Trends come and go, but mushrooms never go out of style.

They’re a double entendre: packed with tons of vitamins and nutrients, you can prepare them in just about any way, either as a main course, side dish or a snack.

Ever consider replacing the protein in your meal with mushrooms? Here’s a foolproof guide on 5 of the most accessible types. Help improve your health with a low-waste approach while reducing your carbon footprint.

What are you waiting for? Keep on reading and discover the miracles of mushrooms. 

1. Swap your beef for portobello steaks

The portobello mushroom crowns as the superior beef replacement due to their satisfying texture and array of flavours. This mushroom’s absorbency can soak up sauces effortlessly, leaving for a fulfilling dish.

Try portobellos in your burgers, kebabs, meat plates and pasta dishes. 

2. Trade your pork teriyaki for some shiitake 

As a more delicate mushroom, the best use for shiitake is in Asian cuisine for a more pungent taste. Shiitake serves best when it's sauteed or boiled to bring out its earthy flavour, paired with mouthwatering sauces such as soy, miso, hoisin or teriyaki.

Challenge yourself to a shiitake teriyaki dish instead of your typical general tao.

3. White buttons as a sub for chicken bites 

White button mushrooms are the most typical mushroom of the bunch—but don’t underestimate their power. They’ve got a creamy, buttery yet neutral base, similar to chicken, so you can prepare them in numerous ways and you’ve got a solid meal. Just make sure you’ve nailed your seasonings!

Add them to your risotto, soups or pasta dishes for an extra buttery kick. 

4. Chanterelle over crab meat 

Chanterelle mushrooms are rare to find, but they’re worth every penny. They’ve got a sweet, nutty taste that distinguishes them from other types of mushroom. Chanterelles substitute seafood meats exceptionally if prepared well.

Lather them in some fatty sauces the way you would with seafood. Garlic butter, boozy sauces or simply as part of a hearty chowder.

5. Enoki can mask as white fish 

From afar, enoki mushrooms resemble stringy pastas like spaghetti or linguine. With a milder, light flavour to them, they’re the perfect substitute for white fish to add to your carb-filled bowls of veggies and noodles. Add them as a crunchy garnish or steamed in your hot soups.

Impress your guests and add them to your homemade pho, ramen or stir fry dishes. 

Sesame shiitake rice bowl recipe

Ingredients

For the shiitake mushrooms 

• 2 cups dried shiitake mushrooms
• Boiling water
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsps of light cooking oil

For the sesame sauce

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 tsps hot sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp cornstarch

For the garnish 

• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 tsps sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Cover mushrooms in boiling water and soak for around 40 minutes, or until tender.
2. Drain mushrooms, save the broth to use for another recipe if desired and squeeze out the excess water from them so they’re drier to touch.
3. Slice mushrooms in thick slices of about a half-inch, then coat them evenly with cornstarch.
4. Heat cooking oil over medium-high heat on a skillet, then fry mushrooms until golden brown and crispy (with no cornstarch remaining on them). 
5. Add all the sauce ingredients to a saucepan, cook them for a few minutes until the mixture thickens. 
6. Add in your mushrooms until they've completely marinated in the sauce. 
7. Chop up some green onions, serve them on a plate and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds. 
8. Serve hot over some grains and other veggies. Enjoy! 

You can substitute meat with mushroom varieties by shopping through the FoodHero app! Save up to 25-60% off groceries and contribute to the low-waste approach while reducing your carbon footprint.