(9) Best Earthy Cremini Mushroom Substitute

If your mushroom recipe calls for cremini mushrooms and you can’t access them, don’t worry! This post will discuss the best cremini mushroom substitutes and how to use them.

What is Cremini Mushroom?

Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bella mushrooms, or brown mushrooms, are a popular variety that has been enjoyed worldwide for centuries.

Known as Agaricus Bisporus Mushrooms, they originated from parts of Europe and North America, and they have rich, earthy flavors and a firm texture that works well in cooked dishes.

An ideal complement to pasta, stir-fries, and risottos, cremini mushrooms are small in size but make up for it with their deep flavor.

They can also be added to salads for a crunchy contrast or cooked alone with herbs and spices to highlight their timeless taste.

Most notably, in dishes like French onion soup or fancy mushroom burgers, cremini mushrooms can take any classic recipe up a notch.

How to Substitute Cremini Mushrooms

When looking for a cremini mushrooms substitute, the two main considerations are taste and texture. 

Consider the amount and other types of mushrooms you add to keep the flavor profile consistent.

Be sure to factor in how each type of mushroom cooks based on recipe guidelines before you begin cooking.

Best Cremini Mushroom Substitute

The top 5 substitutes for cremini mushrooms are portobello mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, porcini mushrooms, morel mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms.

Each mushroom type has its unique flavor and texture, so be sure to select the best one for your recipe.

Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are close to the best substitutes for cremini.

Not only do they have the earthy flavor that cremini mushrooms boast, but they also have a meaty flavor and texture that is sure to make your dish more unique.

Because of their adaptability in the kitchen, portobello mushrooms can easily be used in various dishes regardless of what type of cuisine you’re currently cooking.

Their large size also means that you don’t need as many to fill a recipe and will therefore be cost-effective, as well as providing an earthy taste from only one mushroom.

Related: Best Substitute for Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are an earthy, savory delight that is a perfect substitute for cremini mushrooms.

They come with a bold, earthy flavor that is similar to cremini mushrooms’ taste and texture that makes it an easy replacement idea in any recipe calling for cremini mushrooms.

They add flavor, and shiitake mushrooms contain some big health benefits, such as being rich in B vitamins, potassium and more.

Plus, since they possess antiviral properties, shiitake mushrooms can help protect against illnesses like the common cold and influenza.

Considering all these factors, it’s easy to see why shiitake mushrooms are close to the best cremini mushroom substitute.

Related: Read our post on the best Butter Bean Substitutes

Porcini Mushrooms

Porcini mushrooms are a popular mushroom choice for many dishes. Known for their meaty texture, porcini mushrooms make an ideal substitute for cremini mushrooms due to their bold and rich flavor profile. Unlike cremini mushrooms, which have a soft texture and mild flavor, porcini offer a more intense taste and dense meatiness that is perfect for adding depth to any dish they are cooked in.

Whether used as the centerpiece of your recipe or as an ingredient, their earthy and nutty aroma, and fleshy texture complement many savory dishes, making them a great substitute for cremini mushrooms.

Morel Mushrooms

Morel mushrooms are the ideal substitute for cremini mushrooms because they have an earthy taste that is reminiscent of the classic shroom.

They also have a meatier texture and distinctly nutty flavor, making them an even better choice to get that same earthy-rich flavor.

Plus, morels can last up to a few days longer in the fridge, making them a great emergency substitute for those times when you don’t have access to fresh cremini mushrooms.

Whether you’re following a certain recipe or want to enjoy their earthy deliciousness on their own, morel mushrooms make a great go-to source for your mushroom needs.

Related: 12 Best Substitutes for Dark Soy Sauce

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are often chosen as the best cremini mushroom substitutes due to their nutty flavor and wide availability.

Often more delicate than the cremini mushroom, the oyster mushroom is an ideal choice when a savory nutty flavor is desired in recipes ranging from salads to stir-fry dishes.

Its unique texture, mildly sweet flavor, and shape make it a great choice for adding a little variety to any meal – plus, it’s easy to find in most grocery stores!

As a bonus, oyster mushrooms also tend to be much more affordable than their cremini counterparts.

With such versatility and affordability, it’s not hard to see why oyster mushrooms make for the perfect cremini mushroom substitute.

White Button Mushrooms

White button mushrooms, or white mushrooms, are one of the most versatile and widely available types on the market, making them ideal substitutes for cremini mushrooms.

