If you’re making a dish that calls for cremini mushrooms, but you haven’t been able to find any at the stores, don’t worry! There are plenty of options available to you when it comes to substituting cremini mushrooms. What can you use?
White mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, tofu, porcini mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, and ground chickpeas can all be used as a substitute for cremini mushrooms.
What are cremini mushrooms?
Cremini mushrooms, or baby bellas, are the same type of mushroom as the white mushroom and portobello mushrooms. The only difference is the maturity levels. Cremini mushrooms are in the middle of the maturity scale, while white mushrooms are at the beginning and portobello mushrooms are at the end.
Cremini mushrooms are a darker color than white mushrooms. Usually a brownish color. They have a meaty and earthy flavor to them.
They have several health benefits like fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. In addition to this, they are low in fat and calories which makes them a healthy ingredient for many dishes.
How do you use them?
These mushrooms are versatile and can be used in any number of ways in countless dishes. They can be used for
- Soups
- Pizzas
- Pasta
They are also eaten on their own and are very good when sauteed or grilled.
What can you use as substitutes?
- White mushrooms
White mushrooms, or button mushrooms, are considered one of the best substitutes for cremini mushrooms. Because they are the same kind of mushrooms, just at different stages of development, they are very similar.
White mushrooms will be different in color, but about the same size. They won’t be quite as flavorful but will be a very close alternative if you can’t get a hold of cremini mushrooms. You can use white mushrooms in a 1:1 ratio to cremini mushrooms.
- Portobello mushrooms
Since portobello mushrooms are also the same type of mushrooms, just a stage later in development, they are another great substitute for cremini mushrooms.
Portobello mushrooms will be very similar in taste. In fact, the nutty and earthy flavor will be even stronger. This is a great option for most dishes. They won’t be the same size, so if you’re looking for a mushroom that is comparable in size to cremini mushrooms, stick with white mushrooms.
- Shiitake mushrooms
Another alternative is shiitake mushrooms. They are similar in appearance and size to cremini mushrooms and have a comparable texture as well.
They can be a little bit chewier than cremini mushrooms, so keep this in mind when choosing a substitute for your meal.
- Tofu
While this may seem like an odd choice, tofu can definitely be used as a substitute for cremini mushrooms.
When marinated in soy sauce, tofu can even mimic the earthy flavor of mushrooms. It also shares the spongy texture of mushrooms. Frying your tofu can help to make the texture even more similar to cremini mushrooms!
This is a good option to replace mushrooms while maintaining a vegan dish.
- Porcini mushrooms
You can easily use porcini mushrooms instead of cremini mushrooms when cooking. They both share an umami flavor which makes porcini mushrooms a great substitute for cremini mushrooms.
- Eggplant
If you’re looking for an alternative to cremini mushrooms that isn’t a mushroom at all, try eggplant! The texture is meaty just like cremini mushrooms. The flavor of eggplant is not really comparable to cremini mushrooms, but if this is your goal in replacing the mushrooms, it will work great.
Eggplant can be grilled, sauteed, and roasted just like cremini mushrooms.
- Zucchini
Zucchini can also be used as a replacement for cremini mushrooms. This is another alternative that won’t share the taste of the mushrooms but will still work great in your dish.
Zucchini also shares a lot of the same nutritional benefits as mushrooms. This means even if you don’t want mushrooms in your dish, you can still get the nutritional value!
- Ground chickpeas
If you are looking to make a dish with minced mushrooms, ground and minced chickpeas can be an excellent replacement.
Try seasoning them and then mincing them into small pieces and using these in your dish instead of cremini mushrooms!
Conclusion
There are many reasons you might want to find a substitute for cremini mushrooms. No matter what reasons you have, it shouldn’t be hard to find a substitute!
If you can’t stand the taste of mushrooms, you can use zucchini for the same nutritional value without the earthy taste. If your store is out of cremini mushrooms, try white mushrooms since they are far more common.
Even if you are just bored and want to branch out, try some of these suggestions! Maybe you’ll find something new that you love.
