For some reason, it is very, very hard to find ramps in Los Angeles. What can I use a substitute that has the same flavor profile?

J. P. Higgins
  • 3076 views
  • 8 Comments

8 Comments

Regine May 19, 2014
I also read you can combine regular leeks wlth some garlic and scallions (green onions).
 
Jan W. May 19, 2014
There is a type of allium called "garlic chives" in English, but often called 'gau choy' in Chinese markets - 'nira' is the Japanese word. Also very popular in Korean cuisine. They also have a certain skunky pungency to them which is just a tad sharper than that of ramps, so if you were to substitute them, I'd go a little easy on the garlic chives unless you just like the flavor. I'm almost positive you can find them in the produce section of any Asian grocery with fresh produce.
 
Jan W. May 19, 2014
Name is also transliterated as jiu cai, and is called buchu in Korean.
 
dinner A. May 19, 2014
I agree with petitbleu's recommendations. Another substitution that would be even easier to come across would be leeks mixed with garlic.
Ramps are harvested wild and only grow in eastern North America, which is why they're rarely seen in markets elsewhere.
 
Regine May 19, 2014
Sorry. My prior response was meant for another question.
 
petitbleu May 19, 2014
Green garlic is the closest thing I've found. To me, ramps taste like garlic, but especially skunky (I mean that in a good way!), and green garlic is just that--garlicky but with even more zing. Garlic scapes are another good substitute. Most recipes that call for ramps are still great recipes when you use a substitute.
 
Regine May 19, 2014
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Buffalo-Salmon-242298
 
J. P. May 19, 2014
I'm sorry, but this is a recipe for Buffalo Salmon. It has nothing to do with ramps.
 
Recommended by Food52