20 Reasons Why You Need to Use Mushrooms if You’re Cooking Vegan! Hint: They’re Recipes (2024)

We can never get over our love of mushrooms — from mushroom “steaks” to burgers and stews, we can never get enough. Lucky for us, April 16th is Day of the Mushroom. On a glorious day like today, let’s count the ways in which mushrooms are wonderful. First, they’re good for you. Second, they taste delicious. When cooked right, they have a meaty texture and earthy, umami (deeply savory) flavor. It’s no wonder why they’re such a popular choice for replacing meat.

To check out more amazing mushroom recipes, readCelebrate Mushrooms With These 20 Savory Recipes and30 Cool Vegan Recipes Made with Mushrooms. Then, get ready because we have 20 more savory, delicious mushroom recipes for you to try.

1.Beer Butter Mushrooms

Beer and mushrooms are an inspirational combination and these Beer Butter Mushrooms are the perfect building block for pretty much anything else you want to do in the kitchen. These mushrooms are textured exceptionally and walk the line between buttery and salty perfection. While this glorious dish is incredibly simple, it is guaranteed to become a house favorite.

2.Cashew and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms

There’s something really comforting about stuffed mushrooms. Perhaps it is the way they sit displaying all the goodness tucked away in a tender shell or maybe it’s the color and scent of the mushroom combining itself eloquently with the goodness inside. Treat yourself to theseCashew and Herb Stuffed Mushrooms! A lovely comfort food, these mushrooms stuffed with an herby, creamy filling take no time at all to make and are absolutely delicious. Adding halved cherry tomatoes on top really give it a nice pop when you’re eating them!

3.Mushroom Bourguignon

Date night? Try this hearty Mushroom Bourguignon! Mushrooms and vegetables are cooked in broth and then infused with a tomato-based sauce that’s simple, savory and delicious. This version has no wine in it, but feel free to add a splash if you want and serve it over a big pile of quinoa or dairy-free mashed potatoes.

4. Chinese Pizza With Marinated Shiitake

The toppings are what make this Chinese Pizza so unique. Char Siu is Cantonese barbecue that is a little sweet and a little tangy. In this recipe, the pizza sauce is made from a blend of hoisin sauce, tomato paste, ginger, and Chinese 5-spice. Then, cannellini beans, Shiitake mushrooms, and bell peppers are quick marinated and the pizza is topped with steamed chard and shredded vegan cheese.

5.Ratsherrenpfanne: German Vegetable and Mushroom Stew

This hearty German Vegetable and Mushroom Stewis easy to make and incredibly budget friendly. It is a simple coconut cream sauce with lightly browned onions, steamed broccoli, and mushrooms. The simplicity of this stew is its strongest point.

6.Creamy Mushroom Hand Pies

Great as an appetizer at a party or as a lunch you can grab on the go, these Creamy Mushroom Hand Pies are absolutely delicious. A creamy, garlicky mushroom filling is sealed within a flaky puff pastry pie crust. The best thing about these little hand pies, other than their portability, is that once you perfect the art of making them you can try them with different types of fillings like tofu scramble for breakfast or fruit for dessert.

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7.Portobello Falafel Burger

Want a veggie burger that’s loaded with flavor and holds together for the grill? Try this Portobello Falafel Burger – its base starts with ebony colored, earthy Portobello mushrooms for amazing texture. Portobellos are the “meatiest” of all vegetables and here it’s paired with chickpeas and brown rice, which adds lean protein and helps bind them beautifully together. Gone are the days of veggie patties falling apart — these are sturdy for grilling, and the master mixture can even transform into meatballs!

8.Beer Battered Chicken of the Woods Mushrooms

The only thing better than a hot dinner after a long day is one that’s quick and easy to make. This recipe for Beer Battered Chicken of the Woods Mushroomsis just that. Chicken of the Woods mushrooms are truly unique, with a taste and texture that has been described as being just like … you know. Customize the recipe with whatever spices you like!

9.Pulled Oyster Mushroom Bao Burgers

If you’re looking to seriously step up your burger game, these Pulled Oyster Mushroom Bao Burgers are definitely worth your time. Steamed bao buns are stuffed with Oyster mushrooms marinated in an umami sauce and paired with steamed kale and caramelized onions. No patties, because if you have pulled Oyster mushrooms what else do you need? Steaming a yeast dough instead of baking it is actually something pretty genius. It just leaves you with the softest and juiciest bread you can imagine — kind of like biting into a cloud.

