There can be various reasons for needing a substitute for mushrooms such as running out of them, not having access to them, or accommodating a food allergy. Whatever your reason, we’ve got you covered with our list of top 21 recommendations.
What Are Mushrooms?
A mushroom is a form or type of fungus that has a fleshy exterior that’s typically grown above the ground, on soil, or on its food source. They can vary in size, shape, color, and flavor.
Some mushrooms are safe to eat, and some can be poisonous if consumed. Mushrooms can be used in a variety of recipes for various purposes and flavors.
Benefits of Mushrooms in Cooking
There are health benefits to eating mushrooms. They are shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that aid the immune system.
They’re also packed with vitamins and minerals and are low in calories at the same time. They are known to be a source of copper, magnesium, and phosphorous.
How Mushrooms Are Most Commonly Used
Mushrooms can be used in a variety of recipes and dishes. Here are some of the most popular ways of incorporating mushrooms in the kitchen.
Stroganoff. Stroganoff can be made using noodles or potatoes. One of our favorite recipes for mushroom stroganoff includes delicious creamy mashed potatoes.
Check out our recipe for mashed potato stroganoff.
Soups and Stews. Mushrooms can be used as the main ingredient in soups such as mushroom soup, or as a secondary ingredient in vegetable or meat soups and stews.
Veggie burgers. Mushrooms can be used as a replacement for beef in veggie burgers because of their flavorful meaty texture. Or add them as a topping to your beef burgers.
Here’s a recipe for our amazing mushroom bacon Swiss burger.
Stir fries. Stir fries can be loaded with many delicious vegetables including mushrooms. They add a great texture to dishes that might not otherwise be present.
Pizza. When it comes to pizza it seems the sky’s the limit as far as toppings are concerned. Mushrooms are a popular topping for pizza, among other things.
Here is one of our favorite pizza recipes.
Pasta. Mushrooms and mushroom sauces tend to be a frequent flyer in pasta recipes. But if you’re needing a mushroom substitute for pasta, be sure to check out our list of replacements below.
Chicken Marsala. Chicken Marsala is an Italian dish that features mushrooms along with Marsala wine, as a secondary main ingredient.
Simple Substitutes for Mushrooms
Following are our top 21 recommendations for mushroom substitutes according to texture, flavor, and non-mushroom substitutes. Choose the best replacement according to the recipe of its intended use.
Mushroom Substitutes for Texture, Not Flavor
Following are recipe replacements for mushrooms that take texture into consideration and not flavor. Each of these items have a similar texture to mushrooms but will likely alter the flavor of the recipe.
1. Tofu
Tofu is a number one substitute for mushrooms because of its texture. Tofu is high in protein and many healthy nutrients.
2. Tempeh
Tempeh contains more protein, fiber, and vitamins than tofu. It’s a fermented food which means it’s easier to digest. The texture is like mushrooms which makes it a good substitute.
3. Zucchini
Fresh zucchini is another substitute for mushrooms that works well. It can be used chopped, diced, or grated. When grated, pat with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
4. Walnuts or Pecans
Raw or toasted walnuts or pecans can be used in place of mushrooms. They add that meaty texture.
5. Eggplant
Though eggplant has a similar texture to mushrooms, it tends to emit a fair amount of liquid when it’s cooked. As a result, we recommend using about half the amount of eggplant for mushrooms that’s called for in a recipe.
Non-Mushroom Substitutes
Sometimes non-mushroom substitutes fill in well because of flavor that’s lacking. Following are our best recommendations for non-mushroom substitutes.
6. Onions
Onions, especially caramelized onions or sautéed onions are a go to substitute for many dishes. They add a mild flavor that is often a delicious addition for dishes that call for mushrooms.
7. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are a favorite replacement for mushrooms in pastas, pizza, and even Chicken Marsala.
8. Squash, Pumpkin, Butternut
Some folks like to use squash such as chunks of pumpkin or butternut in place of mushrooms in various soups and stews. On many occasions, you’ll want to cook the squash first before adding it to the dish.
9. Artichoke Hearts
Artichoke hearts have a mild flavor that works well in place of mushrooms for things like pizza and pasta. You can use fresh artichoke hearts or canned artichoke hearts, whatever your preference.
10. Olives
There are many varieties of olives to choose from whether canned or fresh. And many color options among those varieties. Using olives adds a bit of an earthy or salty flavor to your recipe.
11. Chickpeas
There are various types of chickpeas, and they can be used as a substitute for mushrooms when the flavor doesn’t need to be consistent of that of mushrooms. You can use canned or fresh as an alternative.
12. Lentils
Lentils are popular in soups and stews and make a good replacement for mushrooms where desired. Lentils come in a variety of color to add visual interest when used.
13. Leeks
Leeks have a similar flavor to onion and add a nice earthy and somewhat mildly sweet flavor. They work well in most any dish that calls for mushrooms.
