Shiitake Mushroom Substitutes (Everyone is oohing & ahhing)

Mushroom lovers, get ready to try out some new stock! And enjoy the food without losing the taste.

Cooking is an art form. Seldom, it cannot be easy to find ingredients for a recipe. 

Shiitake mushrooms are often used in Asian recipes but are not always available at the grocery store or farmer’s market. 

More than 12 alternatives are listed below that you can use if shiitake mushrooms aren’t available. 

Some possible substitutes for shiitake mushrooms include a button, portabella, oyster, and cremini mushroom varieties, and many more. 

You may have to experiment with them before finding the right one that will work for your dish. 

Here are some of our beloved recipes using these different types of mushrooms: 

Cremini Mushroom Soup, Portabella Mushroom Burgers and Button Mushrooms with Creamy Garlic Sauce

If any of those options aren’t available for you, try substituting other ingredients like spinach or green beans to create a new recipe!-There’s always a way to make your favorite dishes, even if they’re missing one key ingredient.

Facts About Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms are a kind of tasty mushroom that is indigenous to East Asia. They are a popular ingredient in many dishes, and they have a wide variety of health benefits. 

Here are a few of the advantages of including Shiitake mushrooms in your diet:

· Shiitake mushrooms are a great source of dietary fiber, essential for maintaining gut health.

· Shiitake mushrooms are low in calories, making them a good choice for people who are trying to lose weight.

· Shiitake mushrooms are high in antioxidants. So on.

Shiitake Mushrooms taste great! They are great additions to soups, stir-fries, and salads. Their meaty texture makes them a perfect vegetarian substitute for meat in recipes.

This is where shiitake mushrooms originate from Japan, China, Korea, India, Europe & the United States.

Shiitake Mushrooms are mostly found on the west coast of the USA and Japan. 

Shiitake mushrooms contain Vitamin D2, Canthin-6-one, polysaccharides, and protein. They also improve immune system function and lower cholesterol levels.

Excessive intake may cause headaches or nausea.

What if you are going to cook some healthy soup, but there are no shiitake mushrooms available in your kitchen.

Some foods have similar colors and textures to make an excellent edible dish, even a similar taste to Shiitake. 

I already arranged those substitutes in terms of priority below section.

14 Best Alternative to Shiitake mushroom substitutes 

1. SHIMEJI MUSHROOM for Shiitake Mushroom Substitute

Shimeji Mushrooms are a great substitute for Shiitake; they are a type of mushroom from Japan, China, Korea, and other Asian countries. They are a small, white, delicate-flavored mushroom low in calories.

Shimeji mushrooms are also recognized as “beech mushrooms” or simply “beech mushrooms.”

As it has a firmer texture, you can make dishes like soup, stir-fry, sautéed Shimeji mushrooms with chicken, and Shimeji mushrooms with asparagus.

if you do not like shiitake mushrooms, you can substitute them with shimeji mushrooms. the image showing some of it.

2. WHITE BUTTON MUSHROOM another Alternative for Shiitake 

The White Button Mushroom is a popular choice for making a mushroom dish. It has the same flavor and texture as Shiitake but at a much lower price!

The White Button Mushroom is a popular choice for making a mushroom dish. It has the same flavor and texture as Shiitake but at a much lower price!
WHITE BUTTON MUSHROOM

Among the most frequent mushrooms found on trees, this white button is also known as “common mushroom.” They grow in any climate and can be harvested for food or used to make supplements.

3. Use CHARCOAL BURNER instead of Shiitake Mushrooms

Charcoal Burner mushrooms are earthy flavor, dark-colored, highly sought-after mushrooms native to the temperate forests of Europe. 

Charcoal Burner mushrooms good substitute of Shiitake Mushrooms
Charcoal Burner mushrooms

They are effortless to cultivate, thus making them a favorite fungus among mushroom lovers.

Charcoal Burners are not very suitable for beginning cultivators, as they require a specific environment to thrive. However, once all conditions are met, they can produce high yields of top quality.

