Cooking Substitutions, Recalculated

What can I use instead of shallot?

Best substitute for 1 shallot
1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
Yellow onion — Milder; closest everyday swap.
shallots
Amounts below are for 1 shallot

4 substitutes for shallot

SubstituteUse this muchNotes
Yellow onion1/4 cup chopped yellow onionMilder; closest everyday swap.
Onion + garlic1/4 cup chopped onion + 1/4 tsp minced garlicMimics shallot's garlicky note.
Green onion1/4 cup chopped green onionUse the white parts; milder.
Leek1/4 cup chopped leekUse the white part; sweet and mild.

A shallot is a small, mild, slightly garlicky onion. Chopped onion - ideally with a little garlic - stands in well.

Tips

  • 1 shallot is about 1/4 cup chopped onion.
  • A little garlic with the onion best mimics a shallot.

FAQ

What can I use instead of a shallot?
About 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion per shallot, ideally with a touch of garlic.
Are shallots and onions interchangeable?
Yes for cooking - shallots are milder and slightly garlicky.