Leek vs Onion

A side-by-side guide to substituting Onion for Leek (or vice versa).

Quick answer

Use 0.75 cup of Onion for every 1 cup of Leek.

Side-by-side

Leek

Base unit: cup

Read the full guide: Leek

Onion

Conversion: Use 75% as much (0.75 cup per 1 cup)

Tags: commonbudget

Notes: Onion is sharper and more pungent than leek. Use about ¾ cup onion per 1 cup leek; cook slightly longer to soften the harsher edge.

Read the full guide: Onion

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When to use Onion instead of Leek

Onion is sharper and more pungent than leek. Use about ¾ cup onion per 1 cup leek; cook slightly longer to soften the harsher edge. The conversion is use 75% as much (0.75 cup per 1 cup).

Common questions

Can I substitute Onion for Leek?

Yes — Onion is sharper and more pungent than leek. Use about ¾ cup onion per 1 cup leek; cook slightly longer to soften the harsher edge. Ratio: Use 75% as much (0.75 cup per 1 cup).

What's the conversion ratio for Leek to Onion?

Use 75% as much (0.75 cup per 1 cup). For other quantities, use the SubSwap calculator.

Are Leek and Onion interchangeable?

They are similar in most uses, but Onion is sharper and more pungent than leek..

Is Onion a better substitute than other options for Leek?

Onion is one of the options SubSwap lists for Leek. The 'best' choice depends on your recipe — see the full list of Leek substitutes.

Looking for more Leek substitutes beyond Onion?

See all Leek swaps →