5 BEST Jicama Substitutes To Use

Are you out of luck if Jicama isn’t available? Not at all! Although this vegetable is popular for its crunchy texture and mildly sweet crispy taste, there are many other ingredients to consider as jicama substitutes And good thing cause I know sometimes I go to the grocery store. There is no jicama or the jicama, there looks like it went through WW2.

With some experimenting, you can find the perfect sub that best fits your recipe or dish. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at some of the healthy and delicious swaps you have in lieu of jicama. Read on to get some great ideas and useful advice about how to navigate finding a suitable substitute!

But before we dive in let’s make sure we fully grasp what jicama tastes like. I find this helpful when finding a good alternative.

What Does Jicama Taste Like?

Jicama is a root vegetable native to Mexico and Central America, belonging to the potato and bean family. It has white flesh, a crunchy and crisp texture, and a sweet flavor. Its taste is slightly nutty and similar to a very mild turnip, but with a slight sweetness underlining it. But in no way would I think it’s sweet like an apple.

Jicama also contains quite a bit of fiber which accounts for its crunchy texture. While this vegetable can be eaten raw or cooked, it typically finds its use in salads and slaws since the crispness amplifies these dishes. Plus, it’s low-carb!

It can also be roasted or boiled like potatoes to create interesting variations of classic dishes. But even cooked, that crunchy texture seems to shine through. All in all, Jicama is an incredibly versatile ingredient present in many Mexican dishes, and for a good reason – its sweet flavor pairs nicely with sauces like cilantro-lime vinaigrette or even yogurt dressings!

Substitutes For Jicama

All the alternatives below can be used at a 1-to-1 ratio. Meaning if your recipe calls for 1 cup you can use 1 cup of any of these options! Making these easy swaps!

Water Chestnuts

Water chestnuts are an excellent substitute for jicama in recipes. They have a similar crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor, making them an ideal replacement when jicama is not available or if you want to try something new.

Water chestnuts are also very versatile and can be used in salads, slaws, stir-fries, soups, and more. Additionally, water chestnuts provide an interesting contrast when paired with sweeter vegetables and fruits such as carrots or apples. Some even enjoy adding diced water chestnuts to sandwiches for extra crunch!

Just a heads up, though, if you are following a keto diet or low-carb lifestyle. Unlike jicama, water chestnuts are on the carb heavy side.

Sunchokes

Sunchokes, also known as Jerusalem artichokes, are an excellent substitute for jicama in recipes. With a similar crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor, sunchokes make an ideal replacement when jicama is not available or if you want to try something new.

They are incredibly versatile and can be used in salads, slaws, stir-fries, soups and more. I love the flavor of sunchokes cooked in butter. My uncle used to grow them every year. Like jicama, sunchokes are also high in fiber. Please keep that in mind when using since sunchokes and upset some sensitive tummies.

Crosnes

If you happen to be at an Asian grocery store, then grab some crones. These little beauties are a great substitute for jicama. These little root vegetables have a crunchy texture and sweet flavor similar to jicama and water chestnuts, making them a great replacement. Crosnes are versatile as they can be eaten raw, cooked, and even pickled.

Crosnes are native to Japan but also grown in other parts of Asia, like China and Korea. They look like small potatoes with ridged skin that comes off easily once cooked. Their flavor is slightly nutty with a hint of sweetness which works great where jicama is needed.

Daikon Radish

Daikon looks like a large white carrot, but it’s actually a radish! Diakon has a crisp mild flavor that has a hint of pepperiness. Like most radishes! They can be used raw or cooked. Because of all these similarities, this radish works as a good alternative to jicama.

Other similarities are that daikon is also high in fiber and low in carbs. Making it one of the options that are great for those on a keto diet to watching carb intake.

Turnip

Our last jicama replacement is the humble turnip! These little root veggies make a substitute for jicama in a slew of recipes. They have a sweet and slightly spicy flavor that adds an interesting depth to any dish.

They are also low in fat and calories, making them a great option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake. Turnips can be diced like jicama and added to salads, bowls, stir-fries, and more. They provide the same crunchy texture as jicama while adding a subtle mild amount of peppery flavor.

My Final Thoughts On Substitutes For Jicama

Jicama is a great ingredient to add crunch and sweetness to dishes. However, if you can’t find it in the grocery store or don’t want to use it for whatever reason, there are plenty of alternatives! Water chestnuts, sunchokes, crosnes, daikon radish, and turnips all make excellent substitutes that offer similar texture and flavor profiles.

Each alternative has its own unique benefits, such as low-calorie, low carbs, and/or high-fiber – perfect for those following specific diets. With these options at your fingertips, you can easily create delicious recipes without sacrificing taste or nutrition. So next time jicama isn’t available – give one of these alternatives a try! Happy Cooking!

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