Although they don’t have the same developed savory flavor, their delicate flavor is ideal for absorbing the other flavors in a dish without overwhelming them.

What sets white button mushrooms apart from other mushroom varieties is that they mature quickly and stay fresh for several days after purchase. As such, they can be used either raw or cooked, depending on your desired results.

Related: 9 Creative Substitutes for Asparagus

Chestnut Mushrooms

Chestnut mushrooms make an excellent substitute for cremini mushrooms due to their earthy and nutty flavor.

They have a beautiful appearance, with small stems topped by brown caps, and are widely available in most markets.

The earthy flavor of chestnut mushrooms pairs perfectly with earthy herbs such as thyme and rosemary, making them perfect for savory dishes.

Unlike some other substitutes for cremini mushrooms, the chestnut mushroom’s texture is quite similar to that of its counterpart; soft but not soggy or too thin. Additionally, they have many health benefits such as being full of dietary fiber, ensuring that your meals remain flavorful without sacrificing nutrition.

Best Non-Mushroom Substitutes

For mushroom lovers everywhere, plenty of delicious non-mushroom options can be used as a cremini mushroom substitute.

Cauliflower,

Cauliflower is a great non-mushroom alternative to cremini mushrooms, partly due to its savory and meaty texture.

When cooked properly (such as roasting or sautéeing), cauliflower develops a toasty, caramelized flavor that complements many dishes. However, unlike mushrooms, cauliflower has no distinct earthy aftertaste, which can be used as an effective substitute for many dishes.

Seitan

Seitan is quickly becoming a popular substitute for cremini mushrooms, and it’s easy to see why.

Seitan offers many of the same benefits as cremini mushrooms, as it’s low calorie, packed with protein and has a great meaty texture that adds delicious bulk to any dish.

Additionally, seitan takes on whatever spices or seasonings you add, making it extremely versatile.

The slight chewiness of the seitan makes it much better than other alternatives in mimicking the texture of cremini mushrooms in dishes like stir-fries and pasta sauces.

Furthermore, since seitan is plant-based rather than mushroom-based, there are no worries about allergies or other dietary restrictions.

All around, there are lots of reasons why seitan is becoming a common substitute for cremini mushrooms!

Tofu

Tofu is an incredibly versatile food that provides a great non-mushroom substitute for cremini mushrooms.

It can replace the texture of cooked cremini mushrooms, as tofu has a slightly firm yet spongy exterior and can absorb the flavors of seasonings used in cooking.

Additionally, thanks to its subtle flavor and ability to take on the flavorings around it, one can easily replace the depth of umami flavors that mushrooms add to dishes while maintaining the original dish’s taste. 

Incorporating tofu into recipes is an excellent way to replace cremini mushrooms in a tasty yet healthy way.

Summary of the Best Cremini Substitutes

If you are looking for a delicious substitute for cremini mushrooms, there are several mushroom options available similar in texture and flavor. However, if you are not a fan of mushrooms, then cauliflower, seitan and tofu are all great non-mushroom substitutes.

FAQ

Are baby bella and crimini mushrooms the same thing?

Yes, baby bella mushrooms and cremini mushrooms are the same species. The only difference is that baby bellas are slightly larger than cremini mushrooms.

What are some health benefits of cremini mushrooms?

Cremini mushrooms are full of dietary fiber and are a great source of many micronutrients such as Vitamin B, selenium, and copper.

They are also a great source of antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of many diseases and ailments.

Additionally, since cremini mushrooms are low in calories, they are a great choice for those looking to add flavor to their meals without adding excess fat or calories.

Finally, cremini mushrooms contain compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and immune-enhancing effects.

Source

How to Wash Mushrooms

Washing mushrooms properly is a delicate process, as they are sensitive and often carry little dirt or sand on their porous surface.

Take caution when cleaning them so that you don’t run the risk of ruining their taste.

Start with cremini mushrooms; replace any damaged or slimy ones before you begin washing the batch.

Gently rinse the mushrooms in minimal water for about 20 seconds, using only your fingertips to handle them.

Move them around in the minimal amount of water that is necessary to rinse away all excess dirt and debris.

After rinsing the mushrooms, pat them dry with a paper towel before eating or cooking with them.

Taking proper care during the washing step is essential for retaining the unique earthy flavour of mushrooms!