Chives add a delicate onion flavor to many dishes, but what can you use when they’re not available? Several common ingredients make excellent substitutes for chives in recipes. The best alternatives include scallions, green onions, leeks, garlic, and onion powder.
These substitutes can replicate the mild onion taste and fresh green color of chives in various dishes. Scallions and green onions provide a similar appearance and flavor profile. Leeks offer a subtle onion flavor, while garlic gives dishes a more pungent kick. For dried applications, onion powder works well to mimic the taste of chives without changing a recipe’s texture.
Choosing the right chives substitute depends on the specific dish and desired flavor intensity. Experimenting with different options allows cooks to find the ideal replacement for their culinary creations. With these alternatives on hand, running out of chives doesn’t have to derail meal plans.
Understanding Chives
Chives are versatile herbs with a mild onion flavor. They belong to the Allium family, which includes onions, garlic, and leeks.
Culinary Uses
Chives add a subtle onion flavor to dishes without overpowering other ingredients. They’re commonly used as a garnish for soups, salads, and baked potatoes. Chefs often sprinkle chopped chives over egg dishes, stir them into cream cheese, or add them to butter for a flavorful spread.
These herbs are best added at the end of cooking to preserve their delicate flavor and vibrant color. Chives pair well with fish, poultry, and vegetables. They’re a key ingredient in French herb blends like fines herbes.
Varieties of Chives
Onion chives are the most common variety, with slender, hollow green stems and a mild onion taste. They produce edible purple flowers that can be used as garnishes.
Chinese chives, also known as garlic chives, have flat leaves and a stronger, garlicky flavor. They’re popular in Asian cuisine, often used in stir-fries and dumplings.
Siberian chives are larger and have a more pronounced onion flavor. They’re less common but prized by some chefs for their robust taste.
Giant Siberian chives are the largest variety, with thick stems and a strong flavor. They’re often used in soups and stews.
Common Chives Substitutes
Several readily available ingredients can effectively replace chives in recipes. These substitutes offer similar flavors and textures, allowing you to maintain the intended taste profile of your dishes.
Scallions and Green Onions
Scallions, also known as green onions, are the closest match to chives in both appearance and flavor. Their long, slender green stalks resemble chives visually. When chopped, scallions provide a mild onion taste with a hint of grassiness, much like chives.
Use the green parts of scallions as a 1:1 substitute for chives in most recipes. They work well in salads, soups, and as garnishes. Scallions have a slightly stronger flavor, so use them sparingly in delicate dishes.
For cooked recipes, add scallions towards the end of cooking to preserve their fresh taste and vibrant color.
Garlic and Garlic Chives
Garlic and garlic chives offer a more pungent alternative to regular chives. Garlic chives, also called Chinese chives, have flat leaves and a distinct garlicky flavor.
Use garlic chives as a 1:1 replacement for regular chives. They work particularly well in Asian-inspired dishes and stir-fries. Mince them finely for the best texture.
Fresh garlic can also substitute for chives, though its flavor is much stronger. Use about 1/4 to 1/2 clove of minced garlic for every tablespoon of chopped chives called for in a recipe.
Shallots and Onions
Shallots and onions provide a more intense onion flavor compared to chives. They work best in cooked dishes rather than as raw garnishes.
Finely minced shallots can replace chives in sauces, dressings, and cooked dishes. Use about 1 tablespoon of minced shallots for every 2 tablespoons of chives.
For a milder option, try sweet onions like Vidalia or Walla Walla. Mince them finely and use sparingly, as their flavor is more pronounced than chives. In cooked dishes, sauté the onions briefly to soften their sharp taste.
Herbal Alternatives
Several herbs can serve as flavorful substitutes for chives in various dishes. These alternatives offer unique tastes and aromas that can enhance recipes in different ways.
Parsley
Parsley provides a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that works well in place of chives. Flat-leaf parsley tends to have a stronger taste than curly varieties.
When substituting:
- Use 1 tablespoon of finely chopped parsley for 1 tablespoon of chives
- Add parsley near the end of cooking to preserve its flavor
- Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of dishes as a garnish
Dried parsley can also be used, but it has a milder taste. Use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley to replace 1 tablespoon of fresh chives.
Tarragon and Dill
Tarragon and dill offer distinct flavors that can replace chives in certain recipes.
