Watercress has a refreshing aroma and a tangy flavor.
Watercress has a strong image as a garnish for dishes, but it can also be used in recipes such as dressings, stir-fries, and sauces.
Although watercress can be used in all kinds of dishes depending on your ingenuity, it is also a vegetable that you often don’t have on hand when you want to use it.
Oh no! I don’t have any watercress. What should I do?
Many supermarkets don’t have watercress, and there are times when you want to use it but can’t get it right away.
In such cases, knowing what you can substitute for watercress can come in very handy!
In this article, I will introduce you to “watercress substitutes” that can help you in times of need.
Characteristics of watercress
If you are not a cooking enthusiast or a home gardener, you may not be familiar with watercress.
When you go out to eat, you may find a little watercress on the side of your steak or other dishes.
Although watercress is not such a prominent vegetable, it is actually a very nutritious superfood.
Watercress contains a large amount of carotene, which is not only effective in thinning the blood, but also in preventing cancer and anti-aging.
It is also rich in calcium, making it a vegetable that both growing children and adults should eat a lot of.
It also contains potassium and iron, making it a vegetable that is just packed with nutrients!
I recommend these 11 substitutes for watercress!
Watercress substitute 1: Arugula
Arugula is often used in Italian cuisine.
It is a leafy vegetable with a sesame-like aroma and a tangy flavor.
Such arugula can also be used as a substitute for watercress.
When using arugula as a substitute, you can use it just as you would use watercress.
It may look different from watercress, but its flavor will serve as a fine substitute for watercress.
Substitute for watercress 2: Wasabi
Wasabi is an indispensable ingredient when eating sashimi.
In addition to sashimi, wasabi can be used as a condiment for all kinds of Japanese dishes.
It has a spicy taste and a characteristic aroma that goes through the nose.
Depending on how you use it, wasabi can be used as a substitute for watercress.
When using wasabi as a substitute, use it for anything that you want to recreate the pungent taste of watercress.
Just keep in mind that the aroma is slightly different from that of watercress.
The tangy, pungent flavor will give you the feeling you’re using watercress!
Substitute for watercress 3: Mitsuba
Mitsuba is often used to add flavor to Japanese cuisine.
It has an elegant aroma and looks a bit similar to watercress and water parsley.
With its crunchy texture and unique taste, it can be used as a substitute for watercress.
When using mitsuba as a substitute, you can use it just like watercress.
However, it is not as pungent as watercress, so you may want to add a little wasabi to taste.
You can make it more like watercress by adding wasabi.
Substitute for watercress 4: Japanese radish
Ka-iwari-daikon is often used in salads and soaked vegetables.
Its tangy and spicy taste is very characteristic and makes a nice accent to dishes.
It has a crunchy texture, and although it is thin, it is very satisfying to eat.
The radish can be used as a substitute for watercress.
When using kaware-daikon as a substitute, you can use it in the same way as watercress.
Although the aroma is a little distant, the texture and flavor are very similar to those of watercress, so it can be a good substitute.
Substitute for watercress 5: mustard greens
As the word “mustard” is in the name, mustard greens are characterized by their spicy flavor.
In addition to its pungent taste, mustard greens also have a unique bitterness that some people do not like, but it has an addictive taste.
The mustard greens can be used as a substitute for watercress.
Originally, watercress was also known as “Dutch mustard greens (or Dutch mustard),” so the flavors are similar.
When you use mustard greens as a substitute, you can use them just as you would watercress.
It also has a crunchy texture, which makes it an excellent substitute for watercress!
Substitute for watercress 6: Horseradish
Horseradish is not a major vegetable, but its crunchy texture and unique pungent taste are very delicious.
It has a pungent taste and flavor similar to that of regular wasabi, and its pungent taste can be used in salad dressings, soaked vegetables, and pickles.
Horseradish can also be used as a substitute for watercress.
When using wasabi greens as a substitute for watercress, you can use them just as you would watercress.
The flavor is somewhat different from that of watercress, but as a substitute, it will serve you well.
Substitute for watercress 7: Potherb mustard
Potherb mustard has an unconventional taste and can be used in any dish.
Its crunchy texture is one of its main characteristics, and it is a leafy vegetable that is often used in hot pots and salads.
Potherb mustard can also be used as a substitute for watercress with a little ingenuity.
Potherb mustard does not have the pungent taste that watercress has, so if you want to use it as a substitute for watercress, I recommend using it with wasabi.
The Mizuna should reproduce the texture of the watercress, and the wasabi should reproduce the flavor.
The texture is very firm, so combining it with wasabi will give it a more watercress-like atmosphere!
Watercress substitutes (8-11) and more!
- Parsley
- Pea shoots
- Chervil
- Baby leaf
Summary
- Watercress is a superfood rich in nutrients such as carotene, calcium, potassium, and iron.
- The following 11 substitutes for watercress are recommended. [Arugula, wasabi, mitsuba, kaware-daikon, mustard greens, wasabi greens, mizuna, parsley, bean sprouts, chervil, baby leaves].