6+ Broccoli Rabe Substitutes

If you want to experiment with other leafy green veggies, broccoli rabe, also known as rapini, is a terrific option. But, you may not always have any on hand and may want a nice broccoli rabe replacement. In this essay, we’ll look at several alternatives.

In soups, this adaptable vegetable may be braised, sautéed, blanched, or boiled. The vegetable simply requires a short amount of cooking time to retain its beautiful green color and strong tastes.

Broccoli rabe is an excellent ingredient, but it is not widely available in North American supermarkets. If you can’t obtain this vegetable or aren’t acclimated to its harsh flavor, here are a few alternatives.

What Is Broccoli Rabe?

Broccoli rabe is a member of the Brassica family of vegetables. It has a considerably smaller crown than broccoli and is not linked to it. It has thick, green leaves and tall stalks. The rich, nutty, somewhat bitter flavor of broccoli rabe is appreciated in many Mediterranean cuisines.

This vegetable, also known as Rapini, is native to Europe and is related to turnips, collard greens, and bok choy.

Broccoli Rabe Substitute: Best Choices

1. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens, like broccoli rabe, are leafy green vegetables that belong to the Brassica family. The mustard plant has various subspecies, but they all have the same lively, somewhat spicy taste that is akin to broccoli rabe. With its long stems and large leaves, mustard greens resemble broccoli rabe.

Since they have a comparable texture, look, taste profile, and nutritional value to broccoli rabe, mustard greens work well as a replacement. Mustard greens, on the other hand, have a stronger peppery flavor, so be prepared for an additional kick in your meal.

2. Collard Greens

Collard greens are another kind of leafy green in the Brassica family. They have a harder stem and broader leaves than broccoli rabe. Collard greens are a common side dish at barbecues and cookouts and are a popular feature of Southern cuisine.

Collard greens have a bitter taste comparable to broccoli rabe, so they work well as a replacement. The bitterness, on the other hand, may be too strong for some folks, especially if you’re creating a salad. Although the tender stems of broccoli rabe may be eaten, the stems of collard greens are too tough and bitter to consume.

3. Chinese Broccoli

Chinese broccoli is another leafy Brassica family member with the same name as broccoli. Like broccoli rabe, this vegetable features a long, soft stem and large green leaves.

Because of its hard texture and comparable, bitter flavor, Chinese broccoli may be used in place of broccoli rabe in many dishes. Sauté it as a side dish or add it to stir-fries.

Because of its bigger leaves and crown, Chinese broccoli resembles broccoli more than broccoli rabe, but this shouldn’t be an issue.

4. Spinach

If you can’t locate broccoli rabe in your local grocery, use spinach instead. Its mild flavor and soft leaves make it suitable for a wide range of recipes and culinary applications.

Spinach is a good option for broccoli rabe since it has comparable health advantages but is less bitter, making it more flexible for finicky eaters. Nevertheless, due to its considerably softer texture, it cannot be used as a replacement in some dishes, like as stir-fries.

5. Endive

Chicory is a kind of endive. Endive is easily identified at the shop by its tight, bud-like form and unusual colors. Endive, unlike many other leafy plants, is yellow and white with barely a tinge of green at the tip.

Endive has a bitter taste profile comparable to broccoli rabe and a crisp texture, making it an excellent substitution for salads and roasted meals. Nevertheless, since endive can not withstand heat as well as broccoli rabe, it cannot be used as a replacement in prepared meals.

6. Dandelion Greens

Dandelion greens are produced by the dandelion plant. They are distinguished by their prickly leaves. They taste harsh, like mustard greens and broccoli rabe.

Some individuals find dandelion greens to be overly bitter, but they simmer down to a taste similar to broccoli rabe.

Use them as a replacement in dishes that need for a long cooking time, and use smaller leaves for a softer taste.

Here are several broccoli rabe alternates, whether you want a more common veggie or one with a more bearable bitterness.

Conclusion

Despite the name, the finest broccoli rabe alternative is not normal broccoli. Instead, some of the substitute alternatives listed above are the greatest possibilities. Each is a fantastic choice for a variety of reasons, including a comparable flavor, texture, or something else!