What Are Shallots? (Shallots vs. Onions & Green Onions)

Shallots are a type of onion beloved by chefs for their nuanced flavor and versatility. Though they resemble garlic in appearance, shallots have a milder onion taste. Their subtle sweet-spicy notes make shallots an ideal ingredient to enhance everything from vinaigrettes to braised meats without overpowering other flavors. Read on to learn all about what are shallots.

What Are Shallots?

Though they resemble garlic in appearance, shallots have a milder onion-garlic essence all their own:

• Look like small conjoined bulbs with copper, reddish, or gray skin
• Taste delicately sweet with hints of onion and garlic
• More subtle in flavor than other onions and garlic
• Widely used in French cuisine, vinaigrettes, pan sauces

Shallots provide just the right balance of savory sweetness without an overpowering onion bite. Their mellow flavor adds dimension to sauces, salad dressings, seafood, roasted meats and veggies, pastas, and more. Shallots are a versatile ingredient that deserves a spot in every cook’s kitchen.

The Anatomy of a Shallot

Shallots have a unique anatomy that distinguishes them from other alliums:

• Grow as clusters of small, teardrop-shaped bulbs
• Coppery reddish-brown papery skin covers each bulb
• Inside are roughly concentric rings of flesh
• Milder in taste than onions due to lower sulfur content

When sliced into wedges, the compact interior structure of each shallot bulb is revealed. The lower sulfur content and higher water percentage of shallots contribute to their more delicate, sweet onion essence. This makes them perfect for dishes where a pronounced onion flavor would overpower.

Shallots vs. Onions

Shallots are smaller and grow in clusters more like garlic. Onions are single large bulbs.

Flavor:

• Shallots are more aromatic with nuanced, gently oniony flavor.
• Onions have an intense pungent onion taste.

Best Uses:

• Shallots suit delicate sauces, dressings, and egg dishes. Their mild flavor integrates seamlessly.
• Onions are best for hearty stews, curries, and dishes where you want the onion flavor front and center.

In general, shallots provide a subtle background flavor, while onions make their presence known.

Shallots vs. Green Onions

Though they share the word “onion”, green onions (scallions) and shallots are quite different.

Appearance:

• Shallots are a bulb with multiple cloves covered in papery brown skin.
• Green onions are long green stalks with a small white bulb at the base.

Taste:

• Shallots taste like very mild, slightly garlicky onions.
• Green onions are grassy, herbaceous, and oniony but very mellow.

Uses:

• Shallots work well cooked or raw. They are great lightly sautéed or caramelized.
• Green onions are best raw or briefly cooked. They add a fresh, bright flavor.

Shallots and green onions both provide gentle onion flavor, but in different forms.

Buying and Storing Shallots

Follow these guidelines for optimal freshness:

• Choose shallots that feel heavy, with no soft spots or sprouting
• Store whole, unpeeled shallots in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area
• Place in mesh bag or basket to prolong freshness for 2-3 weeks
• Once peeled, shallots can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 week

Select shallots that feel firm and heavy for their size, void of any dampness or sprouting. A dry, ventilated environment like a basket or mesh bag keeps shallots fresh at room temperature for several weeks. Refrigeration preserves peeled shallots for about a week.

Shallot Recipes

Shallots shine when their flavor is concentrated through slow cooking. Try them:

• Caramelized and tossed with pasta
• Sautéed for rich pan sauces and gravies
• Slow-cooked in soups and stews
• Roasted whole to spread on bread
• Thinly sliced into salads and vinaigrettes

An easy recipe is balsamic roasted shallots:

Slice 2-3 shallots into wedges. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 25 minutes until golden brown. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with parsley.

Conclusion: What Are Shallots?

Though small, shallots offer big flavor possibilities. Their mild, nuanced taste brings subtle onion flavor without overpowering. Shallots add aromatic backbone to numerous savory dishes. With proper storage, they last for weeks to use in your cooking. Try swapping shallots for regular onions and enjoy their gourmet flavor