Cremini mushrooms are small edible mushrooms that belong to the species Agaricus bisporus.
Cremini mushrooms have a firm texture and an earthy, savory flavor that make them excellent ingredients in soup, pasta, quesadillas, tacos, and salads for an added layer of umami flavor.
Great substitutes for cremini mushrooms include white button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, chestnut mushrooms, and portobello mushrooms.
Non-mushroom substitutes include zucchini, eggplant, and cauliflower.
These foods make perfect substitutes because they provide a texture and savory flavor similar to cremini mushrooms.
Best Cremini Mushroom Substitute: White Button Mushroom
The best substitute for cremini mushrooms is the white button mushroom. The white button mushroom is of the same species as the cremini mushroom — Agaricus bisporus — but unlike cremini mushrooms, the white button mushroom is harvested before it matures.
The difference in maturity causes the white button mushroom to have a more delicate flavor while still providing an earthy and savory taste, characteristic of cremini mushrooms.
The white button mushroom is also more versatile in cooking as chefs can use it in both subtle and hearty dishes, preferably at a substitution ratio of 1:1, without the dish becoming overwhelmed with the flavor of mushrooms.
Other Cremini Mushroom Substitutes, Alternatives, and Replacements
This section contains a list of other foods that can be used in place of cremini mushrooms.
Oyster Mushroom
An oyster mushroom is a cultivated mushroom of the species Pleurotus ostreatus that features broad white, tan, or gray caps. The oyster mushroom has a delicate texture perfect for soups, casseroles, and other dishes.
Oyster mushrooms give off a chewy, meaty texture with a mild savory flavor that is not as earthy as cremini mushrooms but still makes for a delicious substitution. A substitution ratio of 1:1 will provide a flavor and texture almost identical to cremini mushrooms.
Shiitake Mushroom
The shiitake mushroom is a popular culinary mushroom found mainly in East Asia. This mushroom makes an excellent substitute because of its firm texture and earthy, smoky flavor. The meaty texture of the shiitake mushroom also stands up well in dishes with longer cooking times.
Substitute shiitake mushrooms in recipes that call for cremini mushrooms by using a 1:1 substitution ratio.
Portobello Mushroom
The portobello mushroom is a large brown mushroom with a firm texture and richly savory flavor. This mushroom is an excellent substitution for cremini mushrooms because it belongs to the same species, Agaricus bisporus, but the portobello is more mature.
Use a 1:1 substitution ratio when using portobello mushrooms instead of cremini mushrooms.
Eggplant
Eggplants are nightshade vegetables with a spongy texture and neutral flavor, ideal for absorbing the seasonings of other ingredients.
Eggplants may taste bitter when not appropriately prepared, so be sure to salt them and let them sit for about 30 minutes before cooking.
Eggplants are ideal substitutes for cremini mushrooms because they share a similar texture with a slightly savory but sometimes bitter taste.
When substituting eggplant for cremini mushrooms, use a 1:2 substitution ratio, using less eggplant than you would cremini mushroom. Stir-fry dishes that feature eggplant as the main ingredient are excellent recipes to try.
Zucchini
Zucchini is a summer squash with a mild flavor and high water content. The texture of zucchini is slightly crunchy but mostly tender, making it a versatile vegetable that works in many different dishes.
Zucchini is a great substitute for cremini mushrooms because the two ingredients have a similar texture, but zucchini has a more neutral flavor.
The earthy flavor of the cremini mushroom can sometimes be overwhelming, so zucchini makes an excellent substitution to balance out the flavors in a dish.
When substituting zucchini for cremini mushrooms, use a 2:1 substitution ratio, using more zucchini than you would cremini mushrooms.
For an easy side dish, try grilling or roasting slices of zucchini with some olive oil and herbs until slightly charred.
Chestnut Mushroom
Chestnut mushroom is a wild, rusty-brown mushroom with a crunchy texture when raw, but it becomes soft, buttery, and chewy when cooked. This mushroom has a mild flavor with hints of sweetness, making it an excellent choice for substituting cremini mushrooms.
To substitute chestnut mushrooms for cremini mushrooms, use a 1:1 substitution ratio. Chestnut mushrooms work well in dishes that require longer cooking times because the mushrooms retain their shape and texture well. A great dish to try is to sauté chestnut mushrooms with butter, garlic, and thyme.
Porcini Mushroom
Porcini mushrooms are large brown mushrooms with a firm texture and thick flesh. The porcini mushroom’s rich earthy, nutty, and woodsy flavors make it a perfect substitution for cremini mushrooms in any dish.
Substitute porcini mushrooms for cremini mushrooms by using a 1:1 substitution ratio. Porcini mushrooms are perfect for dishes that require a long cooking time because of the mushrooms’ thick flesh and hearty flavor. Try simmering them in a beef or vegetable broth for a flavorful soup or sauce.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a large, white cruciferous vegetable with a thick stalk and dense florets.
Cauliflower has a slightly sweet and creamy flavor but is mostly bland, making it an excellent ingredient for absorbing other flavors.
Cauliflowers make excellent substitutes for cremini mushrooms and go well with meat, vegetables, pasta, and rice dishes.
Use a 2:1 substitution ratio of cauliflower to cremini mushroom because cauliflower has a more mild flavor.
Soy-based Cremini Mushroom Substitutes
Below are some of the most popular soy-based substitutes for cremini mushrooms.
Marinated Tofu
Tofu is a soft, delicate soy product with a slightly bland flavor and spongy texture. Marinating tofu in a flavorful sauce or marinade will give it a more robust flavor and make it a viable substitution for cremini mushrooms.
Ingredients
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Minced garlic cloves
- Canola
- Dried ginger
Start by pressing the tofu to remove some of the moisture. Mix the soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic cloves, canola oil, and ginger in a bowl.
Add the tofu and let it soak in the marinade for 30 minutes. Pan fry or grill the tofu until lightly browned and cooked.
When substituting tofu for cremini mushrooms, use a 1:1 substitution ratio. Tofu is great for dishes that require an extended cooking time because it doesn’t dry out like some other substitutes might.
Miso Paste
Miso paste is a thick, salty, and earthy condiment made from fermented soybeans. The paste has a strong flavor and umami taste, making it an ideal ingredient for flavoring soups, sauces, and marinades.
Note that miso paste is a concentrated flavor, so start by adding a small amount and taste as you go. The ideal substitution ratio for miso paste is 1:½, meaning you should use ½ tablespoons of miso paste for every one tablespoon of cremini mushrooms called for in a recipe. The savory and salty flavor of miso paste works well in hearty dishes like stews and braised meats.
