Never fear if you love broccoli rabe but find yourself without it at the store! Plenty of other vegetables can fill their place in your meals.
Although broccoli rabe isn’t like most other veggies, it is similar to other leafy greens that you may already have on hand.
Give one of these substitutes for broccoli rabe a try. Do this to see if it satisfies your craving for this unique and delicious green vegetable!
Substitutes for Broccoli Rabe
1. Kale
Kale is among the great substitutes for broccoli rabe. It has a similar taste and texture and is just as healthy. Plus, kale is easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
Kale is a dark, leafy green vegetable related to cabbage and collard greens. It has a slightly bitter taste and is often used in salads or cooked as a side dish.
Kale can be used as a substitute for broccoli rabe in most recipes. Here’s how to cook it:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Remove the stem from the kale and tear it into bite-size pieces.
- Spread kale on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper, then bake for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
2. Bok Choy
Bok choy is a type of Chinese cabbage often used in stir-fries. It is more tender and has a milder flavor than broccoli rabe.
You can substitute bok choy in any recipe that calls for broccoli rabe.
Bok choy also takes less time to cook, so if you’re substituting it for broccoli rabe, you may need to add some extra seasoning.
The only downside to using bok choy is that its leaves are not edible; they should be cut off before cooking.
3. Radicchio
Radicchio is a bitter leafy green that is deep red and slightly peppery. It is often used as a salad green.
When shopping for radicchio, look for leaves that are crisp and free of brown spots.
Radicchio is also one of the best substitutes for broccoli rabe. It has a similar flavor and can be used in many of the same dishes.
The main difference between these two greens is their texture. Radicchio tends to be crunchier than broccoli rabe, so consider using this vegetable if you want one with more bite.
4. Lettuce Section
When it comes to leafy greens, plenty of substitutes for broccoli rabe are available. Romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, and even kale are all good choices.
If you’re looking for something with a flavor similar to broccoli rabe, arugula or watercress are both excellent options.
For a more traditional substitute, try using bok choy or even spinach. These substitutes may not have the same flavor profile as broccoli rabe, but they will do the trick!
5. Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts look like miniature cabbages and have a similar taste to broccoli.
They’re a great source of vitamins C and K and can be steamed, roasted, or sautéed.
Brussels sprouts are a good substitute for broccoli rabe. They are tiny and have a cabbage-like flavor.
Brussels sprouts can be boiled, steamed, pan-fried, or roasted, eaten alone or as part of an entree.
They are also often served with other vegetables, meats, and pasta.
Their vitamin content includes A, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), folate, C, and K.
The top four benefits of Brussels sprouts include colon cancer and heart disease prevention.
They have increased immune system function—reduction in LDL cholesterol levels. And weight loss due to their high fiber content.
6. Endives
Endives are great substitutes for broccoli rabe. They have a similar texture and taste, and they’re also packed with nutrients. Plus, they’re easy to find and usually cheaper.
Here are endive recipes that’ll make you forget all about broccoli rabe.
- Mock-chopped salad, a mix of greens and chopped veggies dressed in vinegar or oil, is often served as an appetizer.
- Tuscan Bread Salad: Tossing diced bread with greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and pine nuts before dressing it in vinaigrette is one way to enjoy a light Tuscan-style salad (from Cooking Light).
- Steamed Greens: You could steam or saute your greens with garlic cloves or bacon bits for flavor!
- Cabbage Salads: Slice cabbage thin and dress it with lemon juice and olive oil, as you would typically dress broccoli rabe!
- Red Leaf Lettuce Wraps: Fill up crispy wraps with chicken or shrimp and veggies like onions, peppers, or mushrooms.
7. Turnip Greens
Turnip greens are a typical side dish in the southern United States and make an excellent substitute for broccoli rabe.
They have a similar flavor and texture and are just as nutritious. Plus, they’re widely available and easy to cook.
Here’s how to do it: Rinse them well under running water. Trim off tough stems with a sharp knife, then chop them into small pieces.
Saute them with olive oil over medium-high heat until they turn slightly green and brown on the edges. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm or cold.
8. Cabbage
Cabbage is an excellent substitute for broccoli rabe. It has a similar texture and flavor and can be used in all the same dishes. Plus, it’s usually cheaper and easier to find than broccoli rabe.
9. Chicory
If you’re looking for a vegetable with a similar flavor to broccoli rabe, chicory is a good option.
It has a slightly bitter taste and is often used in salads or as a side dish.
When shopping for chicory, look for heads that are fresh and crisp. Avoid any that are wilted or have brown spots.
You can use chicory like broccoli rabe: sauté it until tender or add it to pasta sauce.
10. Watercress
Watercress is always my go-to substitute when I can’t find broccoli rabe at the store.
It has a similar peppery flavor and slightly bitter taste, making it a perfect stand-in for broccoli rabe.
Plus, watercress is loaded with nutrients like vitamins A and C, so it’s a healthy option, too.
11. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a dark, leafy green vegetable often used in Southern cooking.
They taste slightly bitter and are usually cooked with ham or bacon to balance the flavors.
Collard greens can substitute for broccoli rabe in most recipes. Cook them until tender and proceed with the recipe as usual.