4. PORCINI 

Porcini mushrooms are look-alikes of the common field mushroom but have a nuttier, earthier flavor. 

The cap is a darker brown than the field mushroom, and the gills are a buff color. They grow in clusters on the ground near trees.

Dried porcini mushrooms have a deep, intense flavor that is not available with any other cooking mushroom. They are used in soups, stews, and sauces.

a hand holding a porcini mushroom in this image, which is one of the substitutes for shiitake mushrooms.

5. PORTOBELLO

Portobello is another best option as a substitution while you don’t have shiitake mushrooms on hand. 

Portobello is another best option as a substitution while you don't have shiitake mushrooms on hand. 
PORTOBELLO

Portobello is large and has a deep flavor, so they can easily stand in for shiitake mushrooms in a recipe. Plus, they’re a significant source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin B6.

If you don’t have any mushrooms at all, you can still make a delicious dish. Try using diced onion, garlic, and celery in place of mushrooms to create a vegetarian version of stuffing that is still flavorful and satisfying.

6. TEMPEH is a Substitute for Non-Mushrooms susbtitute for Shiitake mushroom

Try Tempeh if you’re allergic to mushrooms and still want mushrooms’ taste. 

Tempeh from Indonesia is a popular plant-based meat alternative that is made from fermented soybeans with a slightly nutty, mushroom-like flavor and firm texture. 

You can see it in the refrigerated sector of most health food stores.

7. Alternative of Shiitake Mushrooms- SOYBEAN

When it comes to meatless meal options, soybean products are a great place to start. 

Soybeans are high in protein and fiber and contain “good” fats (the kind that reduces LDL cholesterol). Plus, soybeans are versatile and can be eaten in both whole and processed forms.

Some of the most popular soybean products are tofu, Tempeh, and edamame. Tofu is produced from curdled soy milk and has a soft, custard-like texture. 

Tempeh is prepared from whole soybeans that are fermented and have a chewy, nutty texture. Edamame is immature soybeans that are boiled and have a mild flavor and slightly crunchy texture.

if you do not like to eat shiitake mushrooms you can eat soybean it's a healthy alternative.

8. OYSTER MUSHROOM substitute for Shiitake

If you’re looking for a tasty, earthy mushroom flavor, you might want to try using oyster mushrooms instead.

OYSTER MUSHROOM  good substitute of Shiitake Mushrooms
OYSTER MUSHROOM

Oyster mushrooms have a slightly milder flavor than shiitake mushrooms, but they still add a lot of depth and richness to dishes. They’re also a reliable source of protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins B1 and B2.

So if you’re looking for a different way to enjoy mushrooms, give oyster mushrooms a try!

9. CRIMINI MUSHROOM

Crimini mushrooms are one of the most popular cultivated mushrooms globally and, for a good reason, an alternative option for Shiitake. They are delicious, nutritious, and easy to grow.

Crimini mushrooms are a type of cultivated mushroom that is related to the common button mushroom. They are a dark brown with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, earthy flavor. 

Crimini mushrooms are available in most grocery stores. They can vary widely in both size and price depending on availability, season, and the individual store. They can be served in various forms, including sautéing, grilling, roasting, or stuffing.

10. BAY BOLETE MUSHROOM, a nutty Alternative for shitake mushrooms

A separate relative of the more commonly known porcini mushroom, Bay Bolete mushrooms have a mild flavor that is perfect for cooking. 

This edible fungus has been harvested frequently by locals and enjoys popularity amongst them due to how delicious they find it when cooked into vegan butter (or anything else).

11. LOBSTER MUSHROOM

Lobster mushrooms can be found growing wild on decaying wood. They are off-white to light brown in color and have a lobster-like shape. (source)

Lobster Mushrooms are considered a choice edible mushroom and substitute for Shiitake and have a meaty texture and a mild taste.

12. ENOKITAKE MUSHROOM All-time Substitute for Shiitake

Enoki mushroom is a long, thin, white mushroom with a delicate flavor and slightly crunchy texture. It is also sometimes called the “golden needle mushroom” and the “lily mushroom.”

