And does it~really~matter if you swap one for the other?
The flavorand sometimes internal texture and appearanceis a dead giveaway for each duo except for the last one.
So what is a shallot, anyway?
Credit:Getty Images / Renphoto
And how is it different from an onion?
Getty Images / Renphoto
What Is a Shallot?
Shallots (Allium ascalonicum), likeonions, garlic, and chives,aremembers of the allium family.
Credit:Getty Images / MassanPH
Getty Images / MassanPH
What Do Shallots Look Like?
“I like to think of a shallot as a hybrid between an onion and garlic.”
Shallots vary in interior and exterior color based on their variety.
What Is a Shallot’s Flavor?
What is a shallot’s flavor?
Think of the taste of shallots like a delicatewhite or yellow onion.
Theyre mellow and naturally sweet, with a burst of acidity and a hint of garlic flavorespecially when raw.
What Is the Difference Between an Onion and a Shallot?
As we mentioned, onions and shallots are allium family siblings.
The hollow, tender, green end gives way to a layered, thick, and sturdy white stem.
Can You Use an Onion Instead of a ShallotAnd Vice Versa?
In most cases, they can be used interchangeably without any major issues, Brekke confirms.
Any deviations will likely be minor.
To replace 1 medium onion, use about 4 shallots, Brekke says.
Using shallots instead of onions works well on many occasions, especially if you prefer a milder onion element.
Case in point:onion ringsand ourBlue Cheese Stuffed Burger with Red Onion and Spinach.
We also highly recommend that you try caramelized shallots.
OurCreamy Cashew and Onion Dipwill walk you through how easy it is to mimic caramelized onions with shallots instead.
Our new favorite use for shallots?
