What can I substitute for silverbeet?
Running low on silverbeet? Here are the best verified substitutes, including how to adjust your measurements.
About silverbeet
Silverbeet is a leafy green vegetable with broad, dark green leaves and thick white, red, or yellow stalks, belonging to the beet family. It has a robust, slightly earthy flavour and tender leaves that wilt readily when cooked, making it a versatile ingredient in soups, sautés, and pastries. Unlike spinach, silverbeet has a more pronounced flavour and firmer texture that holds up well to longer cooking times.
Best substitute
English spinach
English spinach is the closest substitute in terms of flavour and texture, though its leaves are more tender and will wilt faster. It works well in most recipes calling for silverbeet, though the stalks are not as substantial.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup, though you may need slightly more as spinach wilts down further
sautéingsoupspastapastriesNot suitable for: dishes needing firm stalks
Alternative
Swiss chard
Swiss chard is essentially the same plant as silverbeet and can be used interchangeably in any recipe. The coloured-stemmed varieties (rainbow chard) behave identically in cooking.
Use 1 cup for every 1 cup — exact 1:1 replacement
sautéingsoupsbakingbraising
Alternative
kale
Kale has a similar robust, slightly bitter flavour and sturdy texture to silverbeet, making it a good substitute in soups, stews, and sautés. Massage or blanch kale first to soften its tougher leaves before using in recipes where silverbeet would be lightly cooked.
What is silverbeet called in other countries?
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| Australia | silverbeet |
| Canada | Swiss chard |
| New Zealand | silverbeet |
| United Kingdom | Swiss chard |
| United States | Swiss chard |
Common names for silverbeet
Swiss chardchardrainbow chardleaf beetspinach beet