12 Ways to Make Mushrooms Taste Like Meat
Whether you're a vegetarian, flexitarian, or just someone looking to eat a little less meat, you've probably noticed that mushrooms take center stage in many meatless recipes. Mushrooms—which aren't a veggie or a fruit, but a type of fungus—have a uniquely savory flavor known as umami, and a dense, meaty texture when cooked. That, of course, means that they're the perfect base for vegetarian versions of classic meat dishes: burgers, tacos, hot dogs, bolognese, even steak.
One thing to note: While they may taste like meat, mushrooms don't have even close to the same amount of protein (just 3 grams per cup). So just be sure to pair some of these recipes with a side of protein—for vegetarians, consider using tofu, tempeh, nuts, beans, eggs, or dairy.
With that in mind, go forth and make one of these 12 mushroom recipes the next time you're looking for a fun meatless meal. They definitely won't leave you wondering where the meat is, and each one is delicious in its own right.
https://www.gimmesomeoven.comMushroom Bolognese from Gimme Some Oven
This pasta dish was basically invented for meatless Monday. Get the recipe here.
https://www.loveandlemons.com/Portobello Pups from Love and Lemons
http://pinchofyum.com/Butternut Squash and Mushroom Enchiladas from Pinch of Yum
Mushrooms and butternut squash together give this vegetarian spin on enchiladas an extra meaty texture. Get the recipe here.
https://minimalistbaker.com/Portobello Steaks with Avocado Chimichurri from Minimalist Baker
A bit of paprika and steak sauce are the secrets to this mushroom steak. Get the recipe here.
http://www.amuse-your-bouche.comTikka Mushrooms from Amuse Your Bouche
These spiced, chewy mushrooms are maybe even more crave-worthy than pieces of chicken. Get the recipe here.
http://www.bonappetit.comMushroom Bacon Bits from Bon Appétit
Super easy to make—all you need is some olive oil, garlic, and thyme or rosemary—these chopped, baked mushrooms taste astoundingly similar to bacon bits. Add them to baked potatoes, quiches, sandwiches, or wherever your heart desires bacon. Get the recipe here.
http://www.connoisseurusveg.comWhiskey Mushroom Gravy from Connoisseurus Veg
This whiskey-infused mushroom gravy honestly might be better than regular, meat-based gravy. Get the recipe here.
http://www.blissfulbasil.com/Shiitake and Oyster Mushroom Dumplings from Blissful Basil
Two different varieties of mushrooms (shiitake and oyster) really take the faux-meatiness of these dumplings to another level. Get the recipe here.
http://thefitfoodiemama.comMushroom and Black Bean Meatballs from Fit Foodie Mama
Mushrooms add a savory flavor, black beans keep these "meatballs" together. Get the recipe here.
https://brooklynsupper.com/Mushroom and Kale Tacos from Brooklyn Supper
Who needs carnitas when you have perfectly cooked mushrooms? Get the recipe here.
https://natashaskitchen.comGrilled Mushrooms on Skewers from Natasha's Kitchen
https://ohmyveggies.com/Lentil Mushroom Burgers from Oh My Veggies
Of course mushrooms make excellent veggie burgers. And, thanks to lentils, these ones have a bit of protein and fiber, too. Get the recipe here.
