I never realized how much I loved cremini mushrooms until I couldn’t find them at my grocery store. I was so bummed! But, then I started experimenting with substitutes and found that there are a lot of great options.
I spent a few weeks testing each of these replacements in recipes to see how they would work. I made sure to use them in different dishes so that I could really get a feel for each one.
I’m excited to share my findings with you so that you can easily swap out cremini mushrooms the next time you’re cooking!
Substitutes for Cremini Mushroom:
- White Button Mushrooms
- Portobello Mushrooms
- Shiitake Mushrooms
- Eggplant
- Ground Chickpeas
- Zucchinis
- Tofu
- Cauliflower
- Russet Potatoes
- Sun-dried tomatoes
White Button Mushrooms
While cremini mushrooms are a delicious and versatile ingredient, but they can be difficult to find in some stores. Fortunately, white button mushrooms make an excellent substitute.
These mushrooms are the same size as cremini mushrooms, and they are the most common type of mushroom sold in grocery stores.
In addition, they have a similar flavor and texture, making them ideal for use in recipes that call for cremini mushrooms. They’re great for salads and dipping sauces.
Plus, white button mushrooms are more affordable than cremini mushrooms, making them a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
So the next time you’re looking for a substitute for cremini mushrooms, reach for white button mushrooms instead. You’ll be glad you did!
Portobello Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms have a meaty taste that makes them a popular choice for cooking. In this case, portobello mushrooms are a good substitute for cremini mushrooms. They are larger but with a similar taste.
Additionally, they can be used in the same way as cremini mushrooms – in soups, sauces, or as a standalone dish. These can be baked, roasted, or grilled.
There are several benefits to using portobello mushrooms as a substitute for cremini mushrooms. First, they are more readily available. Second, they are usually less expensive.
Finally, they add a unique flavor to dishes that can be quite delicious. If you’re looking for a substitute for cremini mushrooms, portobello mushrooms are a good option to consider.
Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are mostly used in Asian cuisine. They have a similar taste to cremini mushrooms and can be used in dishes that call for them. However, the texture of cremini mushrooms is sightly meatier and chewier.
Shiitake mushrooms are a good source of protein and nutrients, and they have been shown to boost the immune system. They are also low in calories and fat, and they can help to lower cholesterol levels. In addition, shiitake mushrooms are a good source of dietary fiber.
The best way to use Shiitake mushrooms is in stews, pasta sauces, risottos, dips, or barbecues.
Eggplant
When it comes to cooking, sometimes you have to get a little creative with your ingredients. You probably won’t believe this, but eggplant is a good substitute option for cremini mushrooms.
This vegetable is easy to find and usually cheaper than mushrooms. Plus, it’s versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Eggplant has a similar texture to mushrooms, so it makes a good stand-in for cremini mushrooms in stir-fries, pasta dishes, and more.
And because eggplant is easy to cook with and takes on the flavor of other ingredients well, it’s a great option for those who are new to cooking with mushrooms.
Ground Chickpeas
Ground chickpeas make an excellent substitution for cremini mushrooms. Chickpeas have a nutty flavor that complements the other flavors in the dish, and they also absorb liquid well, making them ideal for use in soups and stews.
Additionally, chickpeas are a good source of vitamins and fiber, making them a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.
You can add extra flavors and spices to get the result you desire and fry the ground chickpeas to get the perfect texture.
Zucchini
This mild-flavored vegetable can be used as a substitute for cremini mushrooms in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to stir-fries and pasta. They’re perfect for you if you’re not a huge mushroom fan. Zucchini will hold the dish up without the prominent mushroom taste.
Both Zucchinis and cremini mushrooms have a high nutritional value. They’re a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium. While it may not have the same rich flavor as cremini mushrooms, zucchini is a versatile and healthy option that can be used in many recipes.
Tofu
One potential substitute for cremini mushrooms is tofu. Tofu can be used in many of the same dishes as mushrooms, and it can be combined with soy sauce to create a similar flavor profile.
Additionally, tofu is a good source of protein and can be a healthy option for those who are looking to avoid mushrooms. You can use this substitution for stews, soups, or fried dishes.
It is important to note that tofu does not have the same earthy, nutty flavor as mushrooms, but it’s similar enough to do the job. As such, it may not be the best substitute for dishes that rely heavily on the taste of mushrooms.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a great substitute for cremini mushrooms. It has a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture that makes it a versatile ingredient. You can use it in stir-fries, soups, and stews, or simply roasted with other vegetables.
Cauliflower is a good source of vitamins B and C, as well as fiber and antioxidants. It also contains sulforaphane, a compound that has been shown to have anti-cancer properties.
When substituting cauliflower for mushrooms, it is important to note that the cooking time may be slightly longer. However, the extra time is well worth it when you bite into a delicious meal!
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are a great substitute for cremini mushrooms. They’re easy to find and can be used in a variety of dishes. For example, they can be roasted, mashed, or used as a filling for savory pies and tarts.
Russet potatoes have a hearty flavor that pairs well with other earthy ingredients, such as onions, carrots, and celery. They also absorb flavors well, so they’re ideal for dishes that are packed with seasonings.
It’s best to use them in baking and frying because, in stews and soups, russet potatoes will get soggy and lose their structural integrity.
Plus, russet potatoes are a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, making them a healthy option for those looking to cut back on meat or dairy. So next time you’re in the mood for a mushroom-based dish, give russet potatoes a try!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are one of my personal favorite cremini mushroom substitutes, probably because I am a bit too inclined towards their tangy-sweet taste.
They have a distinct flavor that pairs well with a variety of other ingredients, and their chewy texture helps to replicate the meatiness of mushrooms. Best of all, sun-dried tomatoes are easy to find at most grocery stores.
This substitution is best when used in salads.
So next time you’re looking for a cremini mushroom substitute, give sun-dried tomatoes a try. You might just be pleasantly surprised by the results!
FAQs
Can I use shiitake instead of cremini?
Yes, absolutely! Both mushrooms have a savory flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes, and they can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
The biggest difference between the two is their texture. Shiitake mushrooms tend to be more substantial, while cremini mushrooms are more subtle in flavor and have a softer bite.
However, both types of mushrooms will add delicious flavor to your dish, so feel free to use whichever you can find.
Can I substitute porcini for cremini?
Porcini mushrooms and cremini mushrooms are both members of the same family, so they can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Porcini mushrooms have a stronger flavor than cremini mushrooms, so you may want to use a little less if you’re substituting porcini for cremini.
Both mushrooms can be used fresh or dried, but porcini mushrooms are more commonly found dried. If you’re substituting dried porcini for fresh cremini, reconstitute the porcini in water before using it.
Start by adding 1/2 cup of water per ounce of dried mushrooms. Let the mushrooms soak for at least 20 minutes, then drain them and use as desired.
Can I substitute portobello for cremini mushroom?
While both portobello and cremini mushrooms are members of the same family, there are some key differences between them.
Portobello mushrooms are typically larger and have a more robust flavor, while cremini mushrooms are smaller and more delicate. In terms of texture, portobellos can be quite chewy, while creminis tend to be more tender.
So while you can substitute portobellos for cremini mushrooms in some recipes, it’s best to choose the mushroom that will best suit the dish you’re planning to make.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cremini mushrooms are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. However, they can be difficult to find (and sometimes even more difficult to afford).
That is why I’ve put together a list of substitutes for cremini mushrooms. These substitutes include russet potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, shiitake mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, and portobello mushrooms, among others.