Eringi mushrooms, also called king oysters, have a trumpet shape. They are wild mushrooms and grow in groups. It is particularly famous in Asian cuisines. The flavorful and meaty taste and texture set them apart from the rest of the mushrooms. You see a white and thick mushroom flesh that has a blunt cap. Eringi is a little hard to find but you can always get a hand on them in the Asian section. So, if you still can’t find it, go through our list of eringi mushroom substitutes.
You can cook eringi in multiple ways making them a versatile choice. They are tasty either you grill, braise, sauté, or broil them. A grilled eringi takes a smoky Japanese taste and has moisture content. You can make them part of soups and stews, with meat and even seafood. Eringi with teriyaki sauce would give off the most radiant flavor. The whole mushroom is edible. So, you can eat them raw by adding in salads.
The mushrooms are tasteless and have no aroma when raw. They are expensive than many other types. However, you will not regret its delicate and juicy nutty flavor after cooking. To make eringi quick and flavorful, score the cut side of these mushrooms.
Eringi Mushrooms Substitutes
1) Cremini Mushrooms
Cremini is not the only name these mushrooms have You will see them as brown or Italian mushrooms as well. These mushrooms are young and not fully mature. In mature form, cremini becomes the portobello mushrooms. Cremini has a good moisture content like eringi mushrooms.
They have a diverse range of uses. You can use them in pasta, tacos, soups, risottos, quesadillas, and many more. Add them raw in salads. You can cook them in various ways like roasting, baking, or simmering.
The flavor profile shows them to be meaty like eringi. Additionally, they have umami and earthy touch but are mild overall. If you would like a more intense flavor, use its mature form namely portobello mushrooms.
These are healthier as well because of low calories and no fat content. You will get some amount of iron and calcium too.
Thus, you can replicate a recipe calling for eringi mushrooms by using cremini.
2) Shiitakes Mushrooms
Shiitakes are an expensive choice in cooking. However, its beautiful and diverse brown color along with firm creamy flesh. Shiitakes are available in both dried and fresh forms. The taste is rich and meaty just like eringi mushrooms. There is an earthy touch too, so they give value for the money. The dried form has a more intense and smokier flavor.
In addition to the unique and rich taste, they are versatile as well. You can add them in risottos and stuffing. The stem cannot be cooked but you can make broth with them. You can stir-fry, grill, roast, or sauté the mushrooms. When using the dried forms, it is better to soak them before use.
This mushroom gets a lot of importance, thanks to its medicinal value. These have a high number of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory characteristics. The fiber in them improves the digestive process. Furthermore, it is mineral and vitamin-rich.
3) Matsutake Mushrooms
Next on the list are the matsutake mushrooms. You can either love them or hate them, there is no in-between. It is one of the most prized and most expensive mushrooms in the world. They are extensively used in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean cuisines. Its aroma is unique as it is spicy.
The texture gives a crunchy bite with a pungent and spicy flavor like cinnamon. They are used in soups and steamed rice.
When it comes to nutritional value, matsutake gives many types of Vitamin B and several minerals.
Although the taste profile is a little different, its versatility and classic characteristics can make it an ideal candidate for eringi mushroom substitute.
The King oyster or the eringi mushrooms are versatile in cooking, flavorful in taste, and healthy in nutrition. It is important to find out the best and most suitable eringi mushroom substitute. You can try out shiitake, cremini, or matsutake mushrooms to replace the taste profile and usage. Thus, you can give a try to any of the options in your recipe calling for eringi.