Looking for a mushroom substitute? You don’t have any on hand, you’re allergic, or maybe just in a hurry and need something quick that has a similar taste and texture as the real thing.
No matter what your reason may be, I’ve got some great replacements. You can use one of these alternative ingredients instead and still achieve a great result.
There are a number of different ways to achieve the same goal when it comes down to substitutes for mushrooms. Consider experimenting with these ingredients and see what works best in your situation.
The Best Mushroom Substitutes
Here are my top replacements for when a recipe calls for mushrooms, but you don’t have any or don’t want to use any.
Eggplant
Eggplant has a spongy yet firm texture that works perfectly as a substitute for mushrooms. They are moist, have great flavor, and are widely available at grocery stores. Slice them up into cubes or thin slices to use in the recipe you’re making.
Tofu
Tofu is a great substitution for mushrooms because it has a similar texture and absorbs flavors really well. It also has a pretty bland taste, so it won’t overpower the other flavors in your dish. Crumble or slice tofu into small pieces to use as a replacement.
Zucchini
Zucchini is another great option for substitution in your favorite mushroom dish. They have a mild flavor and can be easily chopped into small pieces or sliced thin. You might also want to try grilling or roasting them before using them as a substitute.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a great choice if you want to add some extra protein to your dish. It has a similar texture to mushrooms and takes on flavors well. Crumble or chop tempeh into small pieces before using it as a replacement in your recipe.
Squash
You can also substitute squash for your mushrooms. Butternut, acorn, and other types of squash work great to add some extra flavor and nutrition to your dish. You don’t have to cut up or dice the squash because it bakes well in slices or chunks.
Chickpeas
If you love mushrooms but need to avoid them due to an allergy, try using some mashed-up chickpeas as a substitute. They have great texture and flavor so they work well in any dish. You can even fry up the mashed beans for a crispy yet soft experience that tastes amazing.
Bell Pepper
Bell peppers are a great addition to many dishes, and they make a delicious substitute for mushrooms when you’re in a hurry or don’t have any on hand.
Choose red, green, or yellow bell peppers to add color and flavor to your meal. Cut them into thin strips or chop them into small pieces to use as you would with mushrooms in the recipe.
Onion
Onions are often used as a substitute for mushrooms because they have a similar taste and texture. They are also widely available and can be used in many different dishes. To use, chop them into small pieces or slices and add them to the recipe you’re making.
Tomato
Tomatoes can also be used as a substitute for mushrooms in recipes. They have a slightly sweet flavor and firm texture that works well in many dishes.
Try chopping them into cubes or slices to add to your dish. You might also want to roast them before using them for a deeper flavor.
Mushroom Substitute – Final Thoughts
There are so many reasons to love mushrooms. They’re not only good for you, but they also enhance the flavor of dishes!
One of the most unfortunate things about being allergic to or disliking mushrooms is not being able to taste them at all. Luckily there’s an easy solution – just use one of these substitutes instead and your guests will thank YOU later (I’m sure).
Fortunately, there are lots of substitutes for mushrooms that you can use in place with no problems.