Mushrooms are not only a delicious addition to any meal, but they also pack a powerful nutritional punch.
If you’re looking for the answer of how to incorporate mushrooms into your vegan diet we’ve got you covered.
From savory mushroom stews to crispy roasted mushroom snacks, here are 10 irresistible ways to make mushrooms a star player in your plant-based meals.
Get ready to elevate your culinary game and your health with these mushroom-centric recipes!
Mushroom Options:
Mushrooms are a diverse group of fungi that can elevate your cooking with over 2,000 edible mushroom varieties.
They’re a staple in vegan cooking, loved for their versatility and range of flavors, from mild to rich and earthy. Their textures can vary from soft to firm, giving a satisfying bite to your meals.
White Button Mushrooms:
Common grocery store mushrooms are small, round, and lightly flavorful, perfect for beginners. Add to stews, scrambles, or sauté with garlic and herbs.
They are Low in calories and nutrients. This mushroom contains nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidants. Clean gently with a damp cloth.
Portobello Mushrooms: The Meaty Marvel
These are like the big brothers of the button mushrooms. Portobellos are larger and have a meatier texture. They’re ideal for when you want a hearty element in your meal.
Try them grilled or roasted for a smoky taste, or stuff them with veggies and bake for a delicious entrée. They can also mimic meat in burgers for a filling vegan sandwich.
Cremini Mushrooms:
Also known as ‘baby bellas’, these are similar to white buttons but have a deeper, more intense flavor than white button mushrooms.
They work well in hearty vegan stews and soups. You can also sauté them with garlic and herbs for a tasty side dish or chop them up for a rich pasta sauce.
Shiitake Mushrooms:
These come from East Asia and are known for their savory taste. Shiitakes have a unique, slightly smoky flavor and are often used in Asian cuisine. They’re great for adding depth to soups and stir-fries. For a quick snack, try pan-frying them until they’re crispy.
King Oyster Mushrooms:
These mushrooms have a delicate shape and a mild, sweet taste. They’re named after their oyster-like appearance, not their flavor.
Oyster mushrooms are soft and add a subtle, velvety texture to dishes. They’re excellent in light soups, pasta, or simply sautéed with a touch of soy sauce.
Enoki Mushrooms:
These are long, thin mushrooms with tiny caps. They have a crunchy texture and a mild, somewhat fruity flavor. Enoki mushrooms are commonly used in Asian dishes like ramen and salads. They’re best used fresh and added at the end of cooking to maintain their crispness.
Maitake Mushrooms: The Forest Frills
They are flavorful and versatile, making them a perfect addition to a plant-based diet. They can be used in stir-fries, salads, and as the main ingredient in a mushroom burger.
With their meaty texture and unique taste, Maitake mushrooms are a must-try for anyone looking to add more plant-based ingredients to their meals.
Mane Mushrooms:
Mushrooms make a great choice for a vegetarians diet because they are low in calories, fat-free, and have a good fiber source. They also provide essential nutrients like vitamin D, B vitamins, and minerals.
Mane mushrooms, in particular, are popular among vegans due to their meaty texture and umami flavor, making them a versatile ingredient in plant-based cooking.
Whether you use mushrooms as a meat substitute or a flavorful addition to a dish, mushrooms are an excellent source of nutrients.
Chanterelle Mushrooms:
Each mushroom type brings its own flavor and texture to the table. By trying different varieties, you can discover new tastes and find fun ways to enhance your vegan dishes.
Remember to always clean your mushrooms gently with a damp cloth before cooking, as they can absorb water and become soggy if washed directly under a faucet.
Now, go ahead and experiment with these fungal delights in your kitchen!
Plant-Based Vegan Mushroom Recipes
Here are some delicious mushroom recipes to enjoy for vegans. These plant-based food are perfect for anyone looking for creative and tasty ways to incorporate more mushrooms into their diet.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to try something new, these mushroom recipes for vegans are sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Vegan Mushroom Shawarma Recipe with Tahini
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tsp of cumin
- 1 tsp of paprika
- 1 tsp of turmeric
- 1 tsp of coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp of olive oil
- 4 pita bread
- 1/2 cup of tahini
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp of water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the mushrooms, red onion, garlic, cumin, paprika, turmeric, coriander, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Add the mushroom mixture to the skillet and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown.
Step 4: In the meantime, mix the tahini, lemon juice, and water in a small bowl to make the sauce.
Step 5: Warm the pita bread in the oven or on a skillet.
Step 6: To assemble the shawarma, spread a generous amount of the tahini sauce on each pita bread, then top with the cooked mushroom mixture.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve. Enjoy your vegan mushroom shawarma!
Make Vegan Mushroom Wellington
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet vegan puff pastry
- 2 cups finely chopped mushrooms
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegan cream cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp non-dairy milk
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step2: Thaw the puff pastry according to package instructions.
Step 3: In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add the chopped mushrooms, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms are softened and any liquid has evaporated.
Step 5: Stir in the vegan cream cheese, breadcrumbs, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 6: Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface, then cut it in half. Spread the mushroom mixture on one half, leaving a border around the edges.
