Mushroom substitutes play a huge role in meal preparation and sometimes cost lower than the mushrooms they are replacing. Whilst a lot of people want healthy mushrooms as part of a day to day dishes, not all meals tend to work with this healthy vegetable and some people may have food allergies so it’s important to have something to substitute your mushrooms on the side for consumption.
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Zucchini
One of the best substitutes for mushrooms is Zucchini. Zucchini comes from the squash vegetable family. It is a vegetable that is primarily eaten as a summer vegetable and its soft fleshy, and sweet flavour is ideal for pasta dishes. Zucchini can grow to one meter on average, and it is very versatile in cooking savoury meals. According to some of the best chefs, it is best to chop, cut, or slice it into small pieces for easy consumption and digestion.
Sun Dried Tomatoes
Another ideal substitute for mushrooms are sun-dried tomatoes. Sun dried tomatoes were popular back in the 90’s. However, sun dried tomatoes have seen a good resurgence in popularity especially among popular chefs. Sun dried tomatoes can be cut into thin slices and sauteed or fried in olive oil. They work really well with seasoning ingredients, such as dry herbs, parsley, and cilantro, to name a few. While dry in nature, sun dried tomatoes are good substitutes for mushrooms and can be a popular topping on several dishes as well.
Eggplants
The third mushroom substitute is an eggplant. Eggplants have an egglike shape with vibrant purple peels and a delicious flavour. Not everyone likes eggplants but they are full of vitamins and are preferred by many chefs due to their sweet taste. Eggplants make a good replacement for mushrooms but they can easily get overcooked, so it is important to be careful when preparing your meals with eggplants.
Garbanzo
Garbanzo beans are known as chickpeas in many parts of the world are also a good replacement for mushrooms. There are two varieties of garbanzo vegetables. The first is much bigger in size and has a cream colour. The second type of garbanzo is much smaller in size and darker in appearance. Both varieties can be used as substitutes for mushrooms and are ideal for a myriad of recipes both hot and cold.
Potatoes
The fifth on our list of mushroom substitutes are potatoes. Potatoes are always in demand and they can be grown in several varieties. However, potatoes are thick and rough to peel but great for so many entrees and dishes and make good substitutes for a lot of ingredients including mushrooms. Potatoes also have a lot of varieties and some contain a large amount of starch with others drier than other varieties.
Tofu
Tofu makes another good mushroom substitute plus it is a favourite among people that love to consume soybeans. It is rich in nutrition and it is known for its soft feeling and versatility in different foods. Tofu first appeared in China many years ago and gained popularity across the Asian continent. It is preferred by vegetarians since it has a lot of protein like fish and other meat stuff. Tofu is also considered good for women since it helps with producing the hormone oestrogen in addition to its nutritional value.
Onions
Another good substitute for mushrooms are onions. Although they can be spicy, onions are packed with a lot of flavour and vitamins. Red onions are especially spicy and may not be ideal for every meal. White onions on the other hand, taste sweeter and make a perfect topping for burgers, chicken, fish, and poultry dishes. Onions can be sauteed, fried, or can be included as part of baked dishes. This makes them versatile, that way onions can be added to a variety of dishes. They may be different in taste compared to mushrooms but you can always add them to your list for last-minute or evergreen replacements when cooking or making fast, healthy snacks.
Cilantro
Also on our list of mushroom substitutes is cilantro. Cilantro has long been a favourite topping for hearty meat, chicken, and fish-based meals. It has a unique flavour plus it is known to be very delicious and enhances dishes of all kinds. Cilantro also works well as a substitute for mushrooms since it is easy to add and consume. It is important to take care when it comes to washing this type of vegetable. Ensure that you wash it thoroughly while removing any brown or discoloured leaves.
Unami Seasoning
Unami is another suitable option to substitute for mushrooms especially if you enjoy strong tasting mushrooms and want to mimic their flavour. Unami is a popular ingredient in many recipes. It has a savoury flavour you often get from slow-cooked meat or a beef broth and makes good substitute for mushrooms.
Beef Broth
Beef broth is also a suitable option if you want to substitute mushrooms. Beef broth is also a good option if you want to mimic the umami flavour that mushrooms offer. Whether you make your own beef broth or buy it ready-made, it is an ingredient that will do a similar job to the umami seasoning mentioned above. Since beef broth is a liquid consider adding some extra meat or vegetables to your dish.
Tempeh
Tempeh comes in handy if you need an ingredient for a stir fry to substitute mushrooms. It is a firm-textured, meat alternative that is commonly made from soybeans. Tempeh has a less mushy texture than tofu and has a much stronger flavour. Although its taste is unique, it offers an earthy, mushroom-like flavour. It works best in a stir-fry or casserole because it provides a similar taste and texture similar to mushrooms.
Miso
Miso is made from fermented soybeans and also makes a great substitute for mushrooms. It comes in a variety of flavours so keep in mind that not all flavours are ideal to substitute for mushrooms. The brown or dark red variety is what you need to use. Miso can bring an umami-rich, complex flavour to any meal. Take note that miso is not an exact match to mushrooms so it might change the flavour of your dish.
