How Much Green Onion to Substitute for Red Onion
Works for sauteing, slow cook, and steaming. Green Onion comes across milder than Red Onion.
How much green onion equals one Red Onion?
Use 2 scallions per 1 small red onion.
Health notes
Compared with Red Onion, Green Onion has: less calories (27 vs 32 per 100g in Red Onion) and less carbs (5.7g vs 7.6g per 100g in Red Onion).
Using green onion as a red onion substitute in pan-frying
Use 2 scallions per 1 small red onion. Add white bulbs first, greens at the end. Wilts quickly; watch the heat.
Other cooking methods
- Slow Cook
Use 2 scallions per 1 small red onion. Add near the end to preserve mild flavor and color.
- Steaming
Use 2 scallions per 1 small red onion. Greens wilt to silky strands; bulbs stay tender.
- Raw Cold
Use 2 scallions per 1 small red onion. Slice thin for bright, fresh bite in salads and salsas.
- Drinks
Use 2 scallions per 1 small red onion. Blend white bulbs for savory soups and broths.
Methods to avoid (3)
- Baking
Not recommended: green onions burn and turn bitter in dry oven heat.
- Frying
Not recommended: green onions char and burn in hot oil.
- Grilling
Not recommended: delicate greens char too fast; bulbs dry out.
FAQ
- How much green onion equals one Red Onion?
Use 2 scallions per 1 small red onion.
- Can I substitute green onion for Red Onion in pan-frying?
Yes. Use 2 scallions per 1 small red onion. Add white bulbs first, greens at the end. Wilts quickly; watch the heat. Not recommended: green onions burn and turn bitter in dry oven heat.
- How much green onion to use as a red onion substitute?
Milder and fresher; add a pinch of salt or squeeze of lemon to sharpen.
- How does the flavor change when substituting Green Onion for Red Onion?
Green onion comes across milder than red onion.
- How does texture change when substituting Green Onion for Red Onion?
Green onion tender, delicate bulb and silky green strands. Less crisp than raw red onion. Wilts quickly with heat.
- What else should I know about substituting Green Onion for Red Onion?
For raw salsas, salads, soups, and gentle braises. Expect milder onion flavor with fresh, grassy notes and bright green color. Skip frying, grilling, and baking. Add white bulbs early in slow cooking; save green tops for garnish. Green onions won't caramelize or build fond.
- What still works when substituting Green Onion for Red Onion?
Green onion still works as a flavor carrier, acid, texture, and color.
- What won't work when substituting Green Onion for Red Onion?
Green onion won't work as a sweetener.
- How well does Green Onion match Red Onion?
Green onion is stretch on structure, stretch on heat, and okay on flavor.
- How does nutrition compare per 100g when substituting Green Onion for Red Onion?
Green onion is slightly higher in protein, is slightly lower in calories, and has about x6 more fat.
- How do the flavor notes shift when substituting Green Onion for Red Onion?
The flavor shifts toward less sweet and less pungent notes.