Looking for a substitute for celery? Whether you’re out of celery or seeking an alternative for specific recipes, we’ve got options for you. From cucumber for raw dishes to fennel stalk for cooked ones, discover the best celery replacements below.
We go into details about how to use each celery substitute below and when you should use each one but here’s a quick snapshot of our top substitutes for celery.
- Carrot: 1/2 c for 1 c celery
- Bok Choy: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Cabbage: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Water Chestnut: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Cucumber: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Green Apple: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Fennel Stalk: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
Celery Stalk vs. Rib vs. Bunch
A stalk of celery is a single piece from the bunch, while a rib is a single stalk. The terms “stalk” and “rib” are often used interchangeably. A bunch of celery is the entire collection of stalks tied into a bundle.
How Many Cups is One Stalk of Celery?
One stalk of celery typically yields about 1/2 cup of chopped celery, but this can vary depending on the size of the stalk.
Here are some tips for measuring celery:
- When a recipe calls for celery stalks, it’s typically referring to a single piece of celery.
- If the recipe calls for chopped celery, measure the celery after it has been chopped.
- To measure chopped celery, pack it lightly into a measuring cup.
- If the recipe calls for sliced celery, measure the celery after it has been sliced.
- To measure sliced celery, stand the slices on end in a measuring cup and pack them lightly.
Substitutes for Celery
Carrots
Carrots can replace celery for crunch in recipes. However, carrots are sweeter and less watery than the peppery celery.
In salads, the sweet carrot crunch can be appealing. In cooked dishes like mirepoix, the flavor difference isn’t significant.
Use 1/2 cup of carrots for every cup of celery.
Bok Choy
The white stalks of bok choy are crunchy and can resemble the texture of celery when raw. However, bok choy leaves are leafy and tender, unlike celery.
If you’re using bok choy as a celery substitute, you’d primarily use the stalks. Also, bok choy cooks faster than celery, so consider this when texture matters in your dish.
Bok choy can be substituted for celery at a 1:1 ratio.
Cabbage
Cabbage and celery both have a peppery flavor, but celery is more earthy. While they aren’t identical in taste, in some dishes, the flavor difference might not be overly noticeable.
When replacing celery with cabbage in recipes, you may need to adjust cooking times. For example, in soups, add cabbage later to avoid overcooking it.
Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio.
Water Chestnut
Water chestnuts remain crunchy even after cooking, making them a good alternative to celery’s texture. However, their sweet, nutty flavor differs from celery’s peppery taste.
In dishes where celery’s flavor isn’t prominent, water chestnuts can provide the crunch without affecting the overall taste too much.
Replace celery with water chestnut at a 1:1 ratio.
Cucumber
When using cucumbers in place of celery, especially raw, it’s important to note the differences in texture and taste.
Cucumbers are moist and crisp, whereas celery is fibrous and has a crunch. In salads, they might seem alike, but cucumbers have a gentler texture than celery.
Substitute cucumber in a 1:1 ratio.
Green Apple
Using green apple as a substitute for celery is unconventional, but it can work in some culinary scenarios like slaws and cold dishes where a fresh, crisp texture is desired.
In dishes like Waldorf or chicken salads, green apple adds a tart crunch similar to celery and its sweet flavor can offset savory flavors.
Substitute it in a 1:1 ratio.
Fennel Stalk
Fennel stalks have a crunchy texture like celery but come with a licorice-like flavor. They can be used cooked or raw in recipes, but their distinct taste will influence the dish. If using fennel as a celery substitute, adjust other ingredients as needed to balance flavors.
Substitute fennel stalk in a 1:1 ratio.
The bottom line
If you need a substitute for celery, options like bok choy, carrots, or green apples can fill in. Each substitute offers its own flavor and texture, so it’s important to consider the role celery plays in your dish.
Cooking is a canvas for creativity; experimenting these alternatives can lead to tasty discoveries. And, if in doubt, remember when you can always replace celery with bok choy in a 1:1 ratio.
More About Celery
- How To Dice Celery
- 23 Tempting Celery Recipes
- 13 Celery Appetizers
- How to Cut Celery Sticks
- How to Freeze Celery
7 Celery Substitutes That You Probably Have
Finding the best substitute for celery is simple. Here are our top alternatives to consider if you’re out of celery or looking for a different option.
Ingredients
- Carrot: 1/2 c for 1 c celery
- Bok Choy: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Cabbage: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Water Chestnut: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Cucumber: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Green Apple: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
- Fennel Stalk: Use an equal amount as celery (1:1)
Instructions
- Replace celery with one of our 7 suggested options.
- Use one of the above ratios when substituting for celery in a recipe.