The 5 Best Substitutes for Button Mushrooms

Mushrooms are a great source of nutrients, and they’re available fresh or canned.

There are many different kinds of mushrooms, but the most popular type is the button mushroom which is about a silver dollar.

Button mushrooms have a mild flavor and a smooth texture.

They’re widely available at grocery stores, making them an easy choice for cooks looking for a healthy ingredient to add to their meals.

However, there are some disadvantages to using button mushrooms in recipes.

For one thing, they can be expensive. In addition, they can be difficult to find in some parts of the country.

Luckily, several other types of mushrooms can be used as substitutes for button mushrooms in recipes.

In this article, we’ll discuss five of the best alternatives.

What is Button Mushroom?

Button mushroom is one of the most popular mushrooms in the world.

It is a small, white mushroom with a round cap and a thin stalk.

Button mushrooms are tender and firm and are perfect for eating raw or cooking.

These mushrooms are grown in controlled environments and can be found year-round.

The most popular variety of button mushrooms is the “White Button,” a member of the Agaricus family.

Button mushrooms have a mild flavor and an aroma that has been compared to a combination of citrus, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

They are most commonly used in salads, but they can also be used in soups, pasta dishes, and stir-fry.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Button Mushrooms

If you are trying to cut down on your meat intake or do not have access to button mushrooms, several great substitutes can be used instead.

Here are the five best substitutions for button mushrooms.

1 – Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms, also known as “Baby Bellas,” are a delicious substitute for button mushrooms.

Creminis have a similar flavor to button mushrooms and can be eaten raw or cooked.

These mushrooms grow in clusters and have firm white gills that run down the mushroom’s stem.

Their stems are thicker than those of regular buttons.

Cremini mushrooms are native to North America and Europe.

They were discovered in Italy but were given “Crimini” in honor of their cultivation around Cremona.

These mushrooms usually have a dark chestnut brown color on the outside and pure white flesh on the inside.

2 – Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are a great substitute for button mushrooms.

They have a dark brown or black color on the outside, with pure white flesh inside.

These mushrooms are quite large.

Most portobellos are four to six inches in diameter, with an open cap that exposes the gills underneath.

Portobello mushrooms are a cultivated variety of Agaricus bisporus.

Portobello mushrooms are native to North America, Europe, and Asia.

They may be roasted or grilled for extra flavor, giving them a crispy texture.

3 – Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms have a very similar flavor to button mushrooms.

In addition, they may be eaten raw or cooked.

Their flavor and aroma resemble a combination of chestnuts and cinnamon.

In addition, shiitakes have been described as being “meaty” in texture.

The shiitake mushroom is especially popular in East Asia.

This particular mushroom has been enjoyed for over 3000 years.

The specific type of wood they are grown on impacts the flavor and color of the mushrooms.

Shiitakes may also be found dried, in which case they must be reconstituted in boiling water for 20 minutes before using.

4 – Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are a great substitute for button mushrooms.

They have a wonderful texture and make a great addition to soups and stir fry dishes, especially when paired with tofu.

These mushrooms grow in clusters and tend to be long and thin.

Oyster mushrooms range in color from pale to dark beige, yellowish-white, or grayish-blue.

The flavor of oyster mushrooms has been compared to that of abalone, lobster, chicken, and even beef.

Oyster mushrooms originated in Asia but are popular worldwide because they grow well in temperate climates.

5 – White Mushrooms

White mushrooms are very similar to button mushrooms.

They may be eaten raw or cooked and are popular in stir fry dishes.

These mushrooms have a firm white flesh that is great for slicing into salads or adding pasta dishes.

White mushrooms also pair nicely with tofu.

The mushrooms grow in clusters and typically have closed caps.

These mushrooms tend to grow well in cooler climates, like Canada, Northern Europe, Alaska, and Northern China.

White mushrooms are closely related to button mushrooms.

Due to their similar properties, these two mushrooms can be substituted for one another without compromising flavor or texture.

Conclusion

Button mushrooms are a popular addition to many dishes.

However, they are not the only edible mushrooms out there.

There are several great substitutes for button mushrooms that may be used instead.

The five best substitutes for button mushrooms are Cremini, Portobello, Shiitake, Oyster, and White mushrooms.

These mushrooms not only make a great substitute for button mushrooms, but they also add flavor and texture to your dish.

With any of these five fabulous alternatives to button mushrooms available in the grocery store or farmer’s market, you’ll never have to miss out on great flavors and textures again.