Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for leek
Best swap for leek: Onion, use 1 medium onion per 2 leeks; stronger flavor.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Leek?
The best swap for Leek is Onion, use 1 medium onion per 2 leeks; stronger flavor. Another option is Green Onion, use white and light-green parts; milder. A third option is Shallot, 1:1 by weight; sweeter and more delicate. All 3 swaps are in the table below.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Onion | use 1 medium onion per 2 leeks; stronger flavor |
| Green onion | use white and light-green parts; milder |
| Shallot | 1:1 by weight; sweeter and more delicate |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Buying more? Storage times for leeks