The Complete List of Shiitake Mushroom Substitutes: We have twenty
In terms of physical appearance, shiitake mushrooms are the most identifiable mushrooms in the world. These mushrooms have tan to black coloration and umbrella-like crowns that grow between 2 and 4 inches. Fungi that naturally grow on rotting hardwood trees produce these tasty mushrooms.
Shiitake mushrooms are a common ingredient in Southeast Asian cuisine. They are often used to cook a side dish or to add to stir-fry veggies, noodles, or soup ramen.
If a recipe calls for them and you can’t locate them at your local grocery store, here are some substitutions.
- Portobello Mushrooms
- Cremini Mushrooms
- Tofu
- Zucchini
- Porcini Mushrooms
- Oyster Mushrooms
- Lobster Mushrooms
- Sundried Tomatoes
- Enoki Mushrooms
Quick Fact
Shiitake mushrooms are cultivated in Japan around 83% of the time, although they are also farmed in the United States, Canada, China, and Singapore.
Now, let’s go through this frequent element and its prospective substitutions in more depth.
Contents
- 20 Best Substitute For Shiitake Mushroom
- FAQs
- Why can you not eat the stem of a shiitake mushroom?
- Can you sub baby bella for shiitake?
- How do I substitute dried shiitake for fresh?
- What does shiitake mushroom do to the brain?
- Is shiitake mushroom a cause of bowel obstruction?
- What is the best shiitake mushroom substitute?
- What is the best substrate mix for shiitake?
- Which is healthier shiitake or portobello?
- Do I need to boil shiitake?
- Can dried Shiitake go bad?
20 Best Substitute For Shiitake Mushroom
Shiitake mushrooms, also known as Lentinus edodes, contain lentinan. These are the most widely consumed mushrooms in the planet.
Shiitake contains lentinan and other compounds that are thought to activate the immune system. They are often employed in medicine, including as the treatment of the common cold and flu. However, scientific research should be undertaken to back up these statements. [Source]
Although low in calories, these mushrooms are high in fiber, B vitamins, and other vital elements. They are also high in polysaccharides, lipids, sterols, and terpenoids, all of which have been shown to stimulate the immune system, decrease cholesterol levels, and aid in the prevention of cancer.
Portobello and cremini mushrooms are at the top of our list of the finest Shiitake Mushroom Substitutes since they are widely accessible in most stores.
They have a similar taste and texture to shiitake and are thus excellent alternatives. Feel free to also experiment with the rest of the alternatives below.
Portobello Mushrooms
Because they have comparable taste profiles and textures, portobello mushrooms are the perfect substitution for shiitake mushrooms. Both have an earthy aroma and a hard texture. In a dish that calls for shiitake, substituting portobello mushrooms makes no difference.
Portobello mushrooms have a deep savory taste, a strong woody scent, and a meaty texture. It is suitable for frying, grilling, and baking. They go well with salads, pasta meals, risotto recipes, meat dishes, and vegetable stews.
The richness and earthy scent of portobello mushrooms are enhanced by frying them in olive oil. Portobello is also flavored with oregano, basil, and onion.
Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms are said to be the finest fresh mushroom substitute for shiitake. They have an earthy, nutty, woodsy, and savory taste, making them an excellent alternative for shiitake mushrooms.
It has a distinct buttery scent and a meaty texture that is ideal for cooking pasta, risotto, soups, sauces, and salads. It complements meat, poultry, and baked or mashed potatoes.
The texture isn’t quite like shiitake, but it’s near enough for soups and sautéed foods. Cremini mushrooms are prepared differently from shiitake mushrooms.
Cremini contains more moisture and may take a few minutes longer to cook. Cremini will also shrink more than shiitake, so you may need to use extra cremini in your recipe. It has a spongy feel as well.
Tofu
Cooked tofu, like cooked mushrooms, is soft, yet the color of tofu is lighter. Tofu has little taste on its own. As a result, soak it in a flavorful liquid marinade.
Tofu is classified into many varieties based on its softness. The softer kind is good for soups. The firmer varieties are ideal for stir-fry meals.
Silken tofu is more delicate yet creamy, and it is often used in soups and other popular Chinese recipes. It is also often used as a meat substitute.
