[9] amazing broccoli rabe substitutes | Ultimate Tips

A common ingredient in many Italian dishes, broccoli rabe is a delicious vegetable that can substitute many other vegetables. 

Today, I’ll talk about how to substitute broccoli rabe into your favorite recipes and discuss some of my favorites with you!

We hope that these substitutions will help you enjoy more variety in your diet. If you are looking for more options with healthier options, then stay with us. I promise you will not disappoint.

9 amazing broccoli rabe substitutes

If you can’t find broccoli rabe at your grocery store or just don’t feel like making the trip, there are a few substitutes you can use. 

Well, Swiss chard is a good option, as is mustard greens. You could also try using kale or collard greens. If all of these options are still unavailable to you, then spinach would be your best bet. 

Just make sure to add some spice to your dish, as these greens are relatively mild in flavor.

When using any of these alternatives, one thing to keep in mind is that they tend to be a bit tougher than broccoli rabe. You may need to cook them for a little longer to get them soft enough to eat. 

You could also try chopping them into smaller pieces before cooking. This will allow them to cook faster.

1. ESCAROLE 

Escarole is closely related to but not as bitter as its cousin, broccoli rabe (also known as rapini). 

escarole is closely related to but not as bitter as its cousin, broccoli rabe, you can substitute it

Escarole has broad green leaves and thin white ribs. If you find it at your local supermarket or farmer’s market, look for escarole with deep green leaves that are fresh-looking and crisp. 

The lighter-colored yellowish leaves may be older. You can use either one interchangeably according to personal taste preference; some people like their bitterness while others favor milder flavors. 

Escarole also holds up well during cooking (great for soups), while many people think broccoli rabe gets mushy if cooked too long.

· Roast Pork Loin with White Wine, Escarole, and Onions (Gluten-free)

· Roasted Pork Loin with Greens and Olives

· Whole Wheat Linguine with Rapini Pesto

· Broccoli Rabe Mac & Cheese

2.MUSTARD GREENS 

Mustard Greens is an excellent substitute for broccoli rabe in most dishes. They have a slightly bitter taste that pairs well with more robust flavors, such as garlic or onion. 

Mustard Green also has a slightly peppery flavor, adding some spice to your dish.

Mustard greens are a good option. They are widely available in most grocery shops and are simple to prepare. You can use them in salads, pasta dishes, or stir-fries.

3.TURNIP GREENS 

Broccoli rabe and turnip greens are both members of the Brassica family, including cabbage and brussels sprouts. 

using turnip greens instead of broccoli rabe.

The Brassica vegetables all share a similar pungent taste and a similar appearance. Because they belong to the same family of plants, there are ways in which they can be replacements for one another when recipes call for them. 

These substitutions include: using turnip greens instead of broccoli rabe.

When cooking broccoli rabe or turnip greens, the necessary thing to remember is that they cook more quickly than other vegetables in the Brassica family. 

For this reason, you should start with a shorter cooking time if you are using turnip greens as a substitute for broccoli rabe. 

If the recipe does not specify any additional liquids, begin by sautéing the greens in 1-2 tablespoons olive oil over medium flame for 3-5 minutes, or until wilted.

4. CHINESE BROCCOLI 

Chinese broccoli is a good substitution for broccoli rabe in many recipes. The two vegetables have a similar taste and texture, so they can be used interchangeably in most dishes. 

However, Chinese broccoli has a slightly milder flavor than broccoli rabe, so you may want to use a bit more of it if you’re trying to replicate the taste of broccoli rabe. 

Additionally, Chinese broccoli is usually sold in smaller bunches than broccoli rabe, so you’ll likely need to use more of it if you’re using it as a substitution. 

However, Chinese broccoli makes a great substitute for broccoli rabe in most recipes.

5. DANDELION GREENS 

In most recipes, dandelion greens can be covered for broccoli rabe, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. 

Dandelion greens are slightly bitter, so you may want to add a pinch of sugar to balance out the flavors. You can also use a little bit more oil or butter when cooking dandelion greens since they are a little bit drier than broccoli rabe. 

Overall, dandelion greens make an excellent substitute for broccoli rabe and provide many of the same nutrients and health benefits. Simply go ahead and try them out!

6. KALE 

Kale is an excellent substitution for broccoli rabe in many dishes. It has a similar texture and flavor, but it is milder than broccoli rabe. 

You can eat kale raw or cooked in soups, salads, or stir-fries. It also contains a lot of vitamins A and C.

If you are looking for a dish to replace broccoli rabe with kale, try this Kale and Bacon Salad recipe. 

