Mushrooms live in their own quirky kingdom(neither plant nor animal), yet they're packed with the same umami‑rich glutamates and nucleotides that make animal proteins so satisfying. That savory depth, paired with their firm satisfying texture, lets these fungi slip seamlessly into dishes where you'd normally lean on meat. Substituting them for animal protein in recipes often results in a dish that can be just as delicious as the original. But mushrooms aren't just a stand-in for meat; they deserve the spotlight. Here are some of my best vegan mushroom recipes featuring these fabulous fungi.
Tempura Mushrooms
There's no better way to highlight the textures and flavors of mushrooms than battering and deep-frying them. The hot oil transforms each piece into something magical—a lacy halo of batter that shatters with each bite, giving way to the juicy, umami-packed mushroom inside. In this mushroom tempura recipe, I'll walk you through the techniques to fry mushrooms of all shapes and sizes so they come out crisp, light, and perfectly cooked.
Takikomi Gohan
One of the best ways to use mushrooms is to infuse their flavor into other ingredients. This Japanese-style pilaf (Takikomi Gohan) soaks up all the lip-smacking goodness of the mushrooms in the rice and vegetables for a deeply satisfying dish that's simple to prepare.
Vegetable Gyoza
These beautifully crisp, plump, and juicy dumplings get your mouth watering just looking at them. The flavor and texture of fresh shiitake mushrooms means they're not just pretty to look at. They taste as delicious as the meat-filled versions, so go ahead and indulge!
Vegan Japanese Curry
If you grew up on Japanese curry like I did, you probably crave that cozy, nostalgic flavor from time to time. This Vegan Japanese Curry skips the store-bought roux blocks, swapping meat for mushrooms, yet it still hits all the right notes—rich, savory, and just sweet enough. It's a lighter, plant-based take that's healthier than the original yet still satisfies that childhood craving.
Matsutake Gohan
Matsutake, or Pine Mushrooms, are a rare delicacy only available fresh for a few weeks in fall, but they can be found dried all year round. Cooking them with rice stretches their fragrant aroma and meaty texture into a whole meal. If you're fortunate enough to find these incredibly flavorful fungi, you're in for a memorable experience.
Vegan Mapo Tofu
Spicy, savory, and packed with bold flavor, Mapo Tofu is a Sichuan classic for good reason—and this vegan version doesn’t hold back. Meaty mushrooms take the place of ground pork, soaking up the fiery, numbing sauce, while tender cubes of soft tofu melt in your mouth and offer a welcome respite from the tongue-tingling heat.
Marinated Mushrooms
This luscious blend of Japanese mushrooms (such as maitake, shimeji, and nameko) is sautéed to golden perfection before being pickled in a tangy, umami-packed marinade. I call for dashi soy sauce here, but you can easily swap in a plant-based version or just go with regular soy sauce. Toss them with pasta, stuff them into a sandwich, or just let them hang out on the side of your main dish. They keep beautifully in the fridge, so they’re always ready to add a little magic to your meal.
Honey Garlic Glazed Mushrooms
This recipe appears on my other site Marc's Recipes, the place where I feature innovative dishes I cook for my family. This one blends Japanese mushrooms with a bold mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey for an unexpectedly intense, deeply satisfying flavor. It’s the kind of dish that defies categories—serve it as a starter, a side, or even a light main along with a bowl of rice.
Shiitake al Ajillo
Another selection from Marc's Recipes, these deeply satisfying mushrooms pack tons of umami. They're simple to make, and you could easily top some pasta, polenta, or a baked potato with these delightful fungi, letting the flavorful oil seep down into the carbs below. Or just dip some crusty bread into the flavorful oil and wash it down with a glass of good red wine.
Whether you’re vegan, cooking for someone who is, or just looking to eat a little lighter, mushrooms are your flavorful allies. These recipes walk you through how to prep and cook each type, so you’ll get the best texture and taste every time. And if you're after more plant-based dishes that deliver big on flavor without relying on animal products, be sure to check out my full list of Vegan Recipes.
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