7 Substitutes for Portobello Mushrooms: Elevate Flavor Game

Substituting portobello mushrooms (the mature, large form of Agaricus bisporus) isn't rocket science.

They're baby portobellos (Agaricus bisporus).

Ever tried zucchini sliced up for that meaty texture? Remarkable!

Eggplants and tofu? In our kitchens, they're MVPs for soaking up flavors.

We've swapped in lentils for a filling, earthy vibe in dishes. Surprisingly satisfying.

And, who'd thought chickpeas could steal the show? From us to you, these swaps have saved dinners.

Save for Later!

7 Easy Substitutes for Portobello Mushrooms

Sometimes we find ourselves missing a key ingredient. But don't There are plenty of simple substitutes for portobello mushrooms that can improve your flavor game and save the day.

Here are our top 7 picks:

Substitute	Taste	Texture	Suitable Dishes
Button Mushrooms	Mild, earthy	Soft, quick-cooking	Pizza, pasta, soups, stir-fries2
Shiitake Mushrooms	Savory, umami, smoky	Firm, chewy	Stir-fries, Asian-inspired dishes, gravies
Eggplant	Mild, slightly sweet	Meaty, firm	Grilled, roasted, baked dishes
Zucchini	Mild, slightly sweet	Firm, holds shape well	Grilled, roasted, baked dishes2
Tempeh	Nutty, earthy	Firm, dense	Burgers, tacos, stir-fries
Tofu	Mild, versatile	Soft, firm (depending on type)	Stir-fries, baked, grilled dishes
Oyster Mushrooms	Delicate, sweet	Soft, tender	Soups, stir-fries, sautés

1 - Button Mushrooms

Button mushrooms can easily take the place of portobellos in your dishes. They share a family tree, after all (both are Agaricus bisporus in the Agaricaceae family).

Slice them up and toss them in. They soak up flavors just as well.

One button for every portobello. That's our go-to ratio.

We've thrown them into stews and stir-fries. Every time, they brought the dish together.

Check out this page for more ideas: find other ways to use button mushrooms here, including cremini swaps for versatile dishes.

2 - Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms step in for portobellos like a buddy covering your back. Their deep, earthy flavor fills any dish with ease.

We throw them in wherever portobellos were supposed to shine.

Slice them thin, and watch the magic happen.

In our own kitchens, we've found a one-to-one swap does the trick. Got a recipe calling for two big portobellos?

Grab two shiitakes. Simple.

Their texture? It's got that satisfying chew, with a firm, meaty bite.

Recipes brighten up with their rich, umami-packed presence.

And, if you're keen on giving other dishes a twist with shiitake, we've got your back.

Check out more on these replacements right here, including porcini options for bold umami.

3 - Eggplant

Eggplant slices fill in for portobello mushrooms like a charm. We cut them thick to mimic that meaty texture (about ½-inch slices).

They soak up sauces and flavors, making every bite a festival. Our rule of thumb?

One large eggplant for every two portobellos needed.

For those eager to see eggplant work its magic in more recipes, a treasure of ideas awaits you, including eggplant sides for classic meals.

This page shines a light on how versatile eggplants can be as a swap and beyond. Find out more in our guide on using eggplants in various dishes, making your meals a talk of the town right here.

4 - Zucchini

Zucchini slices step in seamlessly for portobello mushrooms. We cut them thick (about ½-inch).

They capture flavors in every bite, much like a sponge absorbs water.

T4One large zucchini can replace two portobellos.T5

In our dishes, this swap works wonders. We find it perfect in lasagnas and veggie sautés.

For those wondering how else to use zucchini as a substitute, more inspiration awaits at this link.

5 - Tempeh

Tempeh stands in nicely for portobello mushrooms (a fermented soybean cake from Indonesia).

Slice tempeh to the thickness you like. It replaces portobellos at a one-to-one ratio.

We toss it into stir-fries and sandwiches, relishing its ability to soak up all the seasonings and sauces.

In our experience, this substitute makes meals pleasingly hearty. Adding tempeh instead of portobellos gives dishes a satisfying texture.

For more on swapping in tempeh and other great alternatives, see this insightful guide. Discover additional useful substitutes here.

6 - Tofu

Tofu steps up as a stand-in for portobello mushrooms. We chop it.

It's good at taking on flavors thanks to its neutral profile.

One block of tofu can take the place of two portobellos in most dishes. In our own tries, it's worked well.

We use it in everything from stir-fries to sandwiches.

It makes the meal feel full.

Tofu makes sure no one misses the mushrooms. It's smooth yet can be firm.

Perfect for those looking to keep meals hearty without missing a beat.

More info awaits you right here, including silken tofu swaps for creamy recipes.

7 - Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms come in as a fantastic sub for portobellos. Their texture mimics the hearty feel we often seek, with delicate yet meaty layers.

We slice them up, keeping dishes lively and full of flavor. A one-to-one swap does the job perfectly.

In a pinch, we've tossed them into pastas and risottos. They never fail to impress.

Oyster mushrooms hold their own, proving versatile across various recipes.

Eager to bring a new twist to your dishes? Oyster mushrooms might just be what you're looking for.

For folks curious about other swaps and oyster mushroom-inspired dishes, a world of ideas can be found right here, including oyster sauce alternatives for savory finishes.