10.Asparagus and Mushroom Lasagna

At first glance, this Asparagus and Mushroom Lasagnamay seem like any typical Italian dish, but upon closer inspection, you will be amazed at how many nourishing ingredients are actually hidden by tomato sauce and tucked under pasta sheets. This lasagna has tender asparagus spears, juicy mushrooms that stand in for meat, and a layer of creamy walnut cheese! Baked with a layer of vegan Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top, the end result is a comforting entrée of cheesy goodness.

11.Patates au Vin: French Potatoes and Mushrooms in Red Wine Sauce

This Patates au Vin is a meat-free spin on coq au vin, or chicken in wine, a classic French dish in which chicken is braised in a red wine sauce with mushrooms, bacon, onions, and garlic. In this version, spiced potatoes take the place of meat and paprika adds a smoky flavor to replace the bacon, so the dish remains flavorful and comforting. Serve this hearty stew with sliced baguette and rice.

12.Crispy King Trumpet Mushroom Calamari

This Crispy King Trumpet Mushroom Calamariis made from mushrooms coated in batter and deep-fried until crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside — just like the real thing. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, beer pairing, or party food. Serve it with lemon juice and marinara if you want to enjoy it American-style or with lemon, vinegar, and parsley for the Mediterranean version.

13.Chanterelle Mushroom Butter

This dairy-free Chanterelle Mushroom Butter is sure to be a hit as an appetizer at any event. The mushrooms provide a beautiful woodsy, peppery taste that is enhanced by fresh herbs and port wine, plus their beautiful golden color makes this butter a stand-out on the appetizer table. Serve this with whole grain crackers and crusty bread for a rustic feel.

14.Mushroom and Kale Quiche

A good quiche is hard to find – especially if you don’t eat eggs. However, this recipe for Mushroom and Kale Quichewill take care of your craving. The simple quinoa and almond meal crust remains crispy and tasty. Add a rich creamy mushroom and tofu filling and we have an instant classic in this mushroom and kale quiche.

15. Raw Portobello and Shallot Burger

These Raw Portobello and Shallot Burgers are a must-make for any mushroom lover. Portobello mushroom caps and shallots are marinated in a simple sauce of tamari, olive oil, and fresh herbs, then dehydrated until they take on color. They’re paired with a simple mustard avocado cream, fresh sliced apples, and greens.

16.Blackened Maitake Breast

This recipe for Blackened Maitake Breast is quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Maitake mushrooms are an incredible meat substitute and the salt brine in this recipe really makes them special. This is a great meal to make when your having company over for dinner.

17.Broccolini and Shiitake Stir-Fry

This simple Broccolini and Shiitake Stir-Fryis so easy to make and so flavorful! Tossed in a spicy sesame chili soy sauce for a flavorful kick, it is perfect as a side dish or a main meal; just add rice, noodles, or your favorite grains. The broccolini is tender, but still retains some bite, the mushrooms are meaty, and it’s all tossed in a spicy Sriracha soy sauce. Yum!

18.Grilled Chicken of the Woods Sandwich

Chicken of the Woods is a mushroom also known by its fancy name, Laetiporus. It’s a bright orangey-yellow shelf mushroom with a texture similar to chicken and a soft, lemony scent. In this awesome Grilled Chicken of the Woods Sandwich, these tasty mushrooms are cooked in a cast iron skillet with seasoning until golden and crispy before being baked in the oven. You can assemble the sandwich any way you like — with vegan cheese, onions, greens, etc… You’ll be amazed by just how chicken-like this sandwich tastes.

19. Champignon Mushroom Risotto

If there were two words to best describe this Champignon Mushroom Risotto, they would be “creamy” and “decadent.” Combined with garlic, onion, and chopped mushrooms, the rice is simmered in white wine before the broth is added, infusing it with subtle notes of whatever variety you use and only adding to its complex layers of flavor. Finally, it’s topped with whole sautéed mushrooms and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

20.Baked Mushroom Spinach Kofta Curry

Kofta is a dish typically found in South Asian, Middle Eastern, Balkan, and Central Asian cuisine that consists of meatballs in a thick sauce or gravy. In this recipe for Baked Mushroom Spinach Kofta Curry, the kofta is made from spinach and mushroom and the sauce is a thick tomato gravy with a touch of coconut cream, red chili powder, and garam masala. Deliciously fragrant and satisfying!

We can’t think of any better way to celebrate Day of the Mushroom than with one of these recipes. But if you’re craving more, just check out our vegan mushroom recipes page.

Lead image source:German Vegetable and Mushroom Stew

20 Reasons Why You Need to Use Mushrooms if You’re Cooking Vegan! Hint: They’re Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Why are mushrooms important for vegans? ›

Fungi contain healthy doses of the Vitamin B group. Foods fortified with vitamin B often use yeast to do this. For vegans, mushrooms are one of the only sources of dietary vitamin D. If fungi form part of a well-managed vegan diet you should be able to cut back on many supplements.

Are vegans not allowed to eat mushrooms? ›

Yes, mushrooms are completely vegan friendly. Even though they're part of the Fungi family and not classified as vegetables, they're entirely plant-based and considered vegan-friendly. Mushrooms can have a 'meaty' texture and are often used as a substitute in recipes because of this quality.

What should not be eaten with mushroom? ›

Spicy dishes: While mushrooms can add depth and richness to a spicy dish, they may not hold up well against very intense spice levels. Citrus-heavy dishes: Mushrooms may not work well with very acidic or citrus-heavy dishes, as the acidity can overpower the mushrooms' delicate flavor.

Why do vegetarians not eat mushrooms? ›

Animals are another kingdom. And mushrooms fall into a separate fungi kingdom which also includes yeasts and molds. The main factor that vegans use to determine if they'll eat something is whether it comes from a living thing that's biologically classified as an animal.

What do vegans think of mushrooms? ›

Vegan mushrooms are packed with loads of essential micronutrients, making them a fantastic addition to a balanced vegan diet. As well as being fat-free, cholesterol-free and low in calories and sodium, mushrooms are a rich source of fiber, protein, antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals.

What is the benefit of mushroom? ›

Mushrooms contain high amounts of selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B6. Selenium can help prevent cell damage in our bodies, vitamin D helps with cell growth, and vitamin B6 helps our bodies form red blood cells. All of these nutrients in mushrooms help to maintain a healthy immune system.

Do all vegans eat mushrooms? ›

Most vegans do eat mushrooms. However, there might be confusion due to the fact that some people follow a plant-based diet for ethical reasons and choose not to consume any animal products, including honey and certain types of fungi that are used in traditional cultivation methods.

Can fungi feel pain? ›

No. Without a nervous system, plants have neither a mechanism for feeling pain, nor a brain to have emotions like suffering.

Is mushroom healthy or not? ›

Mushrooms can be a healthful addition to a varied diet. They are easy to prepare and provide a range of nutrients. Mushrooms may help protect against conditions such as diabetes and cancer. They can also benefit heart health, and provide a good source of folate during pregnancy.

Is mushroom bad for stomach? ›

Mushrooms are tough on the stomach

There are people who lack the enzyme in their intestines that breaks down trehalose. For these people, eating mushrooms can lead to more severe digestive problems like flatulence and diarrhoea.

Is the mushroom poisonous? ›

There are thousands of species of mushrooms, but approximately 100 species of mushrooms casue the majority of cases of poisoning when eaten by humans, and only 15-20 mushroom species are potentially lethal when ingested.

Is honey vegan? ›

In the strictest definition of the word, honey is not vegan. As the product of a living being –honeybees, though there are other some 20,000 bee species to be found around the world – honey falls into the same category of non-vegan food products as milk and eggs.

Can vegans eat honey? ›

The bottom line. Vegans try to avoid or minimize all forms of animal exploitation, including that of bees. As a result, most vegans exclude honey from their diets. Some vegans also avoid honey to take a stand against conventional beekeeping practices that can harm bee health.

Which mushroom is not vegan? ›

Generally, mushrooms are vegan since they are not animals but rather fungi that feed on deadwood and organic matter where they grow. However, the controversy arises with other types of mushrooms such as the oyster mushroom.

Why are mushrooms a good substitute for meat? ›

“They're an ideal substitute for meat because they're chewy and have a meaty texture and flavor,” founder and CEO Nicole Marquis said. “And they're so much better for people and the planet.”

Are mushrooms good for a plant-based diet? ›

Because vegans limit their food consumption to plant sources, it's important that they pay special attention to essential nutrients like iron and B-12. Mushrooms contain some of these key nutrients which make them a valuable part of a vegan diet.

Why are mushrooms good for people who don't eat meat? ›

Mushrooms provide the B vitamins riboflavin and niacin, which are especially important for people who don't eat meat. Most mushrooms are also a good source of selenium and potassium.

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