Chinese chivesEasy to find
Same amount
It is the same plant under another name, with the same garlicky bite.
Ingredient guide
Garlic chives 부추
Buchu are flat-leaved garlic chives. They go into pajeon-style pancakes, dumpling fillings, kimchi and quick stir-fries, adding a fresh, garlicky bite.
Taste
Fresh, grassy and gently garlicky, milder than garlic and sharper than regular chives.
What to look for
Flat, deep-green leaves in bundles at Korean and Chinese markets. Choose crisp, unwilted bunches; thicker leaves are stronger.
Storing it
Wrap in a damp paper towel and refrigerate; use within about 3 days.
How to find Garlic chives, anywhere
Works in any country — look for these names, in these kinds of shops.
Names to look for
- buchu
- garlic chives
- Chinese chives
- nira (Japanese)
- 부추
Show this at the shop부추
Where to look
- Korean grocery stores, fresh herbs
- Chinese or other Asian supermarkets (also labelled "Chinese chives")
- Some farmers markets in warm months
Watch out for
- Regular chives are round and hollow with no garlic note — add a pinch of garlic.
- Chive flowers (gau choi) are a different, thicker product.
Can't find Garlic chives? Use this instead
Honest swaps, with amounts per unit of the original and how the dish will change.
Scallion greens + a little minced garlicEasy to find
For each ½ cup garlic chives: ½ cup sliced scallion greens and ¼ tsp minced garlic
Gives the same fresh oniony-garlicky note; a bit sharper and less grassy.
▲ sharper▼ garlic depth
Where to buy it near you
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