What is a Good Substitute for Oyster Mushrooms? 14 Options

Pleurotus species, commonly known as Oyster Mushrooms, are one of the most common types of cultivated mushrooms globally.

Commercially grown worldwide for food, oyster mushrooms are linked to several health benefits, including improved heart and immune system, healthy blood sugar control, and prevention of inflammation.

Are you not fond of oyster mushrooms’ taste and are looking for oyster mushroom substitutes? Let us find out some options.

Where to Buy Oyster Mushrooms?

If you are looking for oyster mushrooms, then multiple shopping sites in the US will deliver them to your doorstep.

For on-time and a fresh delivery of oyster mushrooms, you can approach Insta Cart, as they deliver to the top cities in the US, including Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and Las Vegas.

Furthermore, other options include websites such as Fresh Direct and Martins Foods, both of which are known for delivering 100% authentic products along with fast delivery.

What Can You Substitute for Oyster Mushrooms?

Whether you don’t have oyster mushrooms on hand or want to try something new, here is a list of excellent substitutes for oyster mushrooms.

1. Shiitake Mushrooms

Known as the perfect oyster mushroom alternate, shiitake mushrooms are popular among diet-conscious people. They are low calorie, rich in protein, and include iron, calcium, and magnesium.

Available in a range of colors, you can choose between light to dark brown shades of shiitake mushrooms. These mushrooms can also be used as a topping because you can fry and sauté them in oil.

2. Porcini Mushrooms

Porcini Mushrooms that have a meaty texture can be a good king oyster mushroom substitute for you.

Initially, you might feel that these mushrooms are a bit smelly, but you will love the taste as you get used to them.

Widely consumed across Europe, Asia, and North America, these mushrooms are used in multiple recipes such as Italian pasta, rice dishes, soups, sauces, as well as savory dishes.

3. Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello Mushrooms, or Agaricus Bisporus, are mushrooms that are an excellent source of nutrition and Vitamin B. One mushroom has approximately 22 calories, and it is vital for energy production in the body.

Moreover, as these are seasonal mushrooms, you will be able to find them between December to March, in two different colors, white and brown.

As they are a good source of fiber, they can help you lose or maintain your weight.

4. Matsutake Mushrooms

Matsutake Mushrooms are rarely found in East Asia, Europe, and North America, a highly sought-after species of edible mushrooms.

Due to their rarity and difficult cultivation process, these mushrooms are known to be very expensive.

Harvested once a year, these mushrooms can be found in various Asian cuisines as well as Japanese and Korean foods. If you are fond of a distinct, spicy aroma, then you will love these mushrooms for sure.

5. Crimini Mushrooms

Another replacement for Oyster Mushrooms includes Crimini Mushrooms, which can be used in various ways.

You can even have these mushrooms raw by slicing them into pieces or sautéing them in a little amount of oil.

If you want to adopt healthy eating and would like to incorporate healthy foods in your life, then Crimini Mushrooms offer high levels of iron, potassium, copper, and riboflavin.

Read further: 23 Best Cremini Mushroom Substitutes for Your Choice

6. Abalone Mushrooms

Named after shellfish, Abalone Mushrooms are a good source of diet as they include iron, fiber, phosphorus, as well as some anti-oxidants.

They have a silky texture and buttery flavor, setting them apart from other mushrooms.

Abalone Mushrooms are a popular addition to Asian foods such as stir-fried food and sauces. It also has a very rich flavor, so it can be eaten raw as well as added to dishes.

7. White Button Mushrooms

An excellent Oyster Mushrooms substitute, White Button Mushrooms have an excellent taste and can be used in any dish you want.

You can also eat them raw or put them into a dish to enhance the flavor and complete the taste of the dish.

However, make sure that you pick them before they get too old, as this way, their texture will remain chewy and firm.

8. Enoki Mushrooms

While Enoki Mushrooms might be mistaken for Oyster Mushrooms, they have multiple caps, distinguishing them from Oyster Mushrooms. They are white with long and slender stems along with an umbrella cap on top.

