While delicious when cooked fresh, there may be times when you don’t have access to them, or simply don’t want to spend a lot of time hunting them down. In those cases, using a cremini mushroom substitute is a great option.
Mushrooms can come in all shapes and sizes, but one of the most popular types is the cremini. These have a firmer texture and a more complex flavor than white ones you commonly find in the grocery stores.
If you have your heart set on making a certain dish, but the store is out, don’t worry! We provided several varieties you can use as replacements will save you. Keep your meal prep moving along and I bet no one will know the difference.
🍄 What Is Cremini Mushroom?
Think of these as matured white button mushrooms, the most common variety that most of us use in recipes, like we did for the Bacon Wrapped Mushroom appetizers. They’re small, have a slightly brownish color, and taste earthy and nutty. You’ll often see it spelled “Crimini” and both are correct.
They’re also known as brown cap, Italian brown, and baby bella mushrooms. You can use them when making soups, sauces, and sautés because it makes any dish rich in flavor. I try to keep a bag of dried mushrooms on hand. They reconstitute easily in warm water and don’t take up a lot of space in the pantry.
Tasty Cremini Mushroom Substitutes
You can substitute Cremini mushrooms with both mushroom and non-mushroom options.
Substitutes with Other Mushrooms
Several different types of mushrooms can be used as substitutes, so choose the one that best suits your needs from the following eight.
| Mushroom Type | Conversion |
|---|---|
| Shiitake | 1:1 |
| Enoki | 1:1 |
| Portobello | 2:3 |
| Maitake | 1:1 |
| White Button | 1:1 |
| Chestnut | 2:3 |
| Porcini | 2:3 |
| King Oyster | 1:2 |
Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushroom is a type of edible mushroom that has many culinary and medicinal uses. These are native to East Asia and have been used in Chinese cuisine for centuries.
It has a strong, savory flavor and a meaty texture, making it a popular ingredient in soups, stir-fries, and sauces. These are widely available at grocery stores and farmer’s markets.
Reach for these for an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including copper, potassium, and vitamin B12. In addition to its culinary uses, this mushroom has also been used medicinally to boost immunity.
Selecting the Perfect Shiitake: Look for firm, plump specimens with fresh-looking caps.
Preparation: Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth. You can then slice, dice, or cook them whole. Shiitakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms are used in many Asian dishes, soups, and stir-fries. It’s a delicious option that has a long, slender stem and small caps and can be found in most grocery stores.
These mushrooms have many health benefits, including being a good source of antioxidants, helping to improve joint health, and boosting the immune system.
They have a slightly sweet taste, and are crunchy when raw. When cooked, they become softer and have a pleasant, chewy texture.
Selecting the Perfect Enoki: Look for a firm, white mushroom and avoid any that are slimy or wet.
Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms are Cremini mushrooms that have been allowed to mature longer. As a result, they have a richer flavor and a more pronounced earthy taste. Portobellos can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed and make an excellent meat substitute in vegetarian dishes as we did with the Portobello Mushroom Pizza.
In addition to their wonderful flavor, portobellos are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They’re exceptionally high in selenium, which is an important antioxidant that helps to protect cells from damage. They are also rich in niacin, which is essential for energy metabolism.
Selecting the Perfect Portobello: Look for dry and firm ones that aren’t slimy or wet at all.
Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms, also called hen of the woods, is a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. It has a wide variety of health benefits, including promotion of weight loss and regulation of blood sugar levels.
They also contains a lot of protein and fiber and has a rich, savory flavor. This makes it the perfect substitute for cremini mushrooms in any dish.
Selecting the Perfect Maitake: Go for the younger fungi as they will be tender and not woody.
White Button Mushrooms
This is the most popular type of mushroom in the United States, and it’s no wonder why. These are versatile and have a mild flavor that pairs well with just about anything.
They’re also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including potassium, copper, and selenium. White Button mushrooms can be used in everything from soups and salads to main dishes.
So, if you’re looking for a Cremini Mushroom replacement, these are a great option.
Selecting the Perfect White Button: Look for firm and smooth ones that are not slimy or wet. Avoid any that smell foul.
Chestnut Mushrooms
This type of mushroom is native to Europe and Asia. It’s usually brown or reddish-brown and has a slightly nutty flavor. Chestnut mushroom is a good source of fiber and protein and contains several vitamins and minerals.
Although chestnut mushrooms are not as popular as other varieties, such as white button mushrooms, they can be used in many different dishes.
These are ideal for soups, stews, and pasta dishes. They can also be cooked on their own and used as a side dish or topping for salads.
Selecting the Perfect Chestnut Mushroom: Choose ones that are white, firm and not wet or slimy, similar to picking out other options.
Porcini Mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms, also known as Boletes, are found in the forests of Europe and North America. They have a wide variety of benefits, including being packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. They’re also high in protein, fiber, and different types of vitamin B.
These also have a savory umami flavor, making them a popular ingredient in many dishes. While Porcini mushrooms can be eaten raw, they are typically cooked before consumption.
When cooked, they are often used as a replacement for meats or as a flavoring agent in soups, sauces, and risottos. You’ll also find them dried and ground into a powder to be used as a seasoning.
For those looking for a Cremini mushroom substitute, Porcini mushrooms are a good option. This mushroom has a similar taste and texture and can be used interchangeably in most recipes.