Zucchini
One of the non-mushroom alternatives to shiitake is zucchini. It’s both sweet and savory. Stuffed, grilled, fried, baked, roasted, pickled, and stewed zucchini may be used in a variety of ways.
It’s delicate and juicy, with a little woodsy aroma. Its mild flavor complements meat, chicken, cheese, grains, pasta, and vegetables.
Porcini Mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms have a meaty feel and are soft and sensitive. It is an excellent substitute for shiitake in frying, grilling, stewing, sautéing, and baking dishes. Because of its strong and earthy aromas, chefs love using porcini in mushroom-based sauces. It also has a strong mushroom scent.
Porcini complements meat, vegetables, and oatmeal. Porcini is eaten raw in Italian cuisine, simply drizzled with oil and lemon juice, then topped with parmesan cheese.
Because the thick stem of the porcini is not as tasty as the cap, it is removed and not incorporated while cooking.
Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are about the same size as shiitake mushrooms and have the same solid feel. This mushroom has a subtle fishy taste.
You may prepare them in the same manner as you would shiitake mushrooms. They work well in soups and sautéed foods. Oyster mushrooms may not be as well-known as other types of mushrooms, but vegans and vegetarians are well-versed in them.
There are many types of this mushroom. Pearl oysters are soft and tiny, yet they grow in large quantities. The king oyster has more flesh and is ideal for grilling. The stems are thick, while the crowns are short and flat.
Lobster Mushrooms
These are, technically, fungus. Because their tastes are almost identical, lobster mushrooms are excellent substitutes for shiitake mushrooms. They also have a little marine taste, similar to oyster mushrooms. They’re beefy and thick. They have a creamy, nutty taste.
You may substitute shiitake mushrooms in sauces and pies, as well as soups and vegetable stews. They may also be used to season baked, fried, or mashed potatoes, as well as fish and meat dishes. Because of the rich mushroom scent and sweetness, you may make a lobster mushroom meal on its own.
Lobster mushrooms are extremely popular in the United States, so you should have no trouble finding them at your local grocery shop.
Sun dried Tomatoes
Sun dried tomatoes have a distinct brightness and acidity that is rare in most mushrooms, but they also have a deep earthiness that is akin to shiitake mushrooms.
Sundried tomatoes may be used to substitute shiitake mushrooms in meals with stronger tastes, so the mushrooms do not overshadow the other flavors. Sundried tomatoes have a chewy feel comparable to shiitake mushrooms.
Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms are popular in East Asian dishes. They are long and straw-like in form.
While enoki and shiitake mushrooms vary in nearly every manner, we advocate using enoki in lieu of shiitake due to its mild taste. When added to soups, enoki improves the taste and texture of the meal.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms are also known as hen-of-the-woods mushrooms, sheep’s heads, and ram’s heads. They grow in large clusters, like a bouquet. They are very fragile and are usually seen around the foot of oak trees.
Maitake means “dancing mushrooms” in Japanese because, according to legend, people danced with ecstasy when they discovered these mushrooms.
They may be fried or used into omelets, sauces, and salads. However, if you require a meaty substitute for shiitake mushrooms in a stir-fry or stew dish, maitake mushrooms may not be the best choice.
The tastes of maitake mushrooms are savory and earthy, with a tinge of spiciness.
Fingerling Potatoes
Fingerling potatoes are the smallest potatoes seen at grocery stores. You may cook them whole or chop them in half and add them to dishes.
Generally, potatoes wont bring any strong flavors to your dishes. They are, nevertheless, an excellent method to absorb and retain sauces and broths. The earthy taste of sliced fingerling potatoes is enhanced by sautéing them.
Eggplant
Another flexible vegetable that may be used in place of shiitake mushrooms is eggplant. It has a more delicate taste character. When cooked, its velvety texture is comparable to that of shiitake mushrooms.
Because of the high water content, you must cook them for a bit longer. The taste of eggplants is enhanced with sesame oil and soy sauce.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas and garbanzo beans are smoother and more solid than other beans. They have a mild meaty flavor and may be used in soups and braised recipes.
They are widely accessible in stores, and you can have them canned for extended storage in your pantry.