14. Potatoes
If you’re looking for a nice mild flavor, potatoes might be a good option to replace your mushrooms. They work well in soups and stews, among other non-starchy dishes.
15. Carrots
Chopped carrots, shredded carrots, or sliced carrots add a mild flavor but have good color additions to any dish where the mushroom flavor doesn’t matter so much.
16. Garbanzo Beans
Fresh garbanzo beans or canned garbanzo beans are sometimes desirable substitutes for mushrooms.
17. Miso
Miso is considered a traditional Japanese seasoning and can be used in place of mushrooms. It’s made by fermenting soybeans with salt.
Mushrooms for Mushrooms
Substituting mushrooms for mushrooms is one of the best ways to capture their flavor if you have access to another form of mushrooms.If you don’t have fresh mushrooms, there are a couple of good solutions.
18. Dried Mushrooms
Dried mushrooms are usually sliced and work well because they typically have a long shelf life. They’re often found in the grocery store in the dried goods section. Just add some moisture to them and you’re good to go.
19. Canned Mushrooms
Canned mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes. They have a shelf life that’s guided by the best if used by date on the can. Just drain the liquid in the can and you’ll be ready to use them for your recipe.
Mushroom Substitutes for Flavor, Not Texture
Sometimes there are mushroom allergies or a dislike of the texture of mushrooms, but a similar flavor is desired in the substitute as a replacement. Here are two good solutions that fit in that category.
20. Umami Seasoning
Umami seasoning has a similar flavor to mushrooms and can sometimes include dried mushrooms, depending on the brand.
If you’re looking for a substitute because of mushroom allergies, you’ll want to be sure to read the ingredients before selecting this one as your solution.
21. Beef Broth
We like to use beef broth often as a go to substitute for mushrooms. It has a good flavor that’s similar to mushrooms and it works well for those who have allergies to mushrooms.
In some cases, your beef broth might need to be thickened using flour or cornstarch first, depending on your recipe.
Best Substitute for Mushrooms in Soups and Stews
Some of the recommended substitutes for mushrooms in soups and stews include carrots, leeks, squash, lentils, or zucchini. These work best in soups and stews where mushroom is a minor ingredient and not the main ingredient.
Ratio: 1:1
Best Substitute for Mushrooms on Pasta
Several pasta recipes call for mushrooms, but whether you don’t have mushrooms, don’t care for mushrooms, or allergic to mushrooms, there are some good options for substitutes. We recommend using a one-to-one ratio of leeks, onions, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Ratio: 1:1
Best Substitute for Mushrooms on Pizza
There are so many topping possibilities for pizza it’s almost as if the sky’s the limit. Things like artichokes, onions, olives, leeks, or sun-dried tomatoes can potentially be used as a substitute for mushrooms on pizza.
Ratio: 1:1
Best Substitute for Mushrooms in Beef Wellington
We recommend using carrots, onions, or eggplant in place of mushrooms for Beef Wellington. But a note of caution that eggplant tends to give off liquid when it’s baked so you’ll want to use about half the quantity that’s called for in mushrooms.
Ratio: 1:1 for carrots and onions
Ratio: 1:2 for eggplant, because of liquid it gives off
Best Substitute for Mushrooms in Stir Fry
Mushrooms tend to fall into several stir fry recipes. When looking for a substitute for them.
You can use ingredients such as zucchini, lentils, leeks, onions, or tofu. And using the same quantity or the quantity according to your preference should work well.
Ratio: 1:1
Best Substitute for Mushrooms in Stroganoff
Some of the best replacements for mushrooms to be used in stroganoff include, potatoes, onions, zucchini, and squash.
We recommend a smaller ratio when using potatoes and squash because of the high starch content.
Ratio: 1:2 for potatoes and squash because of high starch
Best Substitute for Mushrooms in Veggie Burgers
When making veggie burgers, carrots or chickpeas can be good replacements for mushrooms. You can use both or either one.
Ratio: 1:1
Best Substitute for Mushroom in Chicken Marsala
You can use carrots, leeks, potatoes, or onions as a substitute for mushrooms in Chicken Marsala. A one-to-one substitute works fine for any of these options.
Ratio: 1:1
Frequently Asked Questions
Following are frequently asked questions related to substitute for mushrooms. If you have a question that’s not answered here, please drop it to us in the comments box below and we’ll be happy to answer it.
What can I substitute for mushrooms?
There are a variety of substitutes available to use in place of mushrooms, including the many on our list above. However, choosing the best substitute for the dish that you’re making can be valuable.
What can I substitute for mushrooms in beef stroganoff?
Some of the best substitutes for mushrooms in beef stroganoff include potatoes, onions, zucchini, and squash.
What can you substitute for mushrooms in Beef Wellington?
In Beef Wellington you can cut the mushrooms and use carrots, onions, or eggplant in its place. We outline the ratios above in the list of substitutes for mushrooms.
