Saint InnocentAlthough, in recent times, mushrooms appear to be always mistaken for vegetables by plenty of persons out there, in the real sense, it is far from being a vegetable, but rather the fruiting bodies of fungi.
Blessed with a whole lot of nutritional value, mushrooms are known as one of the rich sources of high-quality proteins, accompanied by essential amino acids which you don’t always get to find in many plant-based foods.
Though mushrooms ordinarily do not hold the capacity to serve as a complete nutritional substitute for meat, which is evident in the fact that they have lesser protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 when placed in comparison with the nutritional value meats have to offer.
But the situation is always different when it is paired alongside some other protein-rich foods such as beans, lentils, tofu, or chickpeas. Since the versatility of mushrooms as a meat substitute is reliant on their ability to pair alongside other high-protein foods, below have been highlighted some of the best mushrooms for meat substitutes.
9 Interesting Substitute For Mushrooms to Try Out
1. Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini mushrooms, which can also be referred to as Agaricus bisporus, are one of the best mushrooms for meat substitutes out there in grocery stores and marketplaces, known for their light brown and rounded caps and slightly stronger flavors.
Talking about its slightly stronger flavors, cremini mushrooms are one of the best mushrooms for a meat substitute that works perfectly well, particularly in stews that are to be used for pasta sauces.
2. White Button Mushrooms
White button mushrooms, scientifically referred to as Agaricus bisporus, have also been tested and approved as one of the best mushrooms for meat substitute sites consumed globally. Though texture-wise, they might not be one of the meatiest, when properly seasoned, the reverse is the case.
Known for their mild flavor and firm texture, white button mushrooms, as one of the best mushrooms for meat substitutes, are best enjoyed with chicken-based recipes inside dishes such as pizza toppings, grilled kebabs, or taco fillings.
3. King Oyster Mushrooms
King oyster mushrooms, which can also be referred to as Pleurotus eryngii, being one of the best mushrooms for meat substitute, hold the bragging rights of being one of the largest oyster mushroom species, which is evident in its thick stems, which still retains their texture even after being properly cooked.
Popular for their intense umami flavor and sauce-absorbing capabilities, king oyster mushrooms are one of the best mushrooms for meat substitutes that can work as an alternative in place of seafood, chicken, pork, and beef.
Read also, 10 Best Substitute For Wood Ear Mushrooms To Try Out
4. Portobello Mushrooms
Portobello mushrooms, which you can also refer to as Agaricus bisporus, are yet another option of the best mushroom for a meat substitute known for their large, flat caps and dark gills appearance accompanied by their rich and earthy flavor,s, which can be very important as a beef substitute.
Being one of the best mushrooms for meat substitutes out there, be it in its sautéed or grilled form, you can always trust portobello mushrooms to serve you the purpose you expect of them, especially when used as burger patties or steaks.
5. Shiitake Mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms, oftentimes tagged as lenticular edodes, are one of the best mushrooms for meat substitutes out there that can also serve some medicinal purposes. Blessed with a rich and more intense flavor just as the case is with the aforementioned cremini mushrooms, the shiitake mushrooms can also be considered a superb meat substitute.
Talking about it being a superb meat substitute, shiitake mushrooms can be swapped in easily inside any recipe for pork, turkey, or duck on days when they are unavailable.
6. Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) generally do come in different shades and varieties; unlike the aforementioned king oyster mushrooms, more emphasis would be laid on the pearl oyster mushrooms variety this time around, and they are commonly found in grocery stores.
As one of the best mushroom for meat substitutes, they do come with slightly different flavors, alongside a little touch of subtle earthy notes, and are considered an ideal replacement for pulled pork, chicken, or even white fish.
However, there is also the option of experimenting a little bit with them by putting them into use in clam chowder, fish tacos, or as a battered and fried substitute for white fish.
7. Lion’s Mane Mushrooms
Lion’s mane mushrooms, or Hericium erinaceus, just as its name points out to some extent, is one of the best mushrooms for meat substitutes featuring unique teeth unlike traditional grills, one which is also known for its soft and chewy texture sharing a similar flavor profile to either crab or lobster.
As one of the best mushroom for meat substitutes out there, Lion’s mane mushrooms are tailored and made as a replacement for meatier shellfish like lobster or crab, though there are also some other rare instances where it can also be called upon to replace clams and shrimps.
8. Maitake Mushrooms
Maitake mushrooms, scientifically referred to as Grifola frondosa as one of the best mushrooms for meat substitutes, are sourced from bracket fungi that grow at the base of hardwood trees. Nicknamed the hen of the woods, maitake mushrooms do have a striking resemblance to a sitting hen’s feathers.
Characterized by its juicy taste accompanied by its meaty texture and appearance, as one of the best mushrooms for meat substitute, Maitakes mushrooms can be used in making juicy mushroom steaks or shredded for taco fillings.
Read also, 10 Perfect Substitute for Maitake Mushrooms in Any Recipe
9. Chanterelle Mushrooms
Chanterelle mushrooms, as one of the best mushrooms for meat substitutes, fall within the Cantharellus, Gomphus, Polyozellus, and Craterellus families and come in different shades of white, yellow, or orange varieties.
Blessed with a sweet, nutty, and slightly peppery taste, Chanterelle Mushrooms, as one of the best mushrooms for meat substitute, can perfectly be substituted for seafood and also blend perfectly well with creamy sauces.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bringing mushrooms into your recipes as one of your meat substitutes not only allows you to explore different dishes and delicacies with it, but they also come with numerous health benefits and nutritional richness, all of which make it a worthy meat substitute.
Henry
Emmanuel