Green Bell Pepper
Green bell pepper has a stronger vegetal taste than red bell pepper and is less sweet. It complements savory foods beautifully.
Green bell peppers, although not a straight substitute for shiitake mushrooms, assist to bring any meal together.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is often utilized in savory meals as well as vegetarian pulled pork. It has a robust and meaty feel, comparable to shiitake mushrooms.
Tempeh
Tempeh originated in Indonesia and Malaysia. It is a fermented foodstuff that is high in protein and works well as a meat replacement. It’s a savory-flavored soybean product.
It may be used to cook, bake, and make salads.
Celery
Another healthy alternative to shiitake mushrooms is celery. It is high in Vitamin K, which aids in the prevention of excessive bleeding and blood clots. It has a high water content, which aids in bodily cleaning.
Though it does not have the same texture as shiitake mushrooms, it is an acceptable replacement if you are making a creamy and savory shiitake meal. It is often used as a foundation for soups and sauces.
Beets
Beets are quite versatile. They may be cooked, pickled, and eaten as a condiment. You may also add them to salads.
Beet juice is also a good addition to your dishes too. If you have a decent burger recipe that calls for shiitake mushrooms, beets might be a great substitution.
Corn
When cooking salads, congee, and soups, corn is an excellent alternative for shiitake mushrooms.
Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
Dried shiitake mushrooms have a richer scent and taste than fresh shiitake mushrooms, although they may be used interchangeably.
You may soak dried mushrooms in water before cutting them, and then rinse them in cold water before cooking. They complement many Chinese recipes.
FAQs
Why can you not eat the stem of a shiitake mushroom?
In reality, the stems of shiitake mushrooms are edible and not harmful. Nonetheless, most people avoid using the stems because they have a terrible woodsy smell and are too fibrous and chewy to consume.
Can you sub baby bella for shiitake?
Cremini mushrooms, often known as baby bellas, are another excellent shiitake mushroom replacement.
How do I substitute dried shiitake for fresh?
How Many Mushrooms Should You Use? For every pound of fresh mushrooms called for in the recipe, use around three ounces of dried mushrooms. That may not seem to be enough, but after reconstituted, the mushrooms will swell to provide the pound of fresh mushrooms required in the recipe.
What does shiitake mushroom do to the brain?
Shiitake mushrooms are high in B vitamins, which assist maintain adrenal function and convert dietary resources into usable energy. They have been shown to naturally regulate hormones and break through brain fog to sustain attention all day — even enhancing cognitive ability.
Is shiitake mushroom a cause of bowel obstruction?
Large and undigested meals may cause intestinal blockage and small bowel obstruction. This ailment is known as food-induced small bowel obstruction (FIBO) in Japan, and the items that cause it include konnyaku (Amorphophallus konjac), seaweed, Shiitake mushrooms (Fig. 1), and rice cakes (mochi).
What is the best shiitake mushroom substitute?
Mushrooms with cremini flowers
If you’re searching for a shiitake mushroom alternative, cremini mushrooms are an excellent choice. Here’s all you need to know about this delectable species. Baby bellas and brown mushrooms are other names for cremini mushrooms. They have a deep, earthy taste that complements savory foods well.
What is the best substrate mix for shiitake?
Shiitake mushrooms thrive on a mixture of hardwood sawdust and 5% wheat bran. Set the moisture content to roughly 55% and the pH to 6.5 ideally. Shiitake mushrooms grow nicely on the Master’s Mix as well, but much better on a 70% oak/30% wheat middling mix, which is what we use.
Which is healthier shiitake or portobello?
Nutritional and Health Advantages
While Portobello mushrooms are high in iron, potassium and vitamin D, no one ranks them as highly as the Shiitake variety for health. Shiitake mushrooms are revered across the globe for their health advantages, which include the prevention of heart disease.
Do I need to boil shiitake?
Shiitake mushrooms should never be eaten uncooked. Cook the shiitakes for at least 5-7 minutes, or until soft and gently browned. Mushrooms must be cooked to an internal temperature of 266-293 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can dried Shiitake go bad?
Dried mushrooms may be kept in an airtight jar in a cold, dark area forever. How can you know when they’ve reached their peak? “If you smell them and they just don’t smell like anything,” she adds. “They will never ‘poison.'”