Step 7: Brush the edges with non-dairy milk, then place the other half of the pastry on top. Press the edges together to seal, and trim any excess pastry.
Step 8: Transfer the wellington to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with non-dairy milk.
Step 9: Use a sharp knife to score the top of the pastry, then bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown.
Step 10: Let the wellington cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Add Mushroom To Taco
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced mushrooms
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
Step 2: Add diced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes, or until they are tender.
Step 3: Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the mushrooms and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Once the mushrooms are cooked through, remove from heat and use as a topping for tacos. Enjoy!
Stuffed Mushrooms
Ingredients:
- 12 large mushrooms
- 1/2 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Clean the mushrooms and remove the stems.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Stuff each mushroom with the mixture, pressing it down firmly.
Step 4: Place the stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve hot and enjoy!
Vegan Cream of Mushroom Soup
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until they have released their moisture and are slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable broth, almond milk, and all-purpose flour until no lumps remain. Pour this mixture into the pot with the mushrooms and stir to combine.
Step 4: Bring the soup to a simmer and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened.
Step 5: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Carefully transfer the soup to a blender and blend until smooth, working in batches if necessary.
Step 7: Return the blended soup to the pot and heat through before serving. Enjoy your vegan cream of mushroom soup!
Savory Mushroom Oats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, fresh herbs
Preparation:
Step 1: To prepare savory mushroom oats, start by heating the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
Step 2: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until they have softened and released their moisture.
Step 3: Once the mushrooms are cooked, stir in the rolled oats and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed the liquid and are soft.
Step 4: Season the savory mushroom oats with salt and pepper to taste, and then serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheese or fresh herbs.
Step 5: Enjoy your savory and satisfying breakfast or brunch meal!
Wild Mushroom Ragu With Creamy Polenta
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of assorted wild mushrooms (such as shiitake, oyster, and cremini), thinly sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup of vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup of red wine
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of cornmeal
- 4 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they are soft and fragrant.
Step 2: Add the wild mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they are soft and starting to brown.
Step 3: Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, red wine, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until it has thickened.
Step 4: In the meantime, bring the water to a boil in a separate pot. Slowly whisk in the cornmeal and reduce the heat to low. Cook the polenta, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes, or until it is soft and creamy.
Step 5: Once the polenta is done, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: To serve, spoon the wild mushroom ragu over the creamy polenta and enjoy!
Vegan Crab Cakes
- 2 cans of hearts of palm, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of vegan mayo
- 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup of chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil for cooking
Preparation:
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped hearts of palm, breadcrumbs, vegan mayo, dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, green onions, red bell pepper, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Instructions:
Step 1: Form the mixture into small patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 2: Place the patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Step 4: Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve with vegan tartar sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice. Enjoy!
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups unsweetened almond milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup vegan mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the mushrooms, thyme, and oregano to the skillet and cook until the mushrooms are tender, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the mushroom mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
Step 5: Slowly pour in the almond milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
Step 6: Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.
Step 7: Spread a thin layer of the mushroom sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top, then spread half of the remaining mushroom sauce over the noodles. Repeat with another layer of noodles and sauce, then finish with a final layer of noodles.
Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded vegan mozzarella cheese over the top of the lasagna.
Step 9: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 10: Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Enjoy your vegan dinner!
Easy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
Ingredients:
- 1 lb of lasagna noodles
- 1 lb of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of cashews, soaked
- 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tbsp of nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Preparation:
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions and set aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until they become fragrant.
Step 3: Add the mushrooms and cook until they start to brown and release their juices.
Step 4: In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, almond milk, vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, thyme, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, layer the cooked lasagna noodles, mushroom mixture, and cashew cream sauce, repeating until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cashew cream sauce on top.
Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your creamy lasagna!
Other Ways To Use Mushroom In Your Diet
Hey, here are some other ways to try out besides the delicious mushroom recipes we already talked about.
Use Them in Pasta Sauces as a Meat Alternative:
Mushrooms have a meaty texture and can add a rich umami flavor to pasta sauces. You can chop them finely and sauté them with onions and garlic before adding them to your favorite pasta sauce.
Sautee mushrooms as a side dish:
Simply sautéing mushrooms with some butter or olive oil, garlic, and herbs can make for a delicious side dish to accompany any meal.
Make mushroom powder:
You can dehydrate mushrooms and then grind them into a fine powder. This powder can be used as a seasoning for a variety of dishes, adding a deep, earthy flavor to your meals.
Vegan Portobello Mushroom Stir fry:
Portobello mushrooms can be used as a meaty substitute in stir-fries. Simply slice them and stir-fry them with your favorite veggies and a flavorful sauce for a delicious and filling vegan meal.
Integrating Mushrooms into Your Meals
Now that you know some variety of mushroom types and cooking tips, it’s time to get creative! Add sautéed mushrooms to your favorite plant-based vegan recipes or experiment with new ones.
Mushrooms can replace meat in almost any dish, giving you a healthy and delicious alternative.
So go ahead, make mushrooms a star in your vegan diet and enjoy the variety of flavors they bring to your table! You can even top your dishes with vegan cheese for an extra savory touch.