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Onion vs. Shallot: Know the Difference

Shumaila Saeed
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Onions are larger, have a bolder flavor and are used widely in cooking; shallots are smaller, milder, and often used in fine or raw dishes.
Onion vs. Shallot

Key Differences

Onions have a more robust, pungent flavor and a crisp texture, making them ideal for a variety of cooked dishes. Shallots, with their milder, sweeter taste, are often preferred in raw applications or delicate sauces where a less overpowering flavor is desired.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Onions are a staple in many cuisines and are used as a base for sauces, stews, and sautés. Shallots, while also used in cooking, are particularly favored in dressings, marinades, and as a finishing touch for dishes due to their subtler flavor.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
Onions are generally larger and come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, and red. Shallots are smaller, with a more elongated shape, and usually have a reddish-brown skin.
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Nov 22, 2023
Onions typically have a longer shelf life and are more durable, making them a common pantry staple. Shallots are more delicate and have a shorter shelf life, requiring more careful storage.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023
While both onions and shallots are low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, shallots contain more antioxidants, flavonoids, and can have a higher concentration of certain nutrients due to their smaller size.
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Nov 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Size

Larger, rounder
Smaller, elongated
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Nov 22, 2023

Flavor

Strong, pungent
Milder, sweeter
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Nov 22, 2023

Culinary Use

Versatile in cooking, good for raw and cooked uses
Preferred raw or in delicate dishes
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Nov 22, 2023

Shelf Life

Longer
Shorter
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Nov 22, 2023

Nutritional Content

High in vitamins, lower in antioxidants
Higher in antioxidants, vitamins
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Nov 22, 2023
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Onion and Shallot Definitions

Onion

Onion is used metaphorically to indicate something causing tears.
The sad movie was a real onion.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Shallot

In gardening, shallots refer to a type of bulb planted for their edible parts.
He planted shallots in his garden for autumn harvest.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Onion

In technology, onion refers to multi-layered network security.
They implemented an onion approach to cybersecurity.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Shallot

A small, mild-flavored member of the onion family.
She garnished the dish with finely chopped shallots.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Onion

A bulbous plant (Allium cepa) cultivated worldwide as a vegetable.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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Shallot

Shallots are used for their delicate and sweet flavor.
Shallots add a subtle touch to the vinaigrette.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Onion

The rounded edible bulb of this plant, composed of fleshy, tight, concentric leaf bases having a pungent odor and taste.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

Shallots are often used as a milder substitute for onions.
For a gentler flavor, use shallots instead of onions.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Onion

Any of several other plants in the genus Allium.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

A variety of onion with pointed, pear-shaped bulbs that grow in clusters.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Onion

A monocotyledonous plant (Allium cepa), allied to garlic, used as vegetable and spice.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

The mild-flavored bulb of this plant, used in cooking.
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Oct 19, 2023

Onion

The bulb of such a plant.
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Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

Any vegetable of certain species in the onion family.
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Oct 19, 2023

Onion

(uncountable) The genus Allium as a whole.
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Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

Allium ascalonium.
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Oct 19, 2023

Onion

An ounce.
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Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

Allium oschaninii.
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Oct 19, 2023

Onion

A ball.
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Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

Any small onion.
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Oct 19, 2023

Onion

A watch-seal.
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Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

A scallion.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Onion

A liliaceous plant of the genus Allium (Allium cepa), having a strong-flavored bulb and long hollow leaves; also, its bulbous root, much used as an article of food. The name is often extended to other species of the genus.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

A small kind of onion (Allium Ascalonicum) growing in clusters, and ready for gathering in spring; a scallion, or eschalot.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Onion

The flavor of an onion{1}.
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

Aggregated bulb of the multiplier onion
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Oct 19, 2023

Onion

Edible bulb of an onion plant
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

Type of onion plant producing small clustered mild-flavored bulbs used as seasoning
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Onion

Bulbous plant having hollow leaves cultivated worldwide for its rounded edible bulb
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

Small mild-flavored onion- or garlic-like clustered bulbs used for seasoning
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Onion

An aromatic flavorful bulb
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Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023

Shallot

Culinary uses of shallots include pickling and sautéing.
She sautéed shallots for the sauce.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Onion

A bulbous plant with a pungent taste and smell, used as a vegetable and spice.
She diced the onion for the soup.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Onion

An onion is a multi-layered bulb.
He peeled the onion revealing its many layers.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Onion

In slang, an onion refers to something complex with many layers.
Their relationship was like an onion, complex and layered.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 17, 2023

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Are shallots good for pickling?

Yes, they are excellent pickled.
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Nov 22, 2023

Do shallots need special storage?

Store in a cool, dry place.
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Nov 22, 2023

Are shallots more expensive than onions?

Generally, yes.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Can onions replace shallots in a recipe?

Yes, but expect a stronger flavor.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Are shallots healthier than onions?

Shallots have more antioxidants but both are healthy.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Can I plant onions using store-bought ones?

Yes, but results vary.
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Nov 22, 2023

Are onions keto-friendly?

In moderation.
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Nov 22, 2023

Can onions be eaten raw?

Yes, often in salads.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Can I use shallots in onion soup?

Yes, for a milder flavor.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Can I substitute shallots for onions in a stir-fry?

Yes, for a subtler flavor.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Why do shallots have a milder flavor?

Due to their different chemical composition.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Why do onions make you cry?

Chopping releases compounds that irritate eyes.
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Nov 22, 2023

Do shallots grow like onions?

Yes, similarly but smaller.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Are shallots common in Asian cuisine?

Yes, particularly in Southeast Asian dishes.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

What dishes are onions most commonly used in?

Soups, stews, sauces, and salads.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Can onions be frozen?

Yes, but they may lose some texture.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

How long do onions last in storage?

Several weeks to months.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

What's the best way to chop shallots?

Finely, to distribute their flavor.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Are onions good for grilling?

Yes, they caramelize well.
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

Can shallots be caramelized like onions?

Yes, for a sweeter flavor.
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Shumaila Saeed
Nov 22, 2023

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About Author
Shumaila Saeed
Written by
Shumaila Saeed
Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

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