8 Ideal Maitake Mushroom Substitutes

Are you cooking a dish that calls for maitake mushrooms but haven’t been able to find any in stores? Not sure what to use as a substitute?

Shiitake mushrooms, king trumpet mushrooms, portobello mushrooms, chanterelle mushrooms, shimeji mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, and even zucchini can all be used as substitutes for maitake mushrooms.

There are many types of mushrooms and mushroom replacements that you can use in the place of maitake mushrooms. Some have entirely different flavors, and some are simply more easily found in stores.

What are maitake mushrooms?

Maitake mushrooms, also known as the hen-of-the-woods, are a delicious addition to many dishes. Although not as common as many other types of mushrooms such as button mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms, they have a strong earthy and peppery taste.

They are found growing on the base of trees in North America, China, and Europe. They’re usually in season in the autumn.

How do you use maitake mushrooms?

Maitake mushrooms are versatile and can be used in any number of ways. Some common ways to prepare these mushrooms are

  • Sauteed
  • Grilled
  • Dried

You can also use them in dishes like omelets, soups, stir-fries, and pasta. 

These mushrooms also have many health benefits and are a great ingredient to use in so many recipes!

Maitake Mushroom Substitues

1. Shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms make a great alternative to maitake mushrooms. They are rich and have a savory flavor that is delicious in many dishes. 

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These mushrooms also have many health benefits and are more easily found in stores than maitake mushrooms. 

2. King trumpet mushrooms

Another replacement for maitake mushrooms is king trumpet mushrooms. Although they don’t have much flavor when eaten raw, these mushrooms have a mild, earthy flavor when cooked.

King trumpet mushrooms are thick and meaty mushrooms. Because of this, they are exceptionally good when used in recipes where they are grilled or seared. They also offer many health benefits.

3. Portobello mushrooms

Although chewier than maitake mushrooms, portobello mushrooms still make a great substitute. They are easily found in many stores and are a common mushroom to use when cooking.

They have a meaty texture and are great when grilled. Portobello mushrooms also have a rich, earthy flavor but are not overpowering. 

4. Chanterelles 

Chanterelle mushrooms are a more unique substitute for maitake mushrooms. This is because they are harder to grow and farm, and this makes them harder to find for sale in stores.

Chanterelles can be bought either dried or fresh and have a subtle, peppery, and sweet flavor to them. They can vary greatly in size, and they pair well with cream-based dishes.

Use these mushrooms to add some dimension to your dish.

5. Shimeji mushrooms

Similar in look to maitake mushrooms, shimeji mushrooms make a good substitute in your cooking.  These mushrooms have a savory, nutty flavor. 

