The Most Comprehensive List of Mushroom Substitutes: We have a total of 23.

Mushrooms have long been a mainstay in numerous national cuisines. They often have a mushy texture and an earthy flavor that many people like, while others despise.

However, as previously said, some individuals dislike it due to the flavor or because they are allergic to mushrooms. Fortunately, there are other options available, some of which are listed here.

1. Tofu
2. Tempeh
3. Zucchini
4. Eggplant
5. Sun Dried Tomatoes
6. Chickpeas(Garbanzo Beans)
7. Onions or Caramelized Onions
8. Squash
9. Russet Potatoes

If you can’t locate any acceptable substitutions from the list above, don’t worry! Below is a thorough list.

But first, let us learn a little more about the origins of this popular element.

23 Best Substitute For Mushroom 

The Egyptians thought that mushrooms were plants of immortality a few thousand years ago, and the Pharaohs commanded that only they should consume mushrooms. The Vikings considered mushrooms to be divine nourishment.

Fun Fact

Mushrooms were most likely first farmed in China and Japan about 600 CE.

Mushrooms are high in a variety of nutrients found in veggies and other fruits and vegetables. As a result, many people choose to utilize them in their cuisine.

Tofu and tempeh are two of the finest replacements in terms of flavor and texture.

Without further ado, here are the greatest mushroom alternatives for various situations:

Tofu

To recreate the texture of your missing fungus, consider using tofu instead. Tofu, being one of the most often used substitutes, works well in recipes such as stir-fried veggies and steaks.

If you want to recreate the flavor of mushrooms, season your tofu as it absorbs the flavor of the dish it’s in, particularly if you pressed it beforehand.

This sub does not generally go well with items that have been cooked for a longer period of time. If feasible, utilize harder ones as an alternative since they hold their forms better.

Tempeh

In terms of being the ideal substitute, tempeh reigns supreme due to its texture and flavor similarities to mushrooms.

Tempeh, like tofu, is prepared from fermented soybeans. However, unlike the latter, the texture of tempeh is considerably harder and may be stored for a longer period of time. Tempeh has an earthy and nutty flavor that is similar to the flavor of mushrooms.

With so many similarities, tempeh may be used in practically any meal that calls for mushrooms.If you want to keep the taste of tempeh, add it later in the cooking process.

Zucchini 

Although zucchini might not appear like it, this squash family vegetable can be a fantastic substitute for mushrooms. It has an earthy flavor similar to mushrooms, and when cooked, its texture matches the softness of your missing fungus.

This vegetable, sometimes known as summer squash, may grow to be one meter long. Regardless, people prefer to pick it when it is still young.

Zucchini works well as a substitute for mushrooms in pasta meals and stir-fries, but not in baked dishes such as casseroles. Grate zucchini finely to best simulate mushrooms. You may also finely slice them before adding them to your dish.

Remember that zucchini contains more moisture than the fungus you’re lacking. When using this vegetable as a replacement, reduce other water content.

Eggplant

Eggplants are often available in the fresh vegetable sections of supermarkets.

Because of its soft and mushy texture, eggplant works well as a mushroom replacement, despite its appearance.In terms of flavor, eggplant is somewhat earthy but leans considerably more toward sweetness.

To utilize this vegetable as an alternative, chop it like a mushroom. You may even cut its skin to make it more like your missing element.

However, keep in mind that if you cook eggplant for an extended period of time, it will get soggy. It also contains more extra moisture, therefore other liquid sources should be reduced proportionately.

If you want to prevent a soggy eggplant, check out Kitchn’s tutorial!

Sun Dried Tomatoes 

 

Do you despise the flavor of mushrooms but like their texture? If that’s the case, you may try using sun-dried tomatoes instead!

People who dislike the flavor of mushrooms prefer this option. Despite gaining an earthy tone as a result of the procedure, it keeps its robust tomato taste. That taste is ideal for foods such as spaghetti and pizza.

Sun-dried tomatoes are often preserved in olive oil or with various herbs. If you want to completely replicate the texture of mushrooms, pick sun-dried tomatoes that have not been kept in oil.

Chickpeas(Garbanzo Beans) 

Chickpeas have recently become a popular foodstuff owing to their nutritional content. Although its texture does not resemble mushrooms in any way, its bland taste and earthy flavor do.

Chickpeas are available in two sizes, with the smaller ones providing more nourishment than the bigger ones. However, this does not imply that you must only use smaller chickpeas; both kinds have their purposes.

This option is available in both dry and canned forms. Dried chickpeas are inherently scarce, whereas canned chickpeas are more readily available.

If you wish to utilize the dried type, you must cook it separately since it will take considerably longer to prepare than your other meals.

Onions or Caramelized Onions 

In terms of flavor, onion is a tad off. Similarly, its texture has little resemblance to that of mushrooms. Despite this, the variety of onions makes them a potential substitute for mushrooms in certain meals!

