Need an asparagus substitute for your recipe? We’ve got you covered with our 9 best substitutes for asparagus, along with handy tips on how to use them.

Our top asparagus substitutes are:

Artichokes – 1 to 1 1/2 c for every bunch asparagus
Hearts Of Palm – 1:1 ratio
Chopped Brussels sprouts – 1:1 ratio
Green Cabbage – 1:1 ratio
Green Beans – 1:1 ratio
Fiddlehead Ferns – 1:1 ratio
Broccolini – 1:1 ratio
Broccoli Stems – 1:1 ratio
Sugar Snap Peas – 1:1 ratio

Renowned for its tender stalks and its ability to infuse dishes with a slightly sweet, earthy taste, asparagus often takes center stage in spring menus.

However, there may be times when this beloved green is out of season, too expensive, or simply unavailable in local markets. In such scenarios, knowing the right asparagus substitute is crucial.

But before we tackle the top asparagus alternatives, let’s first understand the flavor of asparagus so we can determine the best substitute for the veggie.

Table of Contents

The Flavor Of Asparagus

Asparagus offers an earthy, green, and mildly vegetal flavor with a delicate, sweet note. It’s rich in vitamins K and B9 (folate) and contains various other essential minerals and nutrients. When cooked, this vegetable becomes more tender, and its taste can amplify while also giving off a gentle, nutty aroma.

To find an ideal substitute for asparagus, it’s important to look for vegetables that can reflect its complex flavor while providing a similar texture. Green beans, broccolini, or young tender stalks of broccoli can be good replacements, especially when aiming for a similar bite and visual appearance.

Asparagus Substitutes And How To Use Them

If you’re looking for substitutes for asparagus in recipes, it’s essential to consider the flavor, texture, and color that asparagus brings to a dish. Here are some alternatives to try:

Artichokes

While they’re not identical, artichokes and asparagus can be substituted for one another in some recipes, especially if you’re looking for a similar “gourmet” or “special occasion” vibe.

You can steam, boil, roast, or grill both. But artichokes usually need more cooking time than asparagus, especially if using the whole vegetable instead of just the hearts.

Use 1 to 1 1/2 cups of artichoke hearts for every bunch of asparagus.

Hearts Of Palm

Hearts of palm and asparagus are both tender and mild in flavor, which makes the former a potential substitute for asparagus in salads or grilled, boiled, and steamed dishes.

The veggie is also shaped like asparagus but is more even. You won’t need to trim it as much as asparagus, which can be woody at the bottom. Note: If your dish relies heavily on the distinct taste of asparagus, hearts of palm may not fully replicate the desired flavor.

To substitute, use a 1:1 ratio by length or volume.

Chopped Brussels Sprouts

Chopped Brussels sprouts are another good substitute for asparagus, but keep in mind there are differences in taste, texture, and appearance between the two.

Chopped Brussels sprouts are smaller and have a bolder, bitter flavor compared to the mild and slender asparagus. But both vegetables can be roasted, steamed, sautéed, and boiled.

Use chopped Brussels sprouts instead of asparagus at a 1:1 ratio.

Green Cabbage

You can use green cabbage as a substitute for asparagus, particularly when you’re more focused on achieving a similar texture rather than an exact flavor match.

Asparagus has a tender-crisp texture when cooked al dente, which is somewhat similar to cabbage, especially when cooked only briefly. Cabbage works well with stir-fries, soups, and casseroles.

Substitute cabbage for asparagus at a 1:1 ratio.

Green Beans

While green beans won’t precisely replicate the taste and texture of asparagus, they can be prepared using similar cooking methods as asparagus, such as steaming, blanching, sauteing, and roasting.

You can substitute them in a 1:1 ratio.

Fiddlehead Ferns

Fiddlehead ferns have a distinct, mild nutty taste and appearance, and while they won’t replicate the exact flavor of asparagus, they can provide a delightful alternative.

They can be steamed, sautéed, or even grilled, much like asparagus. They can also be added to salads or pasta dishes for a unique twist.

Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio.

Broccolini

Broccolini has a slightly bitter and earthy flavor, making it an ideal substitute for asparagus. While asparagus may have a milder and more distinct taste, broccolini’s flavor is often described as a combination of broccoli and asparagus.

It has a tender, crisp texture that’s similar to asparagus when cooked properly. It can be blanched, steamed, roasted, or sautéed to achieve the desired texture.

Substitute broccolini for asparagus at a 1:1 ratio.

Broccoli Stems

Broccoli stems have a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to asparagus, but they can work well in stir-fries, salads, or pasta dishes.

Its texture is denser and less tender than asparagus, especially the fibrous outer layer. To use broccoli stems as a substitute, you’ll want to peel or trim away the tough outer layer to make them more palatable.

Use broccoli stems instead of asparagus at a 1:1 ratio.

Sugar Snap Peas

Sugar snap peas have a sweet and crisp flavor that is quite different from the earthy, slightly bitter taste of asparagus, but they’re known for their satisfying crunch and tender pods, similar to asparagus when cooked right.

Swap asparagus for sugar snap peas in dishes like pasta, quiches, or roasted vegetables. For example, try a sugar snap pea and mushroom risotto instead of one with asparagus.

Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio.

The bottom line

Asparagus offers a distinct taste and texture, but veggies like vegetables like artichokes, hearts of palm, and broccolini can act as substitutes in recipes. How well these alternatives work depends on the specific dish and personal tastes.

While some alternatives can mimic the texture of asparagus, capturing its exact flavor is more challenging. These options are useful for kitchen experimentation or when asparagus isn’t available.

More About Asparagus

9 Best Asparagus Substitutes

Need an asparagus substitute for your recipe? We’ve got you covered with our 9 best substitutes for asparagus, along with handy tips on how to use them.

Ingredients

Artichokes – 1 to 1 1/2 c for every bunch asparagus
Hearts Of Palm – 1:1 ratio
Chopped Brussels sprouts – 1:1 ratio
Green Cabbage – 1:1 ratio
Green Beans – 1:1 ratio
Fiddlehead Ferns – 1:1 ratio
Broccolini – 1:1 ratio
Broccoli Stems – 1:1 ratio
Sugar Snap Peas – 1:1 ratio

Instructions

Substitute asparagus for one of our top nine recommended options.
Use one of the above ratios when substituting for asparagus in your recipes.