If you love mushrooms as much as I do, prepare to be obsessed. And if you don’t usually reach for this incredible ingredient — this roundup is your perfect gateway in. These vegan mushroom recipes are savory, flavorful, and full of rich umami goodness that can help you expand your comfort zone in the most delicious way. From crispy carnitas-style shreds to cozy stews to mushroom “scallops” worthy of date night, this roundup will show you just how versatile and exciting mushrooms can be. Whether you’re vegan, mushroom-curious, or simply want more plant-forward flavor and creativity in your meals, these mushroom recipes will open up a whole new world of cooking.
Why You Should Eat Mushrooms
Full of Flavor: Mushrooms have a deeply savory, umami, taste that pairs with all types of cuisines, from Italian to Mexican.
Great meaty texture: Each mushroom variety has its own unique taste, but many share a surprisingly meaty texture.
Nutritional powerhouse: For thousands of years mushrooms have been praised for their medicinal benefits. Many contain compounds that help fight inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, support cognitive function, and protect the body from cancer [source].
Sustainable food: Mushrooms can be sustainably grown all over the world, indoors and out. Mushroom farming requires less land and water, thus producing far fewer carbon emissions [source].
Easy to Prep: One of my favorite ways to prepare mushrooms is to pan fry them whole with a little garlic and salt. No need for a lot of chopping or clean up. And the result is a succulent tasty meal.
Mushrooms for breakfast
Mushrooms are the perfect addition to a savory breakfast! Some companies even use functional mushrooms for coffee and elixirs which have added health benefits––no, these do not contain psychedelic compounds. Mushrooms are great for savory breakfasts, especially in tofu scramble or on top of avocado toast—my favorite!
Incredible Vegan Quiche
Savory, creamy, and with a flaky, buttery crust, unsuspecting diners will never guess this is a Vegan Quiche! Broccoli, kale, mushrooms, and sun-dried tomatoes add color and flavor, though you can use nearly any combination of your favorite vegetables. Serve this plant-based quiche for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner for rave reviews!
Wild Mushroom Avocado Toast
This recipe is inspired by the mushroom avocado toast at one of my favorite cafes in Los Angeles, Highly Likely. Use an assortment of fancy culinary mushrooms to create an explosion of flavor and amazing texture. The mushrooms are pan fried until tender and juicy, then served over avocado toast with a citrusy spice blend.
The Best Tofu Scramble
This savory vegan Tofu Scramble is loaded with protein, delicious cheesy flavor, mushrooms (you can use any type), and fresh veggies. Everything cooks together in one skillet and is ready in 30 minutes for an easy breakfast, brunch, or brinner!
Vegan Chicken and Waffles
Chicken and Waffles so good, you won’t believe it’s made with mushrooms! Breaded oyster mushrooms are fried to crispy perfection then served over a fluffy vegan waffle. The oyster mushrooms are meaty, juicy, and tender with more flavor than the real thing.
Meaty Mushroom Recipes
When it comes to meat replacements, mushrooms take the number one spot in my book. This wholesome ingredient has a meat-like texture and umami richness that meat eaters appreciate. Not all mushrooms are great meat subs. My favorites are oyster mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms, and maitake. If you like meaty textures and amazing flavor, you’ll love the recipes below.
Elegant Mushroom Wellington
Tender, meaty, and savory veggies shine in this Mushroom Wellington Recipe! It’s made with plant-based ingredients and a buttery vegan puff pastry, making it an impressive and next-world delicious vegan-friendly Thanksgiving or Christmas main dish. This recipe is adapted from the New York Times.
King Oyster Mushroom Vegan Scallops
Indulge in the flavors of the sea without the shellfish with this delicious King Oyster Mushroom Vegan Scallops recipe! Made with 5 simple ingredients and pan-fried to perfection, this savory dish is a great dinner party appetizer or topping for your favorite main meals!
Vegan Butter Chicken
Introducing the most luxurious Vegan Butter Chicken! Made with fragrant toasted spices, coconut milk, tomatoes and crispy, meaty oyster mushrooms, this vegan Indian-inspired comfort food dish is so comforting and satisfying that you’ll never make it with tofu again.
Mushroom Carnitas Tacos
Vegan succulent and flavorful tacos that everyone will love! Shredded king oyster mushrooms are seasoned, cooked, and roasted to make satisfying and plant-based carnitas. Top with avocado, pickled onions, and cilantro, and serve with your favorite sides.
The Best Pan-Fried Oyster Mushroom Recipe
Look no further for the best oyster mushroom recipe: these Pan-Fried Oyster Mushrooms are easy to make with simple ingredients and feature a savory flavor and a juicy, meaty texture. Add them to your favorite pasta, tuck them into wraps, layer them onto burgers, or stir them into breakfast skillets.
Mushroom Veggie Sliders
These Oyster Mushroom Veggie Sliders feature a homemade chipotle BBQ sauce stuffed between fluffy slider buns with creamy mayo and crisp red cabbage slaw for a taste of summer! Great for family dinners, potlucks, or backyard get-togethers!
Mushroom Étouffée
Of all my recipes, this vegan mushroom etouffee is in the top 5 for all time favorites! It is rich, savory, and well balanced. I make it with a variety of mushrooms––shiitake, oyster, and king oyster––for the best flavor and texture.
Lion’s Mane Crab Cakes
These Lion’s Mane Crab Cakes are incredibly delicious with a texture unbelievably similar to the real thing. Each bite is heaven: crispy edges, tender meaty and moist center, and so much flavor. Look for Lion’s Mane mushrooms at your local international grocery store.
Mushroom Recipes | Entrees
There are so many ways to use mushrooms! And I think everyone will find something they love on this list. If you don’t think you like mushrooms, you should give them another chance with one of these yummy recipes.
Flaky Vegan Empanadas (w/ Divine Mushroom Filling)
Come on over for a flaky hot vegan empanada with a juicy mushroom filling. You won’t believe how easy it
Vegan Jambalaya
Spicy, savory, and hearty Vegan Jambalaya proves you can enjoy your favorite soul food dishes on a plant-based diet! Made with vegan sausages, meaty mushrooms, and Cajun seasoning, this classic Louisiana dish is big on flavor, simple to prep, and made in one pan. Great for Mardi Gras, Sunday supper, and family get-togethers.
The Best Vegan Lentil Meatloaf
The Best Vegan Lentil Meatloaf is the ultimate comfort food, made with hearty lentils, toasted walnuts, plenty of veggies, and a homemade balsamic ketchup glaze. Great for special occasions or as an anytime main dish!
Amazing Vegan Mushroom Gravy
This silky, rich Vegan Mushroom Gravy is the ultimate comfort food topper. Made with hearty mushrooms, savory umami flavor, and fresh herbs, it will be the star at your holiday table. Spoon it over your favorite dishes–from mashed potatoes to lentil loaf for a cozy, plant-based twist on a classic.
Wild Mushroom & Leek Stuffed Sweet Potato
I originally created this stuffed sweet potato recipe for a partnership I did with Well & Good for Imagine Foods.
Wild Rice Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
The perfect main for your plant-based Thanksgiving. These stuffed sweet potatoes can even be served as a side along with other items. Tender roasted sweet potatoes stuffed with wild rice and mushrooms cooked in a vegetable broth with herbs and spices. Topped with a roasted red pepper sauce and herb roasted chopped pecans.
Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Stuffing
This post is sponsored by Calphalon to help celebrate the launch of their new expertly designed Appliances line. For this
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Comforting Butternut Squash Lasagna is vegan comfort food bliss! Made with tender squash, meaty mushrooms, and cheesy tofu “cheese,” it is perfect for Sunday supper, holiday meals, and more. Naturally gluten-free and bursting with vegetables!
Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
This Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash Alfredo is creamy, cozy, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made with tender squash “noodles” in a rich, dairy-free sauce with mushrooms and nutritional yeast–the ultimate vegan comfort food.
Vegan Cold Soba Noodle Salad with Mushroom “Scallops”
A cold soba noodle salad with loads of Asian-inspired flavor and chewy king oyster mushroom scallops. Make this one for meal prep. It gets more delicious as the days go by.
Vegan Japchae Style Noodles (stir-fried sweet potato noodles)
Japchae is stir fried glass noodles tossed with perfectly cooked vegetables, mushrooms, and a rich soy-based sauce. It is a perfect vegan entree, and it’s one of my favorite healthy comfort foods.
Mushroom FAQ
Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungus and can be found in soil or on its food source, such as on a tree. There are over 14,000 species of mushrooms! While many are edible and wonderful for the recipes on my blog, there are also many that are toxic and shouldn’t be eaten. Don’t eat just any mushroom you come across in nature if you’re not familiar with the different species; it could be dangerous! Leave the foraging to the professionals (or consult one!)
I cook with a wide variety of fancy mushrooms. The ones I use are most easily found at Asian grocery stores (least expensive) or stores like Whole Foods and Sprouts (more expensive). They can be purchased fresh or dried. Most often I use fresh oyster, king oyster, shiitake, a and maitake. Mushrooms are great on their own, as a meat substitute, or as an addition to so many dishes.
Mushrooms are great for your health! According to UCLA Health, there are a few health benefits to eating mushrooms. They decrease the risk of cancer, help you intake less sodium, promote lower cholesterol, protect brain health, provide a source of vitamin D, stimulate a healthier gut, and support a healthy immune system. Of course you should always consult your primary care physician before making any huge diet changes (you probably shouldn’t eat just mushrooms for every meal), and obviously don’t eat them if you have an allergy or intolerance.
