SaurabhMushrooms are considered as a very healthy and nutritious product which are used in many cuisines all over the world to cook the best recipes. Actually, mushrooms are considered as delicacies that bring out an extraordinary taste and flavour in your meal.
Mushrooms come in many different sizes, shapes and you can find many edible ones in markets. One of the most commonly used ones is the cremini mushrooms. These are brown coloured with a smooth cap and are very tasty and small.
Their delicate texture and pale brown colour make these mushrooms very unique. The taste is more earthy and has a low moisture content. However, if you are unable to get any cremini mushrooms, are there any possible alternatives that you can use?
Can I find a decent substitute for cremini mushrooms? Of course, you can and we are here to help you make the best choice. Our list consists of the best mushrooms that will fit in your recipes like White Button Mushrooms, Portobello Mushrooms and Shiitake mushrooms.
Also, we have included products on our list that are also a good alternative if you don’t like mushrooms and want to use something different like Eggplant, Ground Chickpeas, Zucchini, Tofu, Cauliflower, Russet Potatoes and Sun-Dried Tomatoes.
Do not hesitate, scroll down and pick the best alternative ingredient.
Cremini Mushrooms Substitutes
It may not be easy to find the proper substitute, but there is something for everyone these days. You don’t need to worry if there is an ingredient that does not seem ok to you, you can always find something to replace it with.
You may not expect to have the same results, but you may end up surprised. In this case for cremini mushrooms, we offer two types of alternatives, ones which are mushroom-based and others which are other types of vegetables.
Scroll down to read our top 10 substitutes which will add a very delicate and unique taste to your meal and recipe, so you’ll want to recommend it to your friends and family.
1. White Button Mushrooms
The first product on our list is the White Button Mushrooms. These are also known as common mushrooms or champignons and you can easily find them in any local market. White Button Mushrooms are usually bright white and what makes them special is their delicate mild flavour and very fine texture.
Also, they are the same size as the cremini mushrooms and when you compare these two types you can see the similarity and at the same time the things that make them a good substitute for each other. If the recipe requires cremini mushrooms, you can always use white button ones and they are good for salads, dipping sauces or just to add additional flavour to your meal.
2. Portobello Mushrooms
Next on our list is the Portobello mushrooms which are also known as field or giant cremini mushrooms. These mushrooms are another suitable replacement from cremini mushrooms as they are larger and fully grown mushrooms.
You can find them in the markets. Portobello mushrooms have a fleshy texture and very meaty taste. These types of mushrooms can be used when you are grilling, roasting or baking. Also, they will fit perfectly in your pasta sauces or barbecues.
3. Shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a very popular mushroom around the Asian cuisine. You can also find them under black forest or Chinese mushrooms can be a great substitute for cremini mushrooms. These brown, soft, spongy mushrooms have a meatier texture than the cremini mushrooms.
Actually, for some people they can be a bit chewy so be careful when substituting because they might not enjoy it. Shiitake mushrooms are best for stews, pasta sauces, risotto or barbecue as they will add very rich taste. They can be found all over the world, you won’t regret using them.
Non-Mushrooms Substitutes
4. Eggplant
If you are not a fan of mushrooms or simply want to use something different, eggplants are a very suitable substitute for people who can’t tolerate mushrooms. They have meaty and flavour taste and texture. This vegetable is a very suitable alternative in many recipes.
Eggplants are also good for people who are vegetarians and you can easily find them in markets and your local store. They are big, so you can always cut them and use how much you need and store the rest for further use. Use in whichever recipe that requires mushrooms.
5. Ground Chickpeas
Another product that is a proper alternative for cremini mushrooms is the ground chickpeas. A very classy beanie lookalike product that has a nutty flavour can replace cremini mushrooms in many recipes. Use the ground chickpeas as products which can be minced.
Then you can add additional spices to add more flavour and fry them so you’ll get the perfect texture and the exact flavour that you are looking for. There would be no changes in your dish so don’t worry, your dish will be amazing. Use in most recipes that require cremini mushrooms and adapt to your taste.
6. Zucchini
Another product that is different from mushrooms but will do the job right is zucchini. In many dishes that require cremini mushrooms, zucchini can play the perfect role as a product replacement.
If you don’t like the taste of mushrooms, these mild flavoured vegetables will provide you with a combination of sweet and bitter rich taste. When you compare the two products you’ll find similarities in their nutrition values, as well as both products, add richness to the dish.
7. Tofu
A very nutritious and tasty alternative for cremini mushrooms is Tofu. This is an alternative which is not very similar in any way to mushrooms but fits perfectly well. You can combine the Tofu with soy sauce to imitate the earthy and nutty flavour of the Cremini mushrooms.
Of course, it won’t be the same as if you used mushrooms, but you’ll definitely bring out the best of the Tofu in your recipe. Tofu on its own has a very sour taste and it can absorb the other flavours when it’s combined. It needs good preparation to bring the sweetness out of it. You can use it in fried dishes or soups
8. Cauliflower
Something that can be very easily found and we often have it in our kitchens is the cauliflower. This type of vegetable can be easily used as a replacement for cremini mushrooms in almost every recipe. Their crunchy texture and nutty flavour will fit very well in your meal. Even though they lack the mushroom taste, they will add an additional unique taste to your recipe.
9. Russet Potatoes
Potatoes are vegetables that can be very easily found all over the world. Specifically, Russet Potatoes is considered as an alternative for Cremini mushrooms in many recipes. This type of potato is long and has a very thick and tough skin which is very hard to peel.
As one of the advantages of the potato, they can also absorb the liquids and can be combined with many recipes that require mushrooms. Use them mostly in baking and frying recipes, because in soups and salads they might get soggy and the recipe won’t turn out the way you wanted.
10. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Something quite different that can be a good match for your recipes instead of Cremini mushrooms is sun-dried tomatoes. They are very popular and not very hard to find ingredient which is sold in supermarkets in jars and cans. Sun-dried tomatoes have a very sweet-tart taste and chewy texture.
Before using them, it’s better not to use the liquid. They are cut into slices, sauteed in olive oil. You can combine this ingredient in recipes that have herbs, parsley or other types of spices, especially in salads. Keep in mind to always look out at the recipe, they won’t fit in every meal because of their taste.
Related questions:
How do cremini mushrooms taste and how can you use them?
They provide a very nutty and earthy taste which makes them very similar to the taste of the white button mushrooms. The delicacy of their texture will provide and add richness and tastiness to the dish.
They can also be used and eaten on their own but you have to cook them properly first. Because of their lack of moisture, before you cook, put them in sauteed butter to soak and get softer. Always make sure that before cooking to clean them well.
What is the proper way to store cremini mushrooms?
Since they can be found easily at the market and in your local store, you can buy them fresh and store in your fridge. The most suitable option is to use the original package that you bought or store them in something else that will provide the air to flow.
Cremini mushrooms can be good for a week in your fridge. It is not really advisable to put them in your freezer, but if you decide to do it, make sure to use an airtight container.
