10 Ways to Use Mushrooms As a Substitute for Meat (2024)

Updated on 01/23/23

• 01 of 10

  Burgers

  

  You don’t need a pre-made meat alternative to make a delectable veggie burger, you just need mushrooms, a little culinary know-how, and a hot pan. Unlike other vegetable-based patties, mushroom burgers brown beautifully with a little oil and enough heat. The results are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside — just like your favorite fast food burger.

• 02 of 10

  Bacon

  

  Here is where mushroom’s ability to absorb flavorful sauces really pays off. Soaked in a smoky, umami-rich sauce (think soy sauce, liquid smoke, smoked paprika) mushrooms mop up all the flavors of bacon. Then they can be sliced thinly and pan-fried or oven-roasted for a faux bacon to top salads, burgers, and breakfast sandwiches.

• 03 of 10

  Vegetarian Stuffing

  

  You can stuff mushrooms in everything from empanadas, to zucchini, to Wellington (you know, without the beef). This is an easy way to bulk up your meals with something delicious and filling.

• 04 of 10

  Kebabs

  

  Swap mushrooms for your favorite marinated chicken on the grill. Mushroom kebabs rival the best poultry version due to their power to take on your favorite marinade or BBQ sauce and they get wonderfully charred on the grill. King Oyster mushrooms are one of our favorites for this mushroom-for-meat m swap.

  Continue to 5 of 10 below

• 05 of 10

  Pasta Sauces

  

  Mushrooms can be the meatless alternative to bacon or guanciale in creamy carbonara; Or they can be finely minced for a vegetarian version of your favorite bolognese or Sunday sauce (think that meat packed red sauce, sans meat).

• 06 of 10

  See Also

  Oven Roasted Chicken Shawarma Recipe

  Potstickers

  

  Partnered with tofu, mushrooms can become the meaty filling of a vegan potsticker that tastes better than takeout. Shiitakes really shine in this simple, delicious filling.
  

• 07 of 10

  Pizza Topping

  

  This fungi pie is delicious and you get a full serving of vegetables with your Friday night pizza fix. The key is to cook the mushrooms down before adding them to the pizza to bring out their flavor.

• 08 of 10

  Steak

  

  We’d be hard pressed to say that mushrooms can really replace a steak on the grill or under the broiler — especially if they were put side-by-side. But consider this a call to try seasoning portobello mushrooms and putting them under the broiler or on the grill instead of just between burger buns.

  Continue to 9 of 10 below

• 09 of 10

  Stir-Fry

  

  This is the mushroom stir-fry to try if you love beef and broccoli. Mushrooms brown beautifully in a hot wok and take on every bit of stir-fry sauce as they cook.

• 10 of 10

  Tacos

  

  Look no further than your grocery store produce section for vegetarian taco and enchilada filling. With a quick pan-fry or roast, mushrooms can be quickly wrapped in tortillas for a fast and satisfying meal.

• News
• Mushroom Recipes
• Trends