From Portobello to Shiitake: The Best Substitutes for Every Mushroom Type
Mushrooms add unique flavors and textures to countless dishes, but sometimes you need an alternative. Whether you’re dealing with allergies, preferences, or just want to try something new, this guide will walk you through various mushroom substitutes to keep your meals delicious and satisfying.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases and sometimes recommend products from other sellers at no extra cost you. For more details see my disclosure policy and privacy policy.
Cooking with Mushrooms – Or Not?
Mushrooms are a versatile and popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world. However, there are various reasons why someone might need to find alternatives to mushrooms in their cooking. These reasons can include:
- Allergies or sensitivities to mushrooms
- Personal taste preferences
- Dietary restrictions (some vegetarians or vegans avoid certain types of mushrooms)
- Unavailability of mushrooms in certain regions or seasons
- Desire to experiment with new flavors and textures in familiar recipes
This guide will explore a range of mushroom substitutes, from general alternatives to specific replacements for popular mushroom varieties. We’ll also look at options for replacing cream of mushroom soup in recipes.
General Mushroom Substitutes
When looking for mushroom substitutes, it’s important to consider both texture and flavor. Here are some general alternatives that can work in many recipes:
Texture-based substitutes:
- Eggplant: With its spongey texture and ability to absorb flavors, eggplant can mimic the mouthfeel of mushrooms in many dishes. It works particularly well when diced or sliced thinly.
- Zucchini: Another vegetable with a soft texture, zucchini can be a good stand-in for mushrooms, especially when cooked until slightly tender but still firm.
- Tofu: Extra-firm tofu, when pressed and diced, can provide a texture similar to cooked mushrooms. It readily absorbs flavors from marinades and sauces.
Umami-rich substitutes:
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These intensely flavored tomatoes can add depth and umami to dishes, similar to what mushrooms provide. They work well when finely chopped or rehydrated and pureed.
- Miso paste: This fermented soybean paste is rich in umami and can add a savory depth to dishes that typically use mushrooms. Use it sparingly as it’s quite potent.
- Soy sauce: While liquid, soy sauce can add the savory, umami notes that mushrooms often bring to a dish. It’s particularly useful in soups, stir-fries, and sauces.
Specific Mushroom Substitutes
Different types of mushrooms have unique flavors and textures. Here are substitutes for some common varieties:
Button Mushrooms
Button mushrooms are mild in flavor and have a soft texture when cooked. Good substitutes include:
- Chopped eggplant
- Chopped zucchini
- Diced tofu
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella mushrooms, have a slightly stronger flavor than button mushrooms. Substitutes include:
- White button mushrooms (if avoiding cremini but not all mushrooms)
- Shiitake mushrooms (again, if only avoiding certain types)
- Chopped tempeh (for a non-mushroom option with a similar texture and umami flavor)
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are often used as a meat substitute due to their large size and meaty texture. Good alternatives include:
- Large slices of eggplant
- Thick slices of zucchini
- Large pieces of tofu, especially when marinated and grilled
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms have a distinctive smoky flavor and chewy texture. Substitutes include:
- Oyster mushrooms (if avoiding shiitake specifically)
- Dried and rehydrated porcini mushrooms (for a similar intense flavor)
- Sliced bell peppers (for texture, though the flavor will be different)
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms have a delicate flavor and a tender texture. Good alternatives are:
- Sliced king oyster mushrooms (if available)
- Thinly sliced chicken of the woods (if available and not avoiding all mushrooms)
- Sliced jackfruit (for a similar tender texture)
Substitutes for Cream of Mushroom Soup in Recipes
Cream of mushroom soup is a common ingredient in many casseroles and sauces. Here are some substitutes:
- Homemade mushroom-free “cream of” soup: Combine milk or plant-based milk with flour or cornstarch, vegetable broth, and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
- Cream of celery soup: This can provide a similar creamy texture and vegetable base.
- Cream of chicken soup: For non-vegetarians, this can be a good substitute in terms of texture and depth of flavor.
- Pureed white beans with vegetable broth: Blend cooked white beans with vegetable broth and seasonings for a creamy, protein-rich substitute.
- Cashew cream with vegetable broth: Blend soaked cashews with vegetable broth and add umami-rich seasonings like nutritional yeast or miso paste.
Tips for Successful Substitution
When substituting mushrooms, keep these tips in mind:
- Adjust seasoning: Mushrooms have a distinct flavor, so you may need to increase herbs and spices when using substitutes.
- Consider cooking techniques: For example, roasting eggplant can help achieve a meatier texture similar to mushrooms.
- Combine substitutes: Using a mix of texture-based and umami-rich substitutes can more closely mimic the overall effect of mushrooms in a dish.
Nutritional Considerations
When substituting mushrooms, be aware of nutritional differences:
- Mushrooms are low in calories and carbohydrates but high in B vitamins and selenium.
- Vegetable substitutes like eggplant or zucchini are similarly low in calories but may have different vitamin and mineral profiles.
- Tofu and tempeh are higher in protein and may change the macronutrient balance of your dish.
- Consider adding foods rich in B vitamins and selenium to maintain nutritional balance when avoiding mushrooms.
Conclusion
Finding the right mushroom substitute depends on the specific dish and your dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different alternatives to find what works best for you. Remember that while these substitutes can mimic certain aspects of mushrooms, they each bring their own unique flavors and textures to a dish.
Whether you’re avoiding mushrooms due to allergies, preferences, or simply want to try something new, there are plenty of creative options to explore.
