Substitutes for frisée in cooking include arugula, escarole, radicchio, curly endive, watercress, spinach, kale, mixed baby greens, and baby romaine, each offering unique tastes and textures to match various culinary needs.
Arugula provides a peppery flavor and can replace frisée to add a similar bite to salads. It wilts faster, so dress it just before serving. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that arugula is more peppery than bitter. Popular brands include Organic Girl and Earthbound Farm.
Escarole, a broader-leafed endive, offers a less frilly texture but a similar bitterness to frisée. It's sturdier in salads. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Escarole can be slightly less bitter, so you might want to mix it with another green like radicchio. There are no specific brands for escarole as it is commonly found in local markets.
Radicchio, with its bold red color and bitter flavor, can stand in for frisée to add color contrast and a flavor kick to salads. Chop it into smaller pieces to mimic frisée's texture. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Radicchio is more intensely bitter, so you may want to balance it with milder greens. Again, this is typically found in local markets rather than under specific brands.
Curly endive, often confused with frisée, has similar frilly leaves and bitterness. It makes an excellent garnish. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Its leaves are tougher, so it might not wilt as easily as frisée. Local markets and general produce brands usually carry curly endive.
Watercress offers a peppery taste and can be used as a garnish in place of frisée. It's more delicate, so add it right before serving. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Watercress adds a different flavor profile, being more peppery than bitter. Brands like B&W Quality Growers provide fresh watercress.
Spinach can substitute frisée in cooked dishes, offering a milder flavor and wilting to a soft texture. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Spinach cooks down more than frisée, so use more if you want bulk. Popular brands include Organic Girl and Earthbound Farm.
Kale, particularly baby kale, can replace frisée in cooked dishes for a heartier texture and a slightly bitter taste. Massage or cook it slightly longer than frisée. Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Kale is tougher and less bitter, so adjust cooking times accordingly. Brands like Curly's and Earthbound Farm offer a variety of kale.
Mixed baby greens can replace frisée for a tender, less bitter salad base suitable for various dietary needs. They provide a mix of flavors and textures. Use in a 1:1 ratio. They often include milder greens, so the overall bitterness will be less pronounced. Look for brands like Organic Girl and Earthbound Farm.
Baby romaine lettuce is a good stand-in for frisée with a crunch and slight bitterness. It's perfect for those who prefer a milder taste. Use in a 1:1 ratio. Baby romaine is less bitter and has a crunchier spine. Brands like Fresh Express and Organic Girl offer baby romaine lettuce.
| Recipe Category | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Salads | Arugula, Escarole, Radicchio |
| Garnishes | Curly Endive, Watercress |
| Cooked Applications | Spinach, Kale |
| Dietary Preferences | Mixed Baby Greens, Baby Romaine |
While frisée's unique texture and flavor make it a distinctive ingredient in the kitchen, these substitutes can help maintain the spirit of your dishes across various cuisines and dietary preferences. Each substitute comes with its unique characteristics, allowing you to adapt your recipes to what's available or to your taste preferences.