The bacon adds a salty flavor to the dish, while the vinaigrette adds a tangy kick. This salad is perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

· 1 cup chopped

· 4 slices bacon, diced

· 1/4 cup diced red onion

· 1/4 cup diced celery

· 1/4 cup diced green bell pepper

· 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

· 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

· 1 tablespoon honey

· 1 teaspoon kosher salt

· 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

· 3 tablespoons olive oil

· 2 cups kale, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium flame, cook the bacon until crisp, about 8 minutes. Move the bacon to a dish lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon.

2. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, pepper, and bacon to the skillet; Cook for approximately 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

3. While the vegetables cook, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add kale; cook until just wilted, about 3 minutes. Serve the cooked kale with the warm dressing spooned on top or alongside.

7. SPINACH 

Broccoli rabe and spinach are both leafy vegetables that can be substituted for each other in most recipes. 

Both have a slightly bitter taste with a hint of pepper, although broccoli rabe is milder than spinach. Many cooks use them interchangeably in many dishes.

Spinach is usually interchangeable with green beans, Swiss chard, or beet greens in recipes.

How they are prepared is the most significant difference between them all. Green beans do not need to be blanched before using them, while Swiss chard and beet leaves need to be steamed briefly before using them raw in salads or cooking them. 

On the other hand, Spinach needs to be blanched before it can be used raw in salads and sandwiches or cooked.

Keep in mind that the flavor of spinach intensifies as it cooks, so if you are using it as a substitution for another vegetable in a recipe, you may want to start with less spinach and add more if needed. 

Spinach can also be frozen and used later. Just make sure to blanch it first.

So, if you’re searching for a way to change up your broccoli rabe dish, or are looking for a substitute for another leafy vegetable, give spinach a try!

8. ENDIVE

If you are looking for a substitution for broccoli rabe, endive is a good option. Both vegetables have a slightly bitter taste and are high in nutrients. 

However, the endive is a little less fibrous than the broccoli rabe. You can use either vegetable in recipes that call for the other.

9. BROCCOLINI

Broccolini is a type of broccoli that has long, thin stalks and small florets. It has a slightly milder flavor than broccoli rabe and is sweeter. 

You can find broccolini in most supermarkets. If you cannot see it, then you can substitute it with regular broccoli.

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Easy Broccoli rabe recipe

Ingredients:

· 1 pound broccoli rabe, tough stems removed

· 2 tablespoons olive oil

· 4 cloves garlic, sliced thin

· Pinch of red pepper flakes

· 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

· Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, toss together broccoli rabe, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Transfer mixture to a baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Serve with additional Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

Read More- 7 Robiola Cheese substitutes

Wrap Up On- Substitute for Broccoli Rabe

No matter which substitute you choose, you’re sure to enjoy a delicious and healthy meal.

Now that you know about the different broccoli rabe substitutes, it’s time to get cooking! 

Pick your favorite recipe and give one of these alternatives a try. You may be amazed at how satisfactorily they taste. Enjoy!

FAQs Related On Broccoli Rabe & Its Alternatives 

Q1. Are mustard greens similar to broccoli rabe?

Mustard greens and broccoli rabe are both green leafy vegetables. They are both in the cruciferous vegetable family, including cabbage, kale, and collard greens. 

However, they have different flavors. Mustard greens have a peppery flavor, while broccoli rabe has a bitter flavor.

Both mustard greens and broccoli rabe are good sources of nutrients. Mustard greens are a reliable vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron source. Broccoli rabe is rich in vitamin A, C, folate, and potassium.

Which one is better? It relies on what you are looking for. If you are looking for a peppery flavor, then mustard greens are the best choice. 

But if you are looking for a bitter flavor, then broccoli rabe is the best choice.

Q2. What does raw broccoli rabe look like?

Raw broccoli rabe is a dark green vegetable with small, tight florets. The stalks are thin, and the leaves are tender.

Q3. What does cooked broccoli rabe taste like?

Cooked broccoli rabe has a slightly bitter but peppery taste. It’s a great addition to pasta dishes, risotto, or pizza.

Q4. How do you cook broccoli rabe?

Broccoli rabe can be boiled, steamed, or sautéed. It’s best to cook it for just a few minutes, so it remains crisp and flavorful.

broccoli rabe substitute Australia

The most popular alternative for broccoli rabe in Australia is spinach, kale, turnip, and endive.

broccoli rabe substitute the UK

The most popular replacement for broccoli rabe in the UK is rapini or turnip tops, spring Raab rapini broccoli, etc.

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