Selecting the Perfect Porcini Mushrooms: Select dry, non-slimy porcini mushrooms. The top needs to be brown and smooth with the gills being grey. If the gills are turning yellow at all, don’t buy them as they are starting to go bad.
King Oyster Mushrooms
This is a type of fungi that has a thick stalk and a small cap. It has a mild flavor with a slightly sweet taste.
King Oyster mushroom is a good source of several nutrients, including protein, fiber, potassium, and vitamins B and C. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which help your body fight cell damage. They have anti-inflammatory properties and may boost the immune system.
When cooked, they can be used as a Cremini mushroom substitute in many recipes. Use these in your grilled, sautéed, or roasted recipes.
In addition, they are a great addition to salads, pasta, pizzas, and more.
Selecting the Perfect King Oyster: Look for firm and unblemished ones with a firm stem. These are on the pricey side, so spend the time to pick up the best ones you can.
Non-mushroom Cremini Mushroom Substitutes
These substitutes use vegetables and legumes instead of other mushroom varieties.
Tofu
Tofu has a neutral taste that takes on the flavors of the foods it’s cooked with, making it an excellent substitute for Cremini Mushrooms. Just season the tofu with vegetable stock to give it that signature flavor of mushrooms.
Made from soybean curds that originated in China over 2,000 years ago, tofu contains essential amino acids and is also a good source of iron and calcium.
It is low in calories and has little fat or sodium. Tofu lowers cholesterol levels and contains no animal products, making it a healthy choice for those on vegetarian or vegan diets.
It can be used as a meat substitute in many dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and stews. It can also be crumbled and used as a topping for salads or baked goods.
Selecting the Perfect Tofu: Look for white and fresh smelling. If there is a lot of discoloration or it is starting to smell, it’s best to pass as its been sitting on the shelf too long.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a type of summer squash that can be eaten raw or cooked. It’s low in calories and high in nutrients, making it a healthy addition to any diet.
Zucchini is also a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of recipes. While it has a mild flavor, it can be used as a substitute for Cremini mushrooms in dishes like risotto or pasta sauce.
Zucchini is also a good source of fiber and antioxidants. These nutrients have been linked to several health benefits, including improved digestion and reduced inflammation.
When using zucchini as an ingredient replacement, only cook it just a couple minutes or it will become too mushy and that may not be the texture needed for the recipe.
Selecting the Perfect Zucchini: Look for smaller, younger ones that don’t have blemishes on the outside. It might be tempting to snag a larger one but they are typically not as tender.
Yellow Squash
Yellow squash is a variety of winter squash with a sweet, mellow flavor. It is eaten raw or cooked and is often used in soups, stews, and casseroles.
It is an amazing source of vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as potassium and manganese. It also contains carotenoids, which are thought to have anti-cancer properties.
Try using it as a substitute for cremini mushrooms in many recipes. When cooked, it has a similar texture and mild flavor.
Selecting the Perfect Yellow Squash: Just as you would a zucchini. Small, firm and minimal blemishes.
All of your substitutes needs all in one handy reference spot! Comprehensive list substitutes here or to print off for your own menu binder. You to find an ingredient option that will allow you to not run out to the store or you may find a flavor combination you love even better than the original. Garlic Powder Substitute, Cojita Cheese Substitute, Parsley Substitute, Green Chilis Substitute, Italian Seasoning Substitute, Mustard Seed Substitute, Cilantro Substitute, Sriracha Substitute, White Pepper Substitute, Onion Powder Substitute, Five Spice Substitute, Turmeric Substitutes, White Wine Vinegar, Cardamon Substitute, Parsley Substitute, Cremini Mushroom Substitute, Egg Yolk, Leeks, Egg Wash, Coconut Cream, Tomato, Stewed Tomatoes, Coconut Sugar, Palm Sugar, Hoisin, Adobo, Chili Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Escarole, Watercress, Rice Wine Vinegar, Ketchup, Tomato Puree, Tomato Paste, Lemongrass, Chervil, Cheesecloth, Worcestershire Sauce, Fennel, Dark Soy Sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
This is the far outside option to go for but if this is what you have, go for it.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes are a delicious and healthy addition to any meal. Packed with antioxidants and vitamins, they have numerous health benefits. They’re also a great source of flavor, adding a hint of sweetness to any dish.
They can also be used as a replacement for fresh tomatoes in almost any recipe.
These tomatoes have a hearty, meaty texture, making them a perfect addition to vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Selecting the Perfect Sun Dried Tomatoes: Find these in the grocery aisle with the vegetables on the top shelf or in the produce department near the tomatoes.
Make sure to print out the Egg Substitution Printable {FREEBIE}, Whole Plant Substitutions Printable {FREEBIE}, Cooking and Baking Ingredient Substitution Printables {FREEBIE} for your Recipe Binder!
FAQ
Both spellings are used but we mostly will see cremini in the stores.
Yes, they are synonymous. As the are a tad darker than white button mushrooms, they will taste a bit more robust or deeper in the flavor profile.
Portobellos are considered the adult version of cremini.
Our Best Ingredient Substitutions
Wrapping Up
There are many mushrooms and vegetables that can be used as a substitute for Cremini mushrooms.
Make the selection that you have easily available and you’ll be able to enjoy a nutritious and delicious meal.
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