Are you in need of the savory flavor and meaty texture of shiitake mushrooms? If you can’t find them at your local store, this article will help you seek out the best shiitake mushroom substitutes.

Shiitake is one of the most common varieties of mushrooms worldwide. They are an excellent and versatile addition to a wide range of recipes, but there are also replacements for this ingredient. Learn why each option makes a good shiitake mushroom substitute below.

6 Best Shiitake Mushroom Substitutes

1. Porcini Mushrooms

You can opt for porcini mushrooms for your recipe when shiitake mushrooms are unavailable. They are delicate, fleshy, round, and smooth. Add a special flavor to your recipe with its nutty and deeply rich taste.

In European cooking, these mushrooms are a popular ingredient. If you are making brown sauces or grilling steaks, porcini mushrooms can also add an excellent flavor. They also make a delicious choice of pasta and risotto.

A useful piece of advice to remember is to cut the stems and vertical tubes from the mushrooms before cooking.

2. Portobello Mushrooms

Swap shiitake mushrooms with these brown mushrooms available fresh in the market. Portabello mushrooms have a comparable texture and flavor to shiitake. Both have a firm texture and an earthy scent.

These mushrooms have many uses. You can grill them, roast them, or use them to produce a sauce. Simply substitute them in any recipe that calls for shiitake mushrooms.

3. Crimini Mushrooms

Do you know about crimini mushrooms? They are a well-recommended choice to replace shiitake mushrooms. This is because of the savory flavor and firmness that replicates shiitake mushrooms.

These dark brown mushrooms have rounded tips and a smooth sheath of skin that wraps around the gills. They belong to the Portobello mushroom family. You can use crimini mushrooms in any recipe requiring shiitake. 

4. Fresh or Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

Do you have either fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms on hand? Although they are both shiitake mushrooms, dried and fresh kinds have differences. While you can use them interchangeably, dried mushrooms have a better fragrance and taste than fresh ones.

A lot of dishes, such as soups and stews, can be made by substituting dry for fresh or vice versa. In fact, both are popular ingredients in many Chinese dishes.

To soften dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in water. This will make it easier to slice them. Then rinse them in cold water for 15 to 20 minutes before cooking.

5. Oyster Mushrooms

Another shiitake replacement to consider for your recipe is oyster mushrooms. These mushrooms can provide a gentle, subtle seafood flavor to your dish. Their very meaty taste makes them so distinctive.

In most recipes, oyster mushrooms can substitute for shiitake. They must, however, be thoroughly cooked. Note that they take longer to cook, so remember to monitor your dish to avoid burnt food.

6. Tempeh

Do you want a non-mushroom replacement for your dish? Check out tempeh. This also makes a great alternative for those with mushroom allergies. 

Tempeh is the only non-mushroom replacement on this list and one of the best replacements for shiitake mushrooms in general. It is a perfect choice because it also tastes like mushrooms, despite containing no mushrooms.

In addition, tempeh is brimming with umami, which gives it a meaty texture and flavor. It fits well in recipes, and it is safe for those with mushroom allergies. Although it is not as well-known as any of the other options, it is just as effective as a shiitake substitute.

What Are Shiitake Mushrooms?

Shiitake is a kind of Asian mushroom widely used in Japanese cuisine. Shiitake mushrooms come in fresh and dried forms. You cook shiitake mushrooms the same way as any other mushroom.

For example, you can sauté shiitake mushrooms with green vegetables or use them to create a mushroom soup. You can also roast them as a side dish or a snack. Moreover, you can stir-fry them or add them to pasta dishes.

Shiitake mushrooms are healthy for you. They have a low-calorie count and are high in fiber, B vitamins, and other minerals. You can also find them sold as supplements in some supermarkets.

The Bottom Line

Shiitake mushrooms, like every other ingredient, may be substituted. There are other types of mushrooms and even non-mushroom options you can use. Each ingredient listed above will help you replicate the perfect dish without shiitake mushrooms.

Hope you enjoyed our article about the best substitutes for shiitake mushrooms. Happy cooking!

6 Best Shiitake Mushroom Substitutes

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Check out these great substitutes for Shiitake Mushroom that have been shared on Pinterest.

• Author: Recipe Marker

Ingredients

1. Porcini Mushrooms
2. Portobello Mushrooms
3. Crimini Mushrooms
4. Fresh or Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
5. Oyster Mushrooms
6. Tempeh

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Instructions

1. Click on each link above to view the pin.
2. Learn more about the ingredient.
3. Purchase the ingredient.
4. Add a substitute to your recipe =)