First, let’s look at some of the nutritions in Enoki. The calorie count is low but provides a good amount of protein for its size. 

Enoki also has a good variety of vitamins and minerals, including many trace minerals. It is the only vegetable that contains vitamin B12, but its amount is minimal.

Enoki mushrooms are a type of wild mushroom with a mild, delicate flavor. The touch is soft, and the flavor is slightly sweet. They are often found in soups and other savory dishes.

13. MAITAKE A Decent Substitute for Shiitake Mushrooms

Talking about shiitake substitute and Maitake is like a brother of it. Maitake is also known as Grifola frondosa. 

Maitake mushroom is grown in temperate climates, but it does not require high humidity. Maitake is an excellent source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It also has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Maitake tastes like a combination of lobster and crab. It is often used in soups, stews, and as a stuffing for poultry or fish. 

Maitake is much more than a substitute for Shiitake, and we hope it will gain popularity as its counterparts.

Maitake is an amazing mushroom that is currently underutilized in the culinary world. We assume this will substitute in the near future, and Maitake will become a staple in each household.

14. DRIED SHIITAKESimilar Replacement for Shiitake Mushroom

Our final substitute list of Shiitake is DRIED SHIITAKE. If you are a big fan of Shiitake, then dry it for long-term use. 

The condition for drying Shiitake is to make sure the Shiitake are fresh, firm, and have a good flavor. There are many ways to dry Shiitake, but we will share the most common way.

The first step is to cut off the stems and slice the mushrooms 1/4 inch thick. Please place them on a baking sheet or dehydrator tray in a single layer.

If you are using a dehydrator, set the temperature to 115 degrees F and dry for 12-18 hours or until the Shiitake lose about 80% of their weight. 

If you are using an oven, place it on the lowest setting and prop the door open about an inch. Dry for 6-12 hours, checking periodically to make sure they don’t burn. 

Dried Shiitake will keep for several months if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. If they begin to get a little soft, you can re-dry them for a few hours.

Rehydrating dried Shiitake is very easy. Just cover them with warm water in a covered jar for 15-30 minutes, depending on the thickness of the slices. 

It is crucial not to use boiling hot water to make the Shiitake challenging. Just let them soak up all that delicious water, and they are ready to be added to your favorite recipe.

Seriously, the last one for this week is DRIED SHIITAKE. I am a big fan of Shiitake, but it is a bit pricey for me. 

Shiitake can be one of the most expensive types of mushroom on the market because you have to go to Asia to get fresh Shiitake.

Read More- Try Our Best Truffle Burrata Substitutes

Conclusion for Shiitake Mushrooma Alternatives

You’ve read about all these shiitake mushroom substitutes. However, you are still missing the ingredient you need to make your favorite dish. 

It can feel like a huge disappointment when something goes wrong in the kitchen. I hope this list of alternatives has helped ease that feeling and will help turn around.

Your diet and health need to include them in your meals, so make sure you substitute them with something healthy! 

Suppose there’s anything else we can do, let us know. We want you to be happy and satisfied with the food choices.

Read More- Oaxaca Cheese Substitutes

Related Question for Shiitake Substitution

Q1. What does Shiitake taste like?

When cooked, shiitake mushrooms acquire a rich and buttery flavor. They can also be consumed raw, but the flavor is much more pronounced when it’s heated up in some way.

You want your shiitakes to be more flavorful than just “mild” tasting, then head into the kitchen!

Q2. What type of mushroom is Shiitake?

The Japanese name for shiitake mushrooms, シャヒータケイト (which means “mushroom of hardwood”), comes from its common growing location- on fallen branches and logs in old-growth forests. 

These harvestable mushrooms date back centuries ago when they were first cultivated by the Chinese, who would use them as a highly prized food source because other fungi could not grow at all where these particular kinds thrived!

However, there has been an increasing demand in modern times due largely to our culture’s increasing interest in healthy alternatives like vegetables. Today, many home gardeners also cultivate this popular delicacy.

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