Indulge in Flavor: 5 Best Substitutes for Oyster Mushrooms

Finding the perfect swap for oyster mushrooms can sometimes feel like you’re on a wild goose chase. Lucky for us, there’s a whole range of fungi out there ready to step up to the plate. Who says you can’t keep that deep, umami flavor alive and kicking in your favorite dishes?

From the meaty textures of shiitake to the subtle whispers of button mushrooms, there’s a substitute for everyone. It’s all about mixing it up and keeping your meals exciting. No need to stick to the script when the culinary world is your oyster (mushroom)!

Trust us, with these top picks, you’ll not only nail that recipe but also maybe, just maybe, find a new favorite.

What are Oyster Mushrooms?

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) are a variety of edible mushrooms.

They can grow naturally on trees, stumps, or dead roots and cause white rot by breaking down the wood in these plants (Wood-decay fungi).

These mushrooms characteristically grow in clusters on tree trunks and branches.

The caps usually grow in a fan-like shape looking somewhat like an oyster shell, hence the name.

They are soft and have a unique texture when cooked.

Oyster mushrooms are known for their unique, slightly peppery flavor with a hint of seafood, making them a popular choice among chefs and mushroom enthusiasts alike.

The 5 Best Substitutes for Oyster Mushrooms

When it comes to cooking with oyster mushrooms, their unique texture and delicate flavor are often desired.

However, if you don’t have access to oyster mushrooms or simply want to try something different, there are several substitutes available that can provide a similar taste and texture.Mushrooms”:

Substitute	Key Characteristics	Proper Ratio
Shiitake Mushrooms	Earthy and woodsy flavor	Use an equal amount of shiitake mushrooms as a substitute
Button Mushrooms	Mild and versatile flavor	Use an equal amount of button mushrooms as a substitute
Enoki Mushrooms	Slight crunch and delicate flavor	Use an equal amount of enoki mushrooms as a substitute
Matsutake Mushrooms	Fragrant aroma and firm texture	Use an equal amount of matsutake mushrooms as a substitute
Portabella Mushrooms	Meaty texture and earthy flavor	Use an equal amount of portabella mushrooms as a substitute

Now let’s dive into each substitute in more detail:

1 – Shiitake Mushrooms

If you’re looking for a substitute that’s abundant and easy to find, this is the mushroom you want.

Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) are often sold fresh in bunches.

They have a light brown color on the top with white underneath and several sizes.

Fresh shiitakes can also be found canned or dried.

Like oyster mushrooms, they are also commonly used in Asian cooking.

You can find shiitake mushrooms for sale at most grocery stores.

This makes them an accessible and affordable substitution any time of year.

Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of shiitake mushrooms as a substitute for oyster mushrooms in your recipes.

2 – Button Mushrooms

Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are the most common variety available at grocery stores.

They’re a good choice for a substitute if you want a mushroom that’s similar in color, texture, and shape to oyster mushrooms.

This includes a white button, brown Crimini mushrooms, and Portobello.

These are the most commonly found variety of all supermarket-purchasable mushrooms.

They account for over 60 percent of all types sold.

Button mushrooms are what most people picture when they think of a classic mushroom, and they’re perfect for adding to soups, stews, and pasta dishes.

Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of button mushrooms as a substitute for oyster mushrooms in your recipes.

3 – Enoki Mushrooms

If you’re looking for a healthy substitute that adds a delicate flavor to your meals, then enoki mushrooms are a great option.

Enoki mushrooms have a delicate yet slightly sweet flavor.

These can be found fresh or canned and usually look like small white stalks with caps similar to caviar pearls.

In addition, they’re available in dried form as well.

Enoki mushrooms are usually found in the produce section of most grocery stores.

However, they’re very delicate and need to be placed in a perforated plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator immediately.

If you can’t find them fresh, they can also be purchased online.

Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of enoki mushrooms as a substitute for oyster mushrooms in your recipes.

4 – Matsutake Mushrooms

The fifth and final alternative for oyster mushrooms is matsutake mushrooms.

These are becoming increasingly popular. However, they’re still relatively rare in the United States.

Matsutakes have a strong, almost spicy flavor with a hint of cinnamon or clove.

When fresh, these are usually very firm to the touch and have an earthy scent with gills usually light brown or yellow.

When dried, matsutake mushrooms have a long shelf life and will last for several months with no refrigeration required.

They’re another great substitution if you want to try something new while still maintaining the flavor of your food.

Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of matsutake mushrooms as a substitute for oyster mushrooms in your recipes.

5 – Portabella Mushrooms

Last but not least, Portabella mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are a popular substitution for oyster mushrooms.

This is because they’re widely available and provide the same texture as oyster mushrooms when cooked.

Portabellas are larger than a button or crimini mushrooms, with an open cap usually around 4 to 8 inches in diameter.

When cooked, Portabella mushrooms have a hearty and meaty flavor that’s especially good for grilling or roasting.

In addition, they look almost identical to oyster mushrooms, with a light caramel color and long, thin stems.

This makes them a great choice as a substitute for any dish that calls for oyster mushrooms.

Proper Ratio: Use an equal amount of portabella mushrooms as a substitute for oyster mushrooms in your recipes.

Conclusion

Oyster mushrooms are one of the most popular mushrooms used in recipes.

They’re often found in Asian dishes and can easily be substituted with several other types of fresh or dried mushrooms, depending on your tastes.

These include button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, matsutake, and Portabella.

Each one comes with a slightly different taste, but they’re all excellent choices to use as substitutes for oyster mushrooms in any recipe.