How Much Carrot to Substitute for Broccoli
Works for sauteing, frying, and slow cook. Carrot comes across milder than Broccoli.
How much carrot equals one cup of broccoli?
Use 1 1/4 cups carrot per cup broccoli.
Health notes
Compared with Broccoli, Carrot has: more calories (341 vs 34 per 100g in Broccoli), more fat (1.5g vs 0.4g per 100g in Broccoli), more protein (8.1g vs 2.8g per 100g in Broccoli), and more carbs (79.6g vs 6.6g per 100g in Broccoli).
Using carrot as a broccoli substitute in pan-frying
1 1/4 cups per cup broccoli; cut thin so they cook at same pace. Caramelize at edges.
Other cooking methods
- Frying
1 1/4 cups per cup; thin slices crisp well. Watch for deeper browning than broccoli.
- Slow Cook
1 1/4 cups per cup; carrots soften beautifully and sweeten the broth.
- Grilling
1 1/4 cups per cup; cut lengthwise. Char marks develop faster than broccoli.
- Steaming
1 1/4 cups per cup; takes slightly longer to soften. Steam together 8-10 minutes.
- Raw Cold
1:1 in slaws and salads; sweeter and crunchier than raw broccoli.
Methods to avoid (2)
- Baking
Not recommended: carrots add moisture and sweetness that change structure.
- Drinks
Not recommended: carrots don't juice or blend smoothly without added liquid.
FAQ
- How much carrot equals one cup of broccoli?
Use 1 1/4 cups carrot per cup broccoli.
- Can I substitute carrot for Broccoli in pan-frying?
Yes. 1 1/4 cups per cup broccoli; cut thin so they cook at same pace. Caramelize at edges. Not recommended: carrots add moisture and sweetness that change structure.
- How much carrot to use as a broccoli substitute?
Sweeter and milder; add lemon juice or vinegar to brighten.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Carrot for Broccoli?
Carrot comes across milder than broccoli.
- How does texture change when substituting Carrot for Broccoli?
Carrot denser and crunchier raw; becomes tender and silky when cooked. Less fibrous than broccoli florets.
- What else should I know about substituting Carrot for Broccoli?
For sauteing, grilling, slow-cooked soups, and stews. Cut thin or small so timing matches. Expect sweeter, milder flavor with caramelized edges when roasted or sauteed. Skip baking and drinks. Raw carrots work 1:1 in slaws but taste sweeter and less peppery. Add lemon or vinegar if you miss broccoli's slight bite.
- What still works when substituting Carrot for Broccoli?
Carrot still works as a moisture, flavor carrier, color, and texture.
- How well does Carrot match Broccoli?
Carrot is good on structure, good on heat, and okay on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Carrot for Broccoli?
Carrot has about x10 more calories, x4 more fat, x2 more sat. fat, and x3 more protein.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Carrot for Broccoli?
The flavor shifts toward more sweet, less bitter, less pungent, and less umami notes.