Tarragon:
- Has a licorice-like taste
- Works well in French cuisine and with chicken or fish dishes
- Use 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon or 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh for 1 tablespoon of chives
Dill:
- Provides a tangy, slightly sweet flavor
- Pairs nicely with seafood and in creamy sauces
- Substitute 1 teaspoon of fresh dill for 1 tablespoon of chives
Both herbs have strong flavors, so start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste.
Cilantro and Basil
Cilantro and basil can add bright, fresh notes to dishes in place of chives.
Cilantro:
- Has a bold, citrusy flavor
- Works well in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cuisines
- Use 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro to replace 1 tablespoon of chives
Basil:
- Offers a sweet, peppery taste
- Complements Italian and Mediterranean dishes
- Substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh basil for 1 tablespoon of chives
These herbs are best used fresh. Add them at the end of cooking or as a garnish to preserve their flavors. When using dried versions, reduce the amount by two-thirds.
Substitute Blends and Mixes
Creating your own chive substitute blends offers flexibility and customization. These mixtures combine readily available ingredients to mimic the flavor profile of chives.
Onion Powder and Dried Chives
Onion powder mixed with dried chives creates a convenient and long-lasting substitute. Combine 1 tablespoon of onion powder with 2 tablespoons of dried chives for a balanced blend. This mixture provides a mild onion flavor similar to fresh chives.
Store the blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Use 1 teaspoon of the mixture to replace 1 tablespoon of fresh chives in recipes.
This blend works well in dips, soups, and baked goods. It’s especially useful when fresh chives are unavailable or out of season.
DIY Herb Mixes
Customized herb mixes can effectively replace chives in various dishes. A simple blend consists of equal parts dried parsley, dried tarragon, and dried dill.
For a more complex flavor, try this recipe:
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp dried tarragon
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Use 1-2 teaspoons of this blend to substitute for 1 tablespoon of fresh chives.
This versatile mix enhances salads, omelets, and roasted vegetables. It also adds depth to marinades and dressings.
Specialty Substitutes
Some less common but flavorful alternatives can stand in for chives in various dishes. These specialty substitutes offer unique taste profiles while maintaining similar aromatic qualities.
Leeks and Wild Garlic
Leeks provide a mild onion flavor and can be finely chopped as a chive substitute. Their white and light green parts work best in cooked dishes. Wild garlic, also known as ramps, offers a pungent garlic-onion taste. Its leaves can be used raw or cooked, mimicking chives’ versatility. Both leeks and wild garlic belong to the onion family, making them suitable replacements.
Use leeks in soups, stews, and sauces. Wild garlic shines in pestos, salads, and as a garnish. These substitutes work well in recipes calling for a subtle onion flavor without overpowering other ingredients.
Fennel Fronds and Garlic Scapes
Fennel fronds bring a delicate anise flavor to dishes. Their feathery texture resembles chives, making them an attractive garnish. Garlic scapes, the curly flower stalks of garlic plants, offer a mild garlic taste. Both alternatives provide unique flavors while maintaining a similar visual appeal to chives.
Fennel fronds work well in salads, fish dishes, and light sauces. Garlic scapes can be chopped and used in stir-fries, pestos, and dips. These substitutes add complexity to dishes while preserving the fresh, green element that chives typically provide.
Using Substitutes in Recipes
When incorporating chive substitutes into recipes, it’s important to consider both flavor and appearance. Different alternatives can work well depending on the specific dish and desired outcome.
Mashed Potatoes
Scallions make an excellent substitute for chives in mashed potatoes. Finely chop the green parts and mix them into the potatoes just before serving. This adds a mild onion flavor and attractive green flecks.
For a bolder taste, try finely minced garlic scapes. These curly green shoots offer a garlic-chive hybrid flavor that complements creamy mashed potatoes well.
Wild garlic leaves can also work as a chive alternative in this classic side dish. Chop the leaves finely and fold them in gently to maintain their delicate flavor.
Spring Dishes and Garnishes
Spring onions are a versatile substitute for chives in many spring dishes. Their green tops can be sliced thinly and sprinkled over soups, salads, or egg dishes for a mild onion flavor and pop of color.
For garnishing cold dishes like potato salad or deviled eggs, try finely chopped fresh parsley. While the flavor differs from chives, parsley offers a similar bright green appearance.
Chinese garlic chives make an excellent garnish for Asian-inspired spring rolls or dumplings. Their flat leaves and garlicky taste add both visual appeal and complementary flavor.
When substituting chives as a garnish, consider the overall flavor profile of the dish. Tarragon can work well for French-inspired recipes, while dill might be better suited for Scandinavian dishes.
