There is a wide variety of Asian pears, with a wide variety of strains, too. That said, one thing that they all share in common is that they are sweet, juicy, and feature a firm texture.
When eaten on their own, Asian pears are delicious. However, when added to pies, fruit salads, toppings, or eaten fried, they are out of this world!
Plus, there are a ton of desserts you can prepare with Asian pears as the star of the show. Although did you know that they taste delicious in savory dishes, too?
One particular recipe that Asian pears taste delicious is beef marinades – adding a sweetness to the dish. That said, Asian pears can sometimes be hard to come across. However, don’t worry. We are here to help!
With this in mind, this guide will explore all the different substitutes for Asian pears that are just as delicious. Some of which include Anjou pears, Bosc pears, Bartlett pears, Forelle pears, as well as kiwis, pineapple, and fuji apples!
Let’s get started.
What Is An Asian Pear?
While Asian pears are technically categorized as pears, they are very different from the European pears that many people are familiar with.
In fact, these pears are native to East Asia where they have been cultivated for decades. Generally, they feature an oval or round shape with leathery and thin skin that ranges in color from yellow to brown and green.
Asian pears contain a juicy and crispy flesh with hints of sweetness that are reminiscent of apples. Not only are Asian pears a healthy and delicious snack, but they also contain a range of different health benefits, too.
For instance, they are a great source of fiber! Not only is this ideal for keeping your digestive system healthy but can also help to regulate your blood sugar levels.
On top of this, Asian pears are known to contain a range of minerals and vitamins that helps to promote your overall health. For instance, they are a good source of Vitamin C, too, which helps to keep your immune system strong.
In addition to this, they also contain copper – which is needed to help produce red blood cells. When you’re buying Asian pears, make sure to choose ones that are blemish-free and firm to the touch.
On the other hand, you’ll want to avoid ones that feature wrinkled skin and are overly soft – this is an indication that they are past their prime. Whether you eat these pears fresh or incorporate them into salads and stir-fries, they are an excellent addition.
Plus, when stored in a cool, dry place, these fruits can last for up to a week. Therefore, when you’re next at the store, make sure to pick up some Asian pears.
Here, you’ll receive the best of both worlds! A delicious pear with all the vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy.
Since Bosc pears contain a very similar taste and texture to Asian pears, they can be considered one of the best substitutes. While they are most popular in Europe, you can find them all over the world when in season.
Bosc pears are delicious when combined with cheese, however, they also taste delicious in marinades, fruit salads, and a range of other delicious recipes, too.
In fact, they contain fruity and sweet flavors with hints of a discrete floral aroma, too. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you love these fruits on your first try!
These pears taste delicious when eaten straight by hand! Anjou pears are firm in texture and packed with juices. Moreover, they come in green and red varieties, although they both taste extremely similar.
Despite Asian pears containing a slightly crispier texture with more juices, you can easily substitute these for Anjou pears.
In addition, thanks to its lower price tag, Anjou pears make for a more appealing fruit, especially if you’re looking for a healthy snack.
If you’re unable to find these fruits in the supermarket, then opt for Bartlett pears. These are another European variety, however, they feature similar characteristics that are ideal for slicing up and eating fresh.
Kiwis are a great substitution for meat marinades – various Korean recipes, such as bulgogi, use Asian pears for additional flavor, plus, most importantly, for an enhanced texture, too.
As such, in order to achieve these benefits, you can use kiwifruit when Asian pears aren’t accessible. Here, calpain in the kiwi works as a meat tenderizer.
The results are softened beef fibers where the squid is soaked in milk and the kiwi is easier to digest.
However, be careful when using kiwis as a substitute for pears since they can easily over-tenderize your meat when left for too long.
Therefore, we recommended only using kiwi to marinate your meat half the time you would when using an Asian pear.
Moreover, you should keep in mind that kiwifruit will provide your meat with a different flavor. That said, once cooked, you shouldn’t notice a difference.
If you’re looking for something to substitute Asian pears, then look no further than Forelle pears – you’re sure to be impressed! These pears feature a bell shape that makes them smaller than other pears – ideal for side dishes and salads.
Like Asian pears, they feature sweetness throughout, plus, a slightly crunchier texture, too. Therefore, they can be used successfully in a range of meals.
That said, if you’re looking to substitute Asian pears in your marinates, then these ones may not be the best option as they tend to be too crunchy.
If you don’t have any Asian pears on hand, then another great option for marinating your meat is soda. While this may sound strange, don’t knock it until you try it.
If you have some soda in your refrigerator, for instance, sprite or coke, then all you have to do is soak your meat in a soda bath – softening it up and adding a subtle sweetness.
If you’re looking for an authentic homemade marinade, then you may want to skip this option. That said, if you’re short on time with no Asian pears on hand, then a bottled product, such as A.1. or even HP sauce, can work wonders.
Here, you’ll be introduced to fusion cooking at its finest – you can eat all your favorite Korean bulgogi dishes in the comfort of your home.
You may be surprised to learn that Fuji apples make for the perfect alternative to Asian pears.
Plus, you can easily find these worldwide, too. In fact, in some supermarkets, these are cheaper than Asian and a range of other pear varieties, too.
Moreover, if you’re allergic to pears, these are an ideal alternative, too – going great in a range of dishes that require Asian pears.
Additionally, these apples are much sweeter than other types of apples and contain a firm texture with a mild juiciness that makes a great addition to marinates and salads.
These come in medium and large sizes – almost as sweet as Asian pears. They are generally stocked all year round in most large grocery stores.
Plus, these pears feature a creamy texture and a mild honey taste that is ideal for jellies, sauces, and jams. Since they are so sweet, they can be eaten as a snack – your children are sure to love them!
Final Thoughts
Believe it or not, a lot of sweet and savory dishes require the addition of Asian pears. However, when you don’t have them on hand, it isn’t the end of the world, either.
In fact, there are tons of substitutes that taste just as delicious. Hopefully, this guide has informed you of all the best Asian pear alternatives.
Hi, I’m Aubrey, and I have been a chef for close to 8 years. Cooking has always been a passion of mine, as long as I can remember. I loved my play kitchen when I was a kid, and would offer my parents my own (albeit gross) cookie recipes to taste!
Here at ButterandSaltGatherings, I want to offer a wide range of ingredients, flavors, meals and recipes so that you can start living each day to the fullest, and enjoy only the best food.
