Which swap for which job
| Use | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Soups and stews | Instant minced onion | Rehydrates in the pot. |
Do not substitute here
- Caramelized onion dishes. Dried onion. It cannot caramelize.
Onion substitute
Quick answer
For 1 small onion, use 1 tablespoon of instant minced onion, rehydrated, or 1 teaspoon of onion powder. One-quarter cup of chopped fresh onion equals a small onion. Charts give a range of 1 to 2 tablespoons of instant minced onion. Start low and taste.
How much do you need?
small onionsmall onions
Fractions work: 1 1/2, ¾, 0.5. The amounts below update as you type.
Type a number, like 1 or 1 1/2.
What to use
No option here matches every box you ticked. Untick one to see more.
Instant minced onion
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- 1 tbsp 15 ml instant minced onion
- How
- Soak in a little water for a few minutes first.
- Best for
- Soups, stews, meatloaf.
- What changes
- Milder.
- Skip it when
- Raw uses and caramelizing.
Onion powder
- Vegan
- Dairy-free
- Gluten-free
- Nut-free
- Egg-free
- 1 tsp 5 ml onion powder
- Best for
- Rubs, dressings, sauces.
- What changes
- Concentrated, with no texture.
Diet labels describe the ingredients as normally made. Check packages for gluten and allergens. Some refined sugar is filtered with bone char, which matters if you eat vegan.
Questions
How much onion is a small onion?
About a quarter cup, chopped.
Sources
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln Food, Ingredient Substitutions
- K-State Research and Extension, Ingredient Substitutions (L730, 2012)
- Colorado State University Extension, Ingredient Substitutions (Fact Sheet 9.329)
Ratios come from these sources, in our words. Where they disagree, we say so or pick the amount that matches tested results. Ratios are a starting point. Taste and adjust.
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