Shallot Substitutes

Out of shallot? These are the swaps that actually work, with conversion ratios for any recipe size and notes on how each one changes the result.

Need to convert shallot between cups, grams, or ounces first? Open the shallot converter.

What to use instead of shallot

  • Onion

    Produce swap

    1 medium shallot = 1/2 small onion + 1 small garlic clove

    Shallots have more garlic notes and less harshness than onion. The garlic bridges that gap. Mince finely so the texture matches; cook gently so the onion doesn't dominate.

  • Spring Onion

    Produce swap

    1 medium shallot = 3 medium spring onions (white + light green parts)

    Best for raw uses like dressings and salsas. Spring onions are milder and fresher than shallot; skip the dark green tops or you'll lose the shallot character.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I substitute for shallot?
There are 2 workable substitutes for shallot, depending on what you have on hand and which property of shallot matters most for your recipe. The closest swap is usually 1 medium shallot = 1/2 small onion + 1 small garlic clove. Each option below lists the conversion ratio for any recipe size, plus notes on how the swap changes the texture, flavour, rise, or browning.
Will substituting shallot change how my recipe turns out?
Yes, every swap trades one property for another: fat content, moisture, acidity, or protein. The notes on each substitute describe what changes in texture, flavour, rise, or browning, so you can choose the swap that matters least for your recipe. Open the shallot converter
How do I measure shallot accurately?
Weighing in grams is more reliable than scooping cups, especially when a substitute has a different density from what the recipe expects. The shallot converter on this site converts between whole items, cups, US cups, grams, ounces, and pounds, so you can scale a recipe up or down without losing the ratio. Open the shallot converter

Other ingredient and produce substitutes

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