What can I substitute for mushrooms in chicken marsala?
Chicken Marsala is a great dish, but it calls for mushrooms. If you can’t use mushrooms, carrots, leeks, potatoes, or onions can work as a replacement. See our list of ratios above.
Substitute for Mushrooms
Ingredients
Mushroom Substitutes for Texture, Not Flavor
- Following are recipe replacements for mushrooms that take texture into consideration and not flavor. Each of these items have a similar texture to mushrooms but will likely alter the flavor of the recipe.
Tofu
- Tofu is a number one substitute for mushrooms because of its texture. Tofu is high in protein and many healthy nutrients.
Tempeh
- Tempeh contains more protein fiber, and vitamins than tofu. It’s a fermented food which means it’s easier to digest. The texture is like mushrooms which makes it a good substitute.
Zucchini
- Fresh zucchini is another substitute for mushrooms that works well. It can be used chopped diced, or grated. When grated, pat with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture before adding it to the dish.
Walnuts or Pecans
- Raw or toasted walnuts or pecans can be used in place of mushrooms. They add that meaty texture.
Eggplant
- Though eggplant has a similar texture to mushrooms it tends to emit a fair amount of liquid when it’s cooked. As a result, we recommend using about half the amount of eggplant for mushrooms that’s called for in a recipe.
Non-Mushroom Substitutes
- Sometimes non-mushroom substitutes fill in well because of flavor that’s lacking. Following are our best recommendations for non-mushroom substitutes.
Onions
- Onions especially caramelized onions or sauteed onions are a go to substitute for many dishes. They add a mild flavor that is often a delicious addition for dishes that call for mushrooms.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Sun-dried tomatoes are a favorite replacement for mushrooms in pastas pizza, and even Chicken Marsala.
Squash, Pumpkin, Butternut
- Some folks like to use squash such as chunks of pumpkin or butternut in place of mushrooms in various soups and stews. On many occasions you’ll want to cook the squash first before adding it to the dish.
Artichoke Hearts
- Artichoke hearts have a mild flavor that works well in place of mushrooms for things like pizza and pasta. You can use fresh artichoke hearts or canned artichoke hearts whatever your preference.
Olives
- There are many varieties of olives to choose from whether canned or fresh. And many color options among those varieties. Using olives adds a bit of an earthy or salty flavor to your recipe.
Chickpeas
- There are various types of chickpeas and they can be used as a substitute for mushrooms when the flavor doesn’t need to be consistent of that of mushrooms. You can use canned or fresh as an alternative.
Lentils
- Lentils are popular in soups and stews and make a good replacement for mushrooms where desired. Lentils come in a variety of color to add visual interest when used.
Leeks
- Leeks have a similar flavor to onion and add a nice earthy and somewhat mildly sweet flavor. They work well in most any dish that calls for mushrooms.
Potatoes
- If you’re looking for a nice mild flavor potatoes might be a good option to replace your mushrooms. They work well in soups and stews, among other non-starchy dishes.
Carrots
- Chopped carrots shredded carrots, or sliced carrots add a mild flavor but have good color additions to any dish where the mushroom flavor doesn’t matter so much.
Garbanzo Beans
- Fresh garbanzo beans or canned garbanzo beans are sometimes desirable substitutes for mushrooms.
Miso
- Miso is considered a traditional Japanese seasoning and can be used in place of mushrooms. It’s made by fermenting soybeans with salt.
Mushrooms for Mushrooms
- Substituting mushrooms for mushrooms is one of the best ways to capture their flavor if you have access to another form of mushrooms. If you don’t have fresh mushrooms there are a couple of good solutions.
Dried Mushrooms
- Dried mushrooms are usually sliced and work well because they typically have a long shelf life. They’re often found in the grocery store in the dried goods section. Just add some moisture to them and you’re good to go.
Canned Mushrooms
- Canned mushrooms come in all shapes and sizes. They have a shelf life that’s guided by the best if used by date on the can. Just drain the liquid in the can and you’ll be ready to use them for your recipe.
Mushroom Substitutes for Flavor, Not Texture
- Sometimes there are mushroom allergies or a dislike of the texture of mushrooms but a similar flavor is desired in the substitute as a replacement. Here are two good solutions that fit in that category.
Umami Seasoning
- Umami seasoning has a similar flavor to mushrooms and can sometimes include dried mushrooms depending on the brand. If you’re looking for a substitute because of mushroom allergies, you’ll want to be sure to read the ingredients before selecting this one as your solution.
Beef Broth
- We like to use beef broth often as a go to substitute for mushrooms. It has a good flavor that’s similar to mushrooms and it works well for those who have allergies to mushrooms. In some cases your beef broth might need to be thickened using flour or cornstarch first, depending on your recipe.
Instructions
- Choose the best substitute for mushrooms from our list above.
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