They are also known as velvet shanks and are highly recommended for use in Japanese dishes. Enoki Mushrooms should be your go-to if you want to improve your brain function and immunity.

9. Chanterelle Mushrooms

Chanterelle Mushrooms are among the wild edible mushrooms and are available in different colors such as orange, yellow, and white. They are meaty and funnel-shaped and an excellent source of protecting your cells from damage.

If you want to build your immunity, these mushrooms help build your cells and are a staple in French Cuisine as well. They also reduce inflammation and work to lower the risk of cancer.

10. Morel Mushrooms

Another essential mushroom on our list is Morel Mushrooms, which are usually found in the middle of the woods.

As they are a wonderful source of Vitamin D, these mushrooms have a high amount of potassium, vitamins, and copper, all of which make your heart healthy.

However, the downside is that these mushrooms are seasonally available and very expensive. But if you get the chance to taste them, do not miss out on the opportunity.

11. Wood Ear Mushrooms

Used in traditional medicine, Wood Ear Mushrooms are known to prevent uterine bleeding, iron and anemia deficiency, and high blood pressure, as well as other diseases. They have an earthy flavor and are shaped like ears.

These mushrooms are vegan and gluten-free, so if you are diet conscious or avoid meat, then you can add these to your favorite dishes for enhanced flavor and taste.

12. Maitake Mushrooms

Looking for plant-based and vegan mushrooms that also help you keep a track of your calorie count?

Maitake Mushrooms with a spicy taste and an earthy aroma can be great for you when you are craving something along with wine.

Furthermore, these mushrooms are perfect for dishes that are meat-free such as lasagna, along with vegetable dishes. These mushrooms only include 30 calories per mushroom and some serving of protein.

13. Baby Bella Mushrooms

Baby Bella Mushrooms are mushrooms that can come to your rescue when you want to make your favorite sandwich.

You can also add these mushrooms along with cheese to your sandwich to enhance the taste and flavor.

Moreover, these mushrooms contain selenium that helps you protect your body cells and prevents heart attack, cancer, and multiple other diseases. They are also vital for immunity and increasing fertility in men.

14. Tofu

While Tofu is not a mushroom, it can be suitable as a mushroom substitute as it has common characteristics compared with a mushroom. Tofu has a spongy texture that soaks up marinades, sauces, and juices very easily.

Also, they do not have a very strong taste which means that you can add extra seasoning to them to make the food flavorful.

Mushrooms Recipes

Garlic Mushrooms

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Creamy Mushroom Sauce

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Stir-fried Oyster Mushrooms

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do with Oyster Mushrooms?

Oyster Mushrooms are a popular type of mushrooms that are full of health benefits. These mushrooms are high in nutrition and can be added to any food that you want.

Many also prefer having Oyster Mushrooms raw, while others properly cook them in oil before consuming them. What you want to do with Oyster Mushrooms depends on your taste and preferences.

Are Oyster Mushrooms Good for You?

Oyster Mushrooms are known for being very healthy as they promote heart function, improve immunity, encourage healthy blood sugar, and control inflammation in the body. They also have the highest amount of fiber and enhanced levels of Vitamin D.

Furthermore, they are great for weight loss due to the low calorie and fat-free characteristics that they have. If you want to build strong bones, then Oyster Mushrooms are a must-have.

Can You Freeze Oyster Mushrooms?

You will be glad to learn that you can freeze Oyster Mushrooms, but if you want to retain their texture and taste, then it is recommended that you sauté or blanch them before you freeze them.

If you do not sauté or blanch them before freezing them, then they might turn out to be a little soggy, and you might end up not eating them.

Final Words

As you have read above in detail about the various Oyster Mushroom substitutes, you will easily be able to opt for one of these choices for your food.

If you want to have something healthy and meat-free, your best options will be Maitake Mushrooms and Wood Ear Mushrooms. Similarly, if you are craving spices, you need to try Matsutake Mushrooms as they will enhance your taste buds.