Whether for health or variety, there are plenty of great substitutes for button mushrooms out there.
Here we’ll look at six options that bring flavor and nutrition to any dish.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are a delicious, meaty substitute for button mushrooms. With their large size and bold flavor, they can be the star of any dish.
For example, consider a portobello mushroom burger: the flavor of the juicy mushrooms complements the savory bun perfectly – no one would miss the button mushrooms! Compared to button mushrooms, portobellos are much more filling and substantial in texture.
Portobello mushrooms don’t need to be cooked as long, either; just a few minutes in a hot pan or on the grill will do the trick. Plus, they contain more vitamins and minerals than button mushrooms, so they’re great for adding an extra nutritional boost to your meal.
Portobello mushrooms are great for adding a hearty, umami flavor to dishes. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including grilling, sautéing, roasting, and baking.
To prepare them, start by wiping them clean with a damp paper towel, then removing the stems. For grilling, brush the gills of the mushroom with oil, season with salt and pepper, and grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.
For sautéing, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a couple tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add the mushrooms to the pan, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side.
For roasting or baking, brush the mushrooms with oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast or bake at 375 F for 10–15 minutes, until they are tender and golden brown.
Porcini Mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms are another great substitute for button mushrooms. They have a strong, earthy flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes.
They’re usually found dried and when cooked, Porcini mushrooms have a meaty texture and deep flavor that adds complexity to dishes.
To use porcini mushrooms, start by wiping them with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Then, slice, dice, or tear them into small pieces and sauté them in a bit of butter or oil over medium-high heat until they are golden brown.
Porcini mushrooms can be added to risottos, pastas, soups, salads, and more. To bring out their earthy flavor, try adding them to dishes with other ingredients like garlic, herbs, and white wine.
Shiitake Mushrooms
When it comes to replacing button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms are a great option. These flavorful and versatile mushrooms are found in many Asian cuisines, and can easily be incorporated into recipes requiring the earthy flavor of button mushrooms.
Shiitake mushrooms are not just delicious, they also possess several health benefits.
Shiitake mushrooms contain immune-boosting compounds called lentinan and eritadenine. Studies have shown that these compounds can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce inflammation.
Furthermore, these mushrooms can provide plant-based proteins as well as vitamins B2 and B5.
Their texture is firmer than that of button mushrooms, making them a great substitute for dishes such as stir-fry where a crunchy texture is desired.
Their unique flavor adds depth to any dish without overpowering other ingredients, making them an ideal replacement for button mushrooms in recipes such as soups and stews.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a great substitute for button mushrooms. Its mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture make them ideal for adding to all kinds of dishes.
They can be sautéed, grilled, roasted, or fried with ease. Zucchini can also be added to soups and sauces to add a bit of extra flavor.
When substituting zucchini for button mushrooms, it’s important to remember that zucchini cooks much faster than mushrooms. Because of this, you should cook them only until they are just tender; otherwise they will become too soft and mushy.
In addition, since zucchini has a high water content, it’s best to drain off any excess liquid before adding to the dish. This will help prevent the dish from becoming too watery or soggy.
Overall, zucchini is an excellent substitute for button mushrooms because it is easy to prepare and adds a wonderful flavor and texture to many dishes.
Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be diced and added to salads, soups, stews, stir fries, and pasta dishes. It can be grated and used as a substitute for pasta in a lasagna.
Furthermore, it can be spiralized and used as a low-carb alternative to noodles. Furthermore, it can be sliced and grilled with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper for a delicious side dish.
Zucchini can even be stuffed with a variety of fillings and baked for a tasty main course.
Tofu
Tofu is made from the curds of soy milk and comes in both firm and extra-firm varieties. It has a very mild taste and can be flavored with a variety of seasonings to take on any desired taste.
Nutritionally, it contains an abundance of protein and amino acids, as well as calcium and iron.
Although tofu may not be quite like button mushrooms, it can still offer some similar textures, flavors, and nutrients when used as an alternative ingredient in recipes.
Chestnut Mushrooms
Chestnut mushrooms are a great substitute for button mushrooms. They have a similar flavor and texture, but are generally more flavorful and earthy.
They have an almost nutty taste, which makes them great to use in sauces or soups. The caps of chestnut mushrooms can range from light brown to dark brown, and they are typically bigger than button mushrooms.
When preparing chestnut mushrooms, it’s best to clean them gently with a damp cloth or mushroom brush to avoid breaking the delicate stems.
It’s also important to cook them quickly over high heat, so they retain their texture and flavor. Sautéing them in butter or oil is a great way to bring out their nutty flavor.
Chestnut mushrooms add depth of flavor to any dish and can be used as an alternative to button mushrooms in recipes like risottos, pasta dishes, stews, and stir-fries. They can also be enjoyed raw in salads for an added crunchy texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 6 best substitutes for button mushrooms are Portobello Mushrooms, Porcini Mushrooms, Shiitake Mushrooms, Zucchini, Tofu and Chestnut Mushrooms. Each of these substitutes can provide a unique flavor to any dish that you may be making.
For instance, if you’re looking for a substitute to enhance the flavor of your pasta dish, then shiitake mushrooms are a great choice. Their meaty texture and umami flavor will add a wonderful complexity to your meal.
Plus, they’re rich in antioxidants and B vitamins – making them a healthy alternative to button mushrooms.
If it’s the texture of button mushrooms you’re after, then porcini mushrooms are a great option. They have a chewy texture that’s reminiscent of button mushrooms, but with a subtle earthy flavor that adds depth to any dish.
So if you’re looking for alternatives to button mushrooms in your cooking, these 6 options are sure to please your taste buds!
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.
