SaurabhWhen you add mushrooms to a meal, it’s like you are adding something very delicate which brings out the tastiness in your meal. Mushrooms are a very common ingredient in many cuisines all over the world.
Shiitake Mushrooms are one of those that are used, especially in the East Asia region. Dark brown mushrooms with caps that can be between 2 and 4 inches or 5 to 10 centimeters long. This type of fungi grows in hardwood trees.
Shiitake mushrooms can be found in Japan, the US, Canada, and China as countries that produce them. Actually, shiitake mushrooms can be found fresh, dried, or in some dietary packaged way in supermarkets as supplements.
However, if you don’t have them in your local store or simply you are out, what can be used as a replacement?
Yes, you can substitute Shiitake Mushrooms with Dried Shiitake mushrooms, Portobello mushrooms, Oyster mushrooms, Porcini mushrooms, and Crimini mushrooms.
You have a detailed description of each mushroom so you can find out which one will fit in your recipe best.
Substitutes for Shiitake Mushrooms
If you have no shiitake mushrooms at your reach, no worries, we have created a list of the best products that can be used as an alternative. It may be hard to find the perfect match, but that’s why we are here to help. Do not hesitate, check the list and find the best ingredient that will make your dish even tastier.
1. Dried for fresh shiitake mushrooms
Even though they are the same thing, dried and fresh shiitake mushrooms are different. They can serve as a substitute for each other, but the drained mushrooms have a stronger aroma and flavors as opposed to the fresh ones.
You put them in water to soften them up so you can cut them easily. Before cooking, rinse them in cold water for around 15 to 20 min. They are a common ingredient in many Chinese dishes, so you can use both as a substitute for each other. Use these alternatives to cook soups, stews, and many more recipes.
2. Portobello mushrooms
These are mushrooms that are considered a good substitute for shiitake. Brown colored mushrooms can be used as a meat substitute. You can find these mushrooms fresh in your market. Further, they have an earthy smell, firm texture.
You can use them in many recipes and you can grill them, roast them or just simply make a sauce out of mushrooms. You can easily replace them in many recipes that require shiitake.
3. Oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are another replacement that can be used when there are no shiitakes. They grow on trees and have scallop like caps with a snowy grey color. There are more types and the biggest you can find are the King Oyster mushrooms.
You can use them as a substitute in most dishes and you just need to be careful when you are preparing them because it may take longer to cook so keep an eye on them so you won’t burn them. They have a very mild and subtle taste like seafood. The reason why they are so special and unique is because of their texture which is very meaty and it should be properly prepared.
4. Porcini mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms are very common in European cuisine. These mushrooms are round, fleshy, soft, and smooth, which are considered to be a good substitute for the shiitake mushrooms. With their nutty and intensely rich flavor, bring out a unique taste in your dish.
Also, another use is in the brown sauces and they can also give out a strong flavor in grilled steaks. Moreover, porcini mushrooms fit well with pasta and risotto. An important tip that you need to know that before cooking you need to remove the stems and the vertical tubes cooking
5. Crimini mushrooms
A very common substitute that can be used is the crimini mushrooms. A dark brown firm mushroom that has a similar taste to the white button mushrooms, can be used as a replacement in most of the recipes that call for shiitake mushrooms. Very smooth with a rounded cap and they have a sheath of skin that covers the gills.
A useful tip for these mushrooms is that if the gills are covered it means that they are fresh when you buy them at the market. They offer a delicate texture and color that make these mushrooms unique, as they will bring out many flavors in your meals. Use them to make soups or stews, they are perfect for it.
Related questions:
How long are shiitake mushrooms good to keep?
The shiitake mushrooms are good to keep them at least 14 days in the fridge. You can always store them in a paper bag in the fridge or just in their shrink-wrapped package. Further, if you open the top, and if you remove the plastic you can always put something loosely to keep them covered in the fridge.
How long do the shiitake mushrooms need to be cooked?
Before cooking, preheat the oven with oil. Then, add the mushrooms and cook them. You should cook for at least 8 to 10 minutes until they get golden brown. Then add two tablespoons of water into the pan and stir occasionally. Cook for additional 2 minutes until the water is evaporated. After everything looks cooked, the mushrooms are good to be taken out and served.
How can you tell if a porcini has gone bad?
Well, it is very noticeable since there could be worms appearing. Even though you’ll see boreholes in the stalk which is another sign of these mushrooms going bad. Another indicator is the yellow spots and dots that also means that they are going bad. Once you see some of this thing, throw them immediately, because you might get food poisoning and you always need to be careful when you are consuming mushrooms