You may also caramelize onions to imitate the color and earthy taste of mushrooms.

Because onions are so versatile, they may be used in practically any dish. If you don’t have any mushrooms, you may use them in stews, soups, meat dishes, salads, sauces, and other foods!

Squash

Although sweeter in flavor, squash has the texture and earthy flavor of mushrooms. Squash is also excellent at absorbing the flavors of the foods it is served with.

Yellow squash is the finest kind to use as a replacement. It contains a variety of health advantages, which is what you want in a mushroom.

This sub has a texture that is quite distinct from mushrooms. However, it is still a suitable substitute for mushrooms in recipes such as risotto.

If you choose this option, be sure to cook it long enough so that it is soft enough to consume.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a great substitute for mushrooms in meals that need greater bulk. Although it lacks the rubbery texture of mushrooms, unpeeled potatoes retain a similar earthy flavor.

Potatoes are also taste absorbent, comparable to mushrooms.

If you opt to use this as a substitute, use a lower potato ratio since the starchiness will make your dish heartier. Also, avoid using potatoes as a soup substitute since they will get mushy in these recipes.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is a readily available mushroom substitute. It is available all throughout the globe, so you should have no trouble finding it at your local grocery.

Brown rice, like mushrooms, may provide heartiness and flavor to any recipe.If you need shredded mushroom but can’t locate any, use brown rice instead!

Seasonings such as soy sauce may be used to enhance the savory flavor of your cuisine.

Lentils

In many respects, lentils are a better alternative for mushrooms than garbanzo beans.It increases the volume and weight of your dishes.

The taste of lentils is weak in earthiness. However, if you like the texture that mushrooms give, this substitute may work well for you. Along with the lentils, you may add additional flavorings to boost the umami of your meal.

If you decide to use it, be sure to use it sparingly.

Artichoke Hearts

If you’re searching for an alternative for mushrooms in your pizza and pasta meals, artichoke hearts are a good option.

This substitute is a canned item that is either packed in water or marinade.

If you want to use it on pizza, choose the former since it precisely mimics the mild, earthy flavor of mushrooms as well as their rubbery texture.

If you wish to serve it on spaghetti, use canned artichoke hearts that have been seasoned with vinegar.

Walnuts or Pecans

If you want to utilize mushrooms in sauces, you may wish to substitute nuts such as walnuts or pecans.

Submerge your nuts in water overnight to do this.

Sneak some sauce when you’re almost done cooking it and watch what happens!

Tahini

If you’re in a pinch, you may try substituting tahini for the mushrooms.

This alternative may improve the texture of your food, but don’t use too much since tahini has a strong, occasionally bitter taste.

Use it gently and see whether it suits your tastes.

Dried Mushrooms

Dried mushrooms are still considered mushrooms. Although they are already dehydrated, immersing them in hot water for 30 minutes can rehydrate them.

Unfortunately, since dried mushrooms have a chewy feel, they cannot be used in many cuisines that call for fresh types.

This substitute may be used in meals that do not depend on the texture of mushrooms.

Kalamata Olives

Kalamata olives are a fantastic substitute for mushrooms in pasta and pizza.

They have the delicious and earthy taste that you want in mushrooms. Their texture is similar to that of mushrooms.

Olives have a naturally salty flavor. As a result, utilize them with caution.

Leeks

Leeks are cousins of onions and may be used in lieu of mushrooms in a variety of cuisines. They taste somewhat earthy and sweeter than mushrooms.

Leeks complement chicken marsala, soups and stews, pasta, and even pizza!

Cilantro

Cilantro is still a prominent ingredient in meat, poultry, and fish recipes. Its unusual taste is renowned to captivate the tongue while improving a variety of dishes.

It also works well as a mushroom substitute since it is simple to prepare and eat.

Make sure to thoroughly wash your cilantro and to remove any discolored leaves.

Umami Seasoning 

Mushroom flavor is not one of the four fundamental flavors, which are sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. It contains a taste known as umami instead.

Dried mushrooms, such as shitakes, have a strong umami taste, according to The Seattle Times.

That being said, umami seasoning is the finest option for properly mimicking the flavor of mushrooms.

Beef Broth

Mushrooms aren’t the only foods having a savory, earthy umami taste characteristic.

Slow-cooked beef also has this taste. As a consequence, beef broth is a great substitute for savory flavor without the mushroom taste.

Beef broth may be used in soups, sauces, or as a texture and taste enhancer for tofu or zucchini substitutes.

Miso Paste

Miso paste is a soybean-based paste that is widely used in Japanese cooking. Miso paste has a particular taste that sets it apart from other flavors (such as umami).

Miso paste is a wonderful alternative for mushrooms in soups and sauces if you want to experiment with different tastes.