Substitute for Portobello Mushrooms: 4 Meaty Swaps
The best substitute for portobello mushrooms is Large Cremini Mushrooms at a 3-4 cremini per 1 portobello cap ratio. It works best for sauteing, burgers, sandwiches. There are 3 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Large Cremini Mushrooms
3-4 cremini per 1 portobello cap
Same species, just younger and smaller. Slice thickly to approximate portobello's meaty bite.
What are the other substitutes for portobello mushrooms?
Eggplant (sliced thick)
1 thick slice per 1 portobello cap
Cut crosswise into 3/4-inch rounds. Brush with oil and grill or roast. Similar meaty texture when cooked.
King Oyster Mushrooms
2-3 per 1 portobello cap
Thick, meaty stems can be sliced into steaks. Excellent seared in a hot pan for a crispy exterior and tender interior.
Sweet Potato (sliced thick)
1 thick round per 1 portobello cap
Pre-bake or microwave until just tender, then grill. Provides heartiness and a subtly sweet flavor for burgers.
What should you know before substituting portobello mushrooms?
Scrape out the dark gills on the underside with a spoon before cooking if you want to avoid the dark color they impart to sauces. The gills are edible but can make dishes look murky.
How do you substitute portobello mushrooms in a recipe?
Large, mature cremini mushrooms with broad caps and a dense, meaty texture. Popular as a burger substitute, stuffed, grilled, or sliced in sandwiches. Their size and heartiness make them a centerpiece in vegetarian cooking.
The best substitute for portobello mushrooms depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Large Cremini Mushrooms (3-4 cremini per 1 portobello cap), which works well for sauteing, burgers, sandwiches.
If you need a different option, Eggplant (sliced thick) (1 thick slice per 1 portobello cap) is another reliable choice. Cut crosswise into 3/4-inch rounds. Brush with oil and grill or roast. Similar meaty texture when cooked.
When substituting portobello mushrooms, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of portobello mushrooms?
Thick-sliced eggplant is the best non-mushroom substitute, providing similar meaty texture when grilled. For another mushroom option, king oyster mushrooms sliced lengthwise make excellent steaks.
Can I use regular mushrooms instead of portobello?
Yes. Cremini mushrooms are the same species as portobellos, just smaller. Use 3-4 cremini per portobello cap, sliced thickly. The flavor is identical.