Place a medium non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tsp. They are also nutty in taste with a crunchy texture. They have a slightly spicy flavor and the older ones develop a pronounced mustard flavor which mellows during the cooking process. Crushed peanuts Finely sliced scallions / shallots Instructions Mix cornflour with 1 tbsp water until lump free. This is one of the cheaper substitutes for water chestnuts. This canned product provides a different flavor for those who want to tweak the recipe that calls for water chestnuts. Their flavor is mild but slightly sweet and nutty. They have the same earthy, nutty flavor. Add the ground chicken and cook until browned completely and starting to get a little crispy. When we talk about water chestnuts, we usually mean their corms. The plant is native to China, Japan, the Philippines, and India, and it also grows in Africa and Australia. I'll be honest with you, I started this website because someone told me I couldn't and I needed to prove them wrong. Some of the best water chestnut substitutes are canned water chestnuts, turnips, Jicama, Jerusalem artichokes, and bamboo shoots. Because they are starchy, raw jicama can be unpleasant in the mouth. They have the same use and are substituted with equal amounts or adapted according to taste. Hello, I am Saurabh and I love cooking. When water chestnuts are not available, as with lettuce wraps, you can use jicama, a crunchy root vegetable from Central America. The daikon flavor is softer and less spicy than that of other radishes. The Top 12 Replacements for Water Chestnuts Water chestnuts in a can. A short cook time on higher heat is preferable to a long, slow cook time when using jicama as a substitute for water chestnuts. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Substitute Cooking 2023 - All Right Reserved. Each fruit has 5 to 7 slightly curved ribs running its length. Scoop the meat and water chestnut mixture into a lettuce cup, drizzle or spoon the peanut sauce next to the meat (or on top of it). Water chestnuts have very little flavor but pack a crunch. It works well in salads, curries, or stir-fries. This substitute for water chestnut flour has a very rich protein content and also, importantly, its gluten-free. Water chestnuts are commonly used for oriental dishes such as tempura. If youre looking for water chestnuts, you should be able to find them at an Asian grocery store or maybe even some supermarkets. 1. In China, water chestnut is a common ingredient used in many local Chinese recipes and it is also eaten raw just like a fruit. Serve with the lettuce leaves. Arrowroot can be used in any recipe calling for water chestnut powder can replace it cup for cup. Add beef; cook and stir until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. If you cant find jicama but you can find Jerusalem artichokes, both of them are excellent stand-ins for the mild flavor of water chestnuts, with similar color and texture also. It is best to avoid large turnips since they may taste bitter. It also has a number of antioxidants that help in reducing your risk of several chronic health problems.[Source]. The name comes from their appearance when first taken out of the water where they grow. Drain and set aside. Add the water chestnuts, green onions, salt and pepper to taste, and cook for about 2 minutes, or until tender. Now, I might not have the most acquired taste, and I might not be a professional chef, but that doesnt mean I dont have some great ideas and strategies. In a large skillet heat 1 tablespoon of the toasted sesame oil over medium high heat. It offers something new, which can prompt you to become more creative in whipping up your dishes and making the substitution. Note- This post may contain affiliate links, we earn from qualifying purchases made on our website. Answer (1 of 10): Heavily blanched daikon (white) radish slices will have some of the same crunch. Chopped jicama provides a crunchy texture without adding any additional flavors. Obviously, this is the closest you can get that is easily available as a substitute for water chestnuts. Water chestnut is a commonly used ingredient in Chinese cuisine. It is a low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber and vitamins. Water chestnuts are commonly used in Chinese recipes, as well as all over southeast Asia. Because of this, it is easy to see how water chestnuts would be prime breeding grounds for fungal growth. Using a food processor, mix together the peanut butter, brown rice syrup, garlic, shoyu or tamari, lime juice, chili sauce and the 1/3 cup warm water until combined thoroughly. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Some of the closet substitutes in terms of taste and texture includes smaller sized turnips and canned water chestnuts. The top substitutes for chestnuts are pecans, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts, tiger nuts, jackfruit seeds and pistachios. The whiter the celery is, the less distinct the green celery flavor will be. If the recipe calls for more than 1 1/2 cups of water chestnuts, gradually add the chopped radish and taste the dish. Hopefully, the article about sub for water chestnuts above meets your needs, everyone has a better idea, please leave a comment below, all your suggestions help us create better and better articles for everyone. Water Chestnut is a small, grass-like aquatic plant that grows in shallow freshwater or mud. Cook for 2 minutes. Hello! It is a root vegetable with brown-colored skin and luscious, crispy flesh. Potatoes, Irish potatoes, or white potatoes make a great alternative for water chestnuts. 6) Hazelnut Flour As the name suggests, hazelnut flour is made by grinding the raw hazelnuts. If not cooked properly, the toxin present in the Bamboo shoot can produce cyanide in your gut system. So, shall we discuss the best substitutes for water chestnuts right away? They have a round, tuber-like storage organ below ground covered with thin skin and a pointed tip. They are also used to add crunch to a creamy spinach dip and bring an exotic flavor to vegetable side dishes. These alternatives for water chestnuts will help you emulate the flavor of water chestnuts without actually using them. You can use 1.5 grams of raw and finely chopped fresh ginger instead of one gram of fresh water chestnut. For most recipes that include water chestnuts, standard chestnuts would not make a good substitute. These can be sliced or fried, depending on the nature of the recipe. In a medium bowl, combine the bamboo shoots, water chestnuts, sherry, hoisin sauce, peanut butter, soy sauce, hot-pepper sauce, and sugar substitute. Instead of water chestnuts, you can use them to make low-calorie side dishes, stews, and soups. While not a great substitute for the flavor or color of water chestnuts, celery is available in almost every grocery store. Consumers can reduce the spread of the water chestnuts fungal infection by consuming the fruit as soon as possible after harvesting it. They are prized for their delicate crunch. The sesame seed oil, coconut aminos, and rice vinegar create a unique marinade that adds a slightly sweet and tangy flavor. They contain toxins that, when consumed, might lead to the production of cyanide in your gut. All you have to do is put them in a small bowl and pour over 2 tablespoons of olive oil. For the rice sticks, place one to two inches of oil in a small saucepot. Canned Water Chestnuts 2. However, if the recipe calls for two grams of fresh water chestnuts, you can use the combination of a gram of turnips and two grams of chopped daikon. To use jicama instead of water chestnut, you have to gradually add slices to your dish and taste before adding more. Some places that sell Asian produce carry them year-round, particularly the canned version, because theyre a popular ingredient in many Chinese dishes. If you plan on using turnips, it is better to choose white turnips instead of other varieties. If you are preparing a dish that uses a lot of water chestnuts or showcases their subtle flavor, this is the best substitution for you to use. You can pickle them before adding to salads or roast them before mixing with chicken. Add about cup turkey mixture to each lettuce leaf, serve and enjoy! Since water chestnuts are loaded with ferulic acid, the cooked veggies and canned in water retain their crispiness. Stir the water chestnuts and green onions into the chicken mixture. Their texture resembles that of water chestnuts - crunchy and crisp. Its leaves, seeds, stalks, and roots are all fit for consumption. Yes, you can use water chestnuts instead of chestnuts. Add sauces and simmer: Add the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and chili paste. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Their name comes from their visual similarity to chestnuts when they are first harvested. Set aside. The hazelnut flour is gluten-free and can be used in smoothies, fish, and chicken bread. They also contain potassium, magnesium, and calcium that help maintain healthy blood pressure. Video Notes Notes on ingredients: Daikon radish and bamboo shoots are some of the low carb substitutes for water chestnuts. Any recipe calling for water chestnuts could be made with fresh or canned European chestnut instead. Yellow squash, zucchini, shredded carrot, bamboo shoots and water chestnuts are delicious options! They may be expensive, but almonds can be the tastiest substitute you can use in recipes that call for water chestnuts. You can instead scrub its skin under running water until it peels off. While the flavor is mild, white turnips are a little bit sweet. TAPIOCA FLOUR- Good Water Chestnut Alternate. You can find water chestnuts at an Asian grocery store or even some supermarkets. One 6-ounce can water chestnuts, chopped 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar Drizzling Sauce: 3 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar 1. They have an earthy flavor akin to Jerusalem artichokes. Additionally, ensure that you will cook through the dish if youre using the canned water chestnuts in a cake batter. Add the regular onions. You now have the list of best substitutes for water chestnuts. They have a distinctive nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. Flavor: The best water chestnut substitutes for flavor are canned water chestnuts, turnips, Jicama, and Jerusalem artichokes. In a large nonstick skillet, cook chicken in 1 tablespoon oil for 3 minutes; drain. Use the same amount of each ingredient or adjust the quantities to suit your preferences. Substitute equal amounts of Jerusalem artichokes. The white turnip, often known as turnip, is another root vegetable grown for its white, sturdy taproot in temperate climates worldwide. Mix well. Whats a good substitute for water chestnut? They have a fruity and nutty flavor which is also sweet a little like a cross between an apple and coconut. Peeling its skin will extensively bring down this vegetables warmth. Are water chestnuts the same as bamboo shoots? Closely associated with potatoes and beets, this root vegetable originated in eastern Asia and was cultivated around the Roman Empire. While cassava root is the last of the substitutes to try and replace water chestnuts, its flour can be used in lieu of water chestnut flour due to the sweet flavor. Hazelnuts are the nuts obtained from the hazel tree. Next, add in the shiitake mushrooms and cook for ~1 minute. Rinse them thoroughly and remove all dirt from the skin. Ginger gives a mild spicy kick to your recipes which can be utilized to replace water chestnut, depending on the recipe. They get soft when cooked with a mild artichoke heart flavor. The best substitutes for Water Chestnuts are - White Turnips, Canned Water Chestnuts, Jerusalem Artichokes, Jicama slices, Almond flour, Hazelnut flour, Cassava flour, Celery, Bamboo shoots, fresh Ginger, Daikon, and Radish slices. To limit the spread of the fungal infection, it is necessary to remove water from the water chestnuts environment. Crosnes have a similar texture to water chestnuts but a more pronounced nutty savor. Marinade: Reduced-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice wine or sherry, sugar, white pepper When it concerns freshwater chestnut substitutes, canned water chestnuts must be included on the list. Add 2 tablespoons of water to the rest of the sauce and mix well. PF Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps Copycat can be made at home in just 25 minutes. The following scribbles tell you what water chestnut is, its flavor, texture, culinary uses, and health benefits. If you make a purchase through links from this website, we may get a small share of the sale from Amazon and other similar affiliate programs. Im sure youre aware of this root crop, which is recognized for its sweet yet juicy and crunchy texture. Almonds and water chestnuts are texturally similar, making almonds a considerable substitute for water chestnuts. The presence of healthy fat called monounsaturated fat in hazelnuts make them super healthy. Generally, white turnips are going to be in season during the winter months. Stir in the sauce. Can You Use Water Instead of Milk for Pancakes. Water chestnuts have been cultivated in China since ancient times, and can now usually be found in Asian supermarkets and cuisine. 6. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Sign up for our newsletter and stay up to date. Instructions. So, trim off the roots and green parts, though the latter may be left if you're cooking it with greens. Jicama has an extremely mild flavor that is probably most similar to water chestnuts out of all the substitutions listed here. Also, as there is a flour made from water chestnuts, we have listed below some substitutes for water chestnut flour. Cooking these Asian lettuce wraps only requires six easy steps. If you do find them, they will require peeling which can be an unwanted extra step in your cooking process. Both Arrowroot and Tapioca Flour are gluten-free, making them perfect replacements for water chestnut powder when cooking for people with wheat allergies. 15. Combine turkey mixture, onions and chopped water chestnuts in a large bowl, stirring well, and set aside. Water chestnuts can easily decay if conditions are moist enough. Cook for a few minutes, then add the mushrooms. Also, in Asian cuisine water chestnut flour is used to improve deep-fried recipes. However, if you dont have any water chestnut flour to hand, dont worry just look at the list of substitutes below. Scoop into lettuce leaves and drizzle with peanut butter dressing. Add the peppers and water chestnuts and cook about 5 minutes or until peppers are becoming soft. It is better than Jerusalem artichokes in dishes that are served warm because it holds its texture longer. Ginger has warmth and slightly more sweetness than water chestnuts, so you cannot use it as a substitute in many recipes. See you then! Directions. It belongs to the sedge family (Cyperaceae) and is native to Asia. It makes a great substitute for water chestnut flour. It is an aquatic tuber that grows in marshes, lakes and ponds, and paddy fields. They are a common ingredient, especially in Chinese cuisine. Mist a large, nonstick skillet with cooking spray and set over medium heat. 3. Its a winter radish, among the most commonly consumed vegetables in Japan and many other Asian countries. Cook the Turkey. Hazelnuts are bigger than chestnuts. Their subtle flavor means they can be added to almost any dish without compromising the flavor profile. Place each half in 2 clean paper towels one at a time and gently press/squeeze to remove excess stored liquid (without breaking up the tofu). They can be eaten raw, but this isnt advisable because they might come with diseases from the water where they grew. Cook for 2 minutes or until the onions become fragrant. Actually, the vegetable is properly called a corm because it is an enlarged fleshy underground stem. Bamboo shoot is similar to water chestnut, so it is often used in place of water chestnut in different recipes. You can add crosnes in roasted chicken, salads, and pickles. Bamboo shoot can be a substitute for Water chestnut considering its crunchy texture. They are loaded with potassium, which helps in reducing your risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the mixture into the lettuce leaves to serve. Hey, I'm Jaron and I'm a self-proclaimed food expert and author of this website! We all adore almonds for their flavor, uses, health benefits, and versatility. Thats right. There are also 5 to 7 curvedKidney shaped seeds embedded in the center of each chestnut. They taste nearly identical to fresh ones, while fresh ones have a nuttier flavor. Water chestnut powder can be replaced with a number of other ingredients. Jerusalem Artichokes 4. Step 1 Ingredients required - Sesame oil , minced garlic , ground chicken meat , pepper powder , salt , yellow chopped onions , minced garlic , chopped water chestnuts , soy sauce ,rice vinegar , prepared homemade hoisin sauce , green portion of the spring onions , lettuce and fried noodle for garnishing. Lumpia Shanghai Get ready to fall in love with this crunchy bite-sized delight! Dont panic if you cant find chestnuts, you could try walnuts or hazelnuts instead and these Wellingtons use ready-made puff pastry, so they really couldnt be easier. Slight browning on the outer leaves is normal and edible, but you may trim outer leaves if desired. Shrimp Lettuce Wrap Ingredients: 10.5 oz of shrimps; 10.5 oz of water chestnuts; 5.5 oz of fried bread sticks; 1 bundle of green onions; 0.5 oz of egg white; 1 tbs of sweet potato starch; 1 round lettuce; Seasoning: 1/2 tbs of sesame oil; 1/2 tbs of rice wine; 1 tsp of white pepper; 1 tsp of salt; First, carefully separate each lettuce leaf. White turnips don't have the strong pepper flavor that other types of turnips do. Heat sesame oil over medium high heat. This is way quicker than takeout and you can never beat a delicious homemade meal. As for the amount, you can use a 1:1 ratio or a gram of white turnip slices for a little more than a gram of water chestnuts. But thats not it. It is white, nutty, sweet and crunchy and contains a good amount of iron. Choose turnips less than three inches in diameter. They have similar crispiness and crunch as water chestnuts. Best Tomatoes for Pizza Sauce Complete Guide, 7 Best Spatulas for Making Smash Burgers [2023]. They are traditionally served roasted in the wintertime as the roasting process brings out their flavor. It has a crispy texture similar to that of carrots. White turnips have a slight hint of peppery flavor which works in many Asian dishes with water chestnuts. 4: Jicama. AlthoughChestnut and water chestnuts are often used in oriental cooking,they have different nutritional properties. Bamboo shoots are one of the most famous vegetables in Japan, with many dishes made from high-quality shoots. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until turkey is cooked and veggies are tender. A medley of simple yet satisfying flavors will make your tastebuds rejoice! Almonds have a high protein content and can be used in place of water chestnuts when they are in need of a nutritious snack. If you know of any more options that arent on this list, please let us know in the comments section and tell us which one is your favorite. It is not always easy to look for the fresh variety outside of these countries. Add salt, chili powder, garlic, and ginger, and stir to combine. What are the low carb substitutes for water chestnuts? Add carrots, mushrooms, water chestnuts, green onions and garlic. It has a sweet and savory flavor that makes it a good alternative to water chestnut flour. It is a type of radish with long roots. You can. If you plan on using turnips, it is better to choose white turnips instead of other varieties. Water chestnuts (Eleocharis dulcis) are tubersthat look like nutty potatoes, and they grow underwater in mud, whereasEuropean chestnuts (Castanea sativa) are nuts that grow on trees. Whereas the water chestnuts are underground stems called corms or tubers and they have to be dug up in order to harvest them. FAQs Related to Water Chestnuts & Its Alternatives. In a large non-stick skillet, cook pork, onion, salt and pepper on medium high heat until the pork is no longer pink, stirring often to break up the pork. In many recipes, it works well as a replacement. It is difficult to peel the skin try peeling after soaking or while running them underwater. Water Chestnuts for crunch but swap them with chopped celery if you prefer. That's it! Hazelnuts 8. Serve in lettuce leaves, on top of your favorite Asian salad, or over noodles or rice! Go through the substitutes and see which one seems fit for the recipe. Generally, white turnips are going to be in season during the winter months. Water chestnuts are valued for their crisp texture and mild flavor. Coming from South America, cassava is a root vegetable or tuber with a starchy content. Whereas the canned ones have barely any flavor at all. Top 8 Best Substitute For Water Chestnuts 1. -9 Absolute Water Chestnut Alternatives, 1. This will limit any spores present within the fruit from spreading any farther and increasing the risk of a fungal outbreak among consumers and farmers alike. You can also use bamboo shoots, but it is preferable to remove the tough outer layer of the shoots before cooking. Even though fresh water chestnuts have more flavor than canned water chestnuts, canned water chestnuts, especially whole, are the best water chestnut substitutes. BAMBOO SHOOT- Similar to Water Chestnut, 2. My name is Jaron. They work best as a celery substitute in stir fries, soups, and salads. Hazelnuts can be used to substitute for water chestnuts in soups and sauces due to their nutty, sweet flavor. Bamboo Shoots The next replacements for chopped water chestnuts are bamboo shoots. Substitute for Water Chestnuts You can substitute canned for fresh water chestnuts OR use equal amounts of Jerusalem artichokes OR jicama slices Equivalents 5 oz can water chestnuts = 15 to 16 water chestnuts 8 = can = 1 cup sliced metric conversions Tubers & Corms Ingredients Taste filling and make any necessary flavor adjustments, i.e. Water chestnut is a vegetable that has nothing to do with chestnuts. Separate the lettuce leaves to create cups. The corms of water chestnuts have a sweet, fruity flavor. Loaded with vital nutrients, Water chestnut ranks high in its nutritious value. Heat a saute pan over medium-high heat. You can also try to make sweet buttermilk pecan pie at home. Ginger is a well-known spice when it comes to flavoring in many cuisines. Of course, no! Tapioca flour is another excellent substitution as it has a similar texture to water chestnut powder and adds a starchy texture to dishes. 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger 1 tablespoon Sriracha, optional 1 8-ounce can whole water chestnuts, drained and diced 2 green onions, thinly sliced Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 head butter lettuce Instructions Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium high heat. Set aside. Fresh water chestnuts are available year-round in Asian markets, either in packages or in bins. The best part of crosnes is to have them both raw and cooked in form. They can serve as accents to raw and cooked dishes as long as you only use them in small doses. Grill chicken until fully cooked, about 4-6 minutes on each side (depending on the thickness of your chicken) Heat the remaining sauce in a medium saucepan to warm up. It is best to limit your consumption of sunchokes since it has a starch called insulin that the body takes time to digest. Thank you for visiting the blog. Hazelnut Flour creamy peanut butter, water chestnuts, shredded carrot, gingerroot and 10 more Asian Lettuce Wraps Hellmann's romaine lettuce leaves, rice wine vinegar, hellmann's or best foods real mayonnaise and 10 more 7 Off-Brand Doritos You Have to Try [2023] Can You Eat Raw Cabbage? Add the garlic and ginger. Try YOUNG GINGER ROOT Replace for Water Chestnut. Use a spatula or large spoon to break down the ground chicken. I believe you have a reason to scratch your heads right now. Chestnuts are a nut. Almond flour is a great substitute for water chestnut flour in recipes that call for it. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until mostly cooked through. When making the substitution, you can follow the 1:1 ratio but make sure the radish is finely chopped. You can use Daikon to replace water chestnuts in wraps, stir-fries, and salads, as it is a healthy water chestnut substitute. They taste almost the same as fresh ones, although the fresh ones have a nuttier taste. When using Jerusalem artichokes as a replacement for water chestnuts, it is best to prepare them raw. It has freshness from the mint and a dash of extra crunch from sesame seeds. Be it salads, wraps, fries, and casseroles, the addition of Water chestnut makes your recipes mouth-watering and nutritious. You can dice it small and it impersonates the texture, color, and flavor of water chestnuts well. It needs a long growing season and usually thrives in warmer countries. Soon after, a white mycelium begins to spread throughout the fruit. The water chestnuts and crushed red peppers provide a crunchy texture to the dish. Best Coconut Butter Substitutes You Can Try, Best Coconut Flour Substitutes You Can Try, Best Coconut Sugar Substitutes You Can Try, Best Coconut Aminos Substitutes You Can Try, Best Peanut Butter Substitutes You Can Try, Best Coconut Water Substitutes You Can Try. Articles are written by food experts, chefs, home cooks, and me, the Food Guy. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Its also a good idea to dice or slice the celery finely and serve it right at the latter of the cooking. When using pecans as a substitute for water chestnuts, toast them first to enhance their aroma and flavor. Here are three replacements that may be good options for you: almonds, pine nuts, and macadamia nuts. You can make it at home by grinding blanched sweet almonds or you can simply buy it in a health-food store. Add soy sauce, vinegar, oil, peanut butter, water and Sriracha. Remove from heat and set aside. Have you ever wondered what to use in place of aluminum foil? Water chestnut substitutes that would provide very similar taste, flavors and texture to your recipe is what we would be discussing in this article. Can I replace chestnuts with water chestnuts? . You can use bamboo shoots as a substitute for water chestnuts in some Asian dishes, but not in recipes where its fibrous and slightly bitter taste will overpower the other ingredients. Like jicama and turnips, the part that we purchase in the store to eat is a root that grows underground. They have similar crispiness and crunch as water chestnuts. These humps are used to produce vegetables known worldwide as the Chinese water chestnut. Add the chopped onion and cook another 5-7 minutes until the onion is translucent and starting to brown. When cooking for a while, celery can become quite soft which you want to avoid. Jicama is a great substitute in terms of color, flavor, and texture. This simply made, healthy dinner dish is just like P.F. They also have a flavor that is more subtle and is usually described as mildly sweet rather than nutty. In a small bowl, whisk the vinegar, teriyaki sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder, red pepper flakes and remaining oil. When cooking crosnes, take them off the heat before they get mushy. Ingredients for Asian Lettuce Wraps: Celery-This helps with giving a nice crunch to the filling.Water Chestnuts-Another crunchy texture, canned water chestnuts are delicious left in large or small chunks.Onion-I used half of a large white onion, which yielded about 1/2 cup chopped.Ground Chicken-The base of these lettuce wraps, Isernio's is my favorite brand (it is half breasts and thighs . I hope you found value from whatever article you read, and if you have any remaining questions, don't hesitate to contact me! Water chestnut is my favorite and is such a versatile, nutritious ingredient. Jerusalem artichokes or sunchokes come from the sunflower family and are not related to Artichokes. You can use the 1:1 ratio when making the substitution. Don't overcook, you don't want mushy veggies! White turnips have a mild flavor without the strong peppery taste. How to Make Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps First, whisk together the Pineapple Peanut Hoisin Sauce together except the peanut butter. Among the best water chestnut substitutes include the following: Keep reading to learn more about what to use as a substitute for water chestnuts that wont drastically affect the taste of the dish. Jicama has lovely, nuanced flavors, which is why its utilized in so many cuisines, mainly Asian dishes.