In addition, their small size makes them easy to eat, ensuring that your guests will enjoy every bite.
8. Try Spanish onion alternative White Onions
Another popular option is white onion. White onions have a sharper flavor than yellow onions, and they tend to be drier.
That makes them a great choice for dishes where raw onion is called for, such as in salads or salsa.
It has a sharp, pungent flavor that works well in both cooked and raw dishes. While it’s not quite as sweet as Spanish onion, it will still add depth and flavor to your dish.
However, they might not be the finest option for dishes where the onion will be cooked because their sharp flavor can become overwhelming when cooked.
9. Shallots – A ideal replacement for spanish onions
A third option is shallots. Shallots are small, delicate onions that have a flavor that is somewhere between white onion and garlic, and they tend to be moister than white onions. That makes them a good all-purpose substitute for Spanish onions.
They’re ideal for dishes where you want a hint of sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors.
They can be used in dishes where the onion will be cooked or raw, and they won’t overpower the other flavors in your dish, but they’re especially good when caramelized.
10. Scallions give you a similar flavor to spanish onions
Scallions, also known as green onions, share many of the same characteristics as their larger cousins. They both have a sharp flavor that is perfect for adding a little zing to dishes.
Scallions are also more versatile than Spanish onions; they can be used raw or cooked, and their flavor is mild enough to complement a variety of other ingredients.
In addition, scallions are much easier to chop than Spanish onions, making them a convenient choice for busy cooks.
FAQ’s on spanish onion substitute
Q1. What is the difference between a Spanish onion and a yellow onion?
Spanish onions, also called storage onions, are large and have thick skin that is golden brown in color.
They contain a mild flavor and are usually utilized in salads or as a topping on burgers and pizzas. Yellow onions, on the other hand, are smaller with thinner skin that is yellow in color. They have a sharper flavor and are often used in cooking, as they add a nice flavor to soups and stews.
Yellow onions are also sometimes used in raw dishes, such as salsa or guacamole. Spanish onions are a good choice for cooked dishes, while yellow onions are better for raw dishes.
Q2. What onion is close to the Spanish onion?
Sweet onions, Bermuda onions, walla walla onions, Vidalia Onions and Yellow Onions are the closest to the Spanish Onion.
Q3. Are red onions and Bermuda onions the same?
There are many different types of onions, and each one has its own distinct flavor and aroma. While red onions and Bermuda onions may look similar, they actually belong to different varieties. Red onions are a type of allium called Allium cepa.
They are popular in cuisines from around the world and have a deep, rich flavor. Bermuda onions, on the other hand, are a type of allium called Allium cepa var. cepa. They are named after the island of Bermuda, where they were first cultivated.
Bermuda onions have a milder flavor than red onions, making them ideal for salads and other raw dishes. So while red onions and Bermuda onions may share some similarities, they are actually quite different.
Q4. Are Walla Walla onions the same as Vidalia onions?
Walla Walla onions and Vidalia onions are two types of sweet onions. Sweet onions contain a lower sulfur content than other onions, which gives them a sweeter flavor. Walla Walla onions are large, round onions that have light brown skin.
Vidalia onions are smaller and more oblong in shape, with pale yellow skin. They are both named after the regions where they are grown – Walla Walla, Washington and Vidalia, Georgia. Both types of onion are low in calories and high in Vitamin C.
They can be utilized interchangeably in recipes, although Vidalia onions may need to be cooked for a longer time to achieve the same level of sweetness as Walla Walla onions.
Q5. What kind of onion goes on burgers?
There are numerous different kinds of onions that can be used on burgers, such as red onions, white onions, or yellow onions. Each type of onion has its own unique flavor that can enhance the taste of a burger.