If you are looking for suitable substitutions for mushrooms in your cooking then this is the place to be. Mushrooms are such a diverse ingredient that is widely used in cooking, however, they can be wisely substituted with different ingredients when need be. Let’s explore mushroom substitutes in more detail!
If you want to cook amazing dishes for yourself, friends, or family, then having the right ingredients is the start of the journey. Mushrooms are such a well-rounded option to add, and you might find that it is listed as an ingredient for many recipes you come across. They are an excellent source of nutrition and are adaptable ingredients to use. But, if you don’t like them because of the texture or taste, or you just want to seek out alternatives, then you might be wondering what are the best substitutions for mushrooms. Here are the options to consider!
4 Best Mushroom Substitutes
Tofu
One of the most popular and widely used options to consider as a substitution to mushrooms is Tofu. For those that are unsure, it is a soybean paste that is condensed and compressed into a block. It is an excellent alternative to consider, partially because of its texture, which is akin to mushrooms. The one thing to remember with tofu is that it has no flavor of its own, so you do need to consider ensuring that the tofu takes on the flavor combinations of your dish with time to absorb them. Or, ensure that you marinate the tofu with some flavors of your choosing before adding it to your dish. It is packed with water, so you will need to absorb the excess and/or press it using a tofu press before adding it to your dish or marinating it!
Eggplant
Eggplant, also known as aubergine, is a widely accessible vegetable (that is technically a fruit!) that is an excellent substitute to use for mushrooms. It is an ingredient that could be used for many different dishes and cuisines, and is able to work well with all sorts of flavor combinations. The texture is similar to mushrooms, but it does have its own distinct flavor, so make sure you take that into account when using it as an alternative. It may even add to the depth of flavor in your dish, so it could be a great option to consider.
Zucchini
Similar to eggplant, zucchini is another great substitute for mushrooms. Zucchini has a similar texture in its flesh to that of culinary mushrooms, and when cooked, can work well in most dishes that you would normally use mushrooms in. Much like eggplant, zucchini squash also has its own distinct flavor. Zucchini is another vegetable (that is technically a fruit!) that is rather versatile, so it could be chopped or even grated into dishes.
Chickpeas
Legumes are great alternatives for many different ingredients and chickpeas can work particularly well as a mushroom substitute. Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) are a great source of protein and fiber, are versatile and can be added to many different dishes. They can be served straight out of the can or cooked through. If you are cooking them, then make sure you rinse them thoroughly before adding them to your dish. Chickpeas also have a distinct flavor so you may notice they work well with specific meals, especially sauces and curries.
So there you have it, four incredible substitutes for mushrooms!
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