Bamboo Shoot Substitutes: Here Are Some Recommended Alternatives You Can Choose

Bamboo shoots are one of the delicacies of spring.

With their unique umami taste and chewy texture, bamboo shoots are very popular in stews, stir-fries, and soups.

However, when bamboo shoots are out of season, it can be difficult to find good bamboo shoots, or they can be too expensive to buy.

Oh no! I don’t have any bamboo shoots. What should I do? 😭😭😭

So this time, I’ll introduce you to bamboo shoot substitutes that can be useful when you’re in trouble, so please take a look at them!

What is the key to choosing bamboo shoot substitutes?

Bamboo shoots are the young shoots of the family Poaceae, the subfamily Bambooaceae, and are used as food in Japan and China.

It is a commonly known young sprout of bamboo, characterized by its unique umami taste, chewy texture, and rich aroma.

However, except for freshly harvested bamboo shoots, they have a strong acrid and gummy taste, so careful preparation is necessary.

Even if the bamboo shoots are fragrant and flavorful, they will be ruined if they have an acrid or unpleasant taste.

The best substitute for bamboo shoots is one that has a unique umami taste and texture.

Bamboo shoots are very attractive because of their crunchy texture, so the texture is essential when choosing a substitute.

It also has a unique umami taste, but that alone will not be enough for you.

Bamboo shoots remain crunchy and full of umami even when used in stir-fries, simmered dishes, and soups, so try to find a substitute that is as close as possible!

7 substitutes for bamboo shoots

Substitute for bamboo shoots 1: Potatoes

Long potatoes

Potatoes are a great substitute for bamboo shoots because of their versatility and usefulness in all kinds of dishes.

Potatoes are an excellent substitute for bamboo shoots when making chinjiao roast, and many people say that they use potatoes instead of bamboo shoots in their homes.

To substitute potatoes for bamboo shoots, cut potatoes to the appropriate size and fry them raw without boiling.

By frying them raw, you can get the same crunchy texture as bamboo shoots!

Substitute for bamboo shoots 2: Young corn

Young Corn

Young corn is also a good substitute for bamboo shoots, as it is often used in various recipes such as Happosai, Ramen noodles, and salads.

Young corn, as the name suggests, is the young shoots of corn before it grows up, and is also called baby corn.

It is also called baby corn. It has a crunchy texture and a unique flavor, making it a perfect substitute for bamboo shoots.

When using young corn as a substitute, you can use the same method as when using bamboo shoots.

The chewy texture, umami taste, and juiciness of young corn will make it a great substitute for bamboo shoots.

Substitute for bamboo shoots 3: Eringi

Eringi mushrooms

Eryngi mushrooms have a crunchy or plump texture with no peculiar flavors and can be used in place of bamboo shoots.

It can be used as a substitute for bamboo shoots because it has no peculiar taste, so it goes well with any dish, and its texture is similar to that of bamboo shoots.

The texture is similar to that of bamboo shoots, making it an easy substitute.

Substitute for bamboo shoots 4: Broccoli core

Broccoli Core

The core of broccoli, which has limited applications compared to the tassel, can be used in all kinds of recipes such as salads and stir-fries, but depending on how you use it, it can also be used in place of bamboo shoots.

Compared to the bunches, which have both a soft and petite texture and a unique flavor, broccoli stems are firm and chewy and exude sweetness and umami as you chew, making them a good substitute for bamboo shoots.

When using broccoli stalks as a substitute, I recommend cutting them into thin strips and lightly grilling the surface to resemble bamboo shoots.

By browning the surface, you can create a texture more similar to that of bamboo shoots.

The stems of broccoli are usually thrown away, but they can be used as a substitute for bamboo shoots, and are also rich in vitamin C and carotene, which are good for health and beauty.

Substitute for bamboo shoots 5: Daikon

Daikon

Daikon, a very popular ingredient for stews, soups, and hot pots, can also be used in place of bamboo shoots depending on the recipe.

Fresh daikon radish or moderately heated daikon radish is a perfect substitute for bamboo shoots because it is chewy and the more you bite into it, the more umami you get.

When using a daikon as a substitute, lightly fry the surface of the daikon first.

This will give it not only a chewy texture but also an umami flavor.

However, be careful not to stir-fry the daikon too much, as it will release water and become soft, and the bamboo shoots will not be as good.

Substitute for bamboo shoots 6: lotus root

Lotus Root

Renkon (lotus root) is also a good substitute for bamboo shoots, as it gives a nice texture when added to Chikuzen-ni or Kinpira.

It has a crunchy texture and no peculiar flavor, so it is a very easy substitute to use.

When using lotus root as a substitute, it is best to cut it into appropriate sizes and fry it raw without precooking, just as you would do with potatoes.

Substitute for bamboo shoots 7: Bean sprouts

Bean sprouts

Bean sprouts, which are always stable and affordable, can also be used in place of bamboo shoots.

Bean sprouts have a crunchy texture, which can be used as a substitute for bamboo shoots.

Bean sprouts are a good substitute for bamboo shoots because they have a crunchy texture, and they have no peculiar taste, making them a good choice for chinjaoro soup.

When substituting bean sprouts, be sure to stir-fry them at the end of the cooking process so as not to spoil the texture.

If you do not over-fry, the toothiness of the bean sprout will take the place of bamboo shoots!

Summary

  • Bamboo shoot is a young sprout of bamboo that is commonly known for its unique umami taste, chewy texture, and rich aroma, but it has a strong acrid and gummy taste, so it needs to be prepared properly.
  • Bamboo shoot substitutes should be selected for their unique umami taste and chewy texture.
  • We recommend the following 7 substitutes for bamboo shoots. Potatoes, young corn, Eringiii, broccoli core, daikon, lotus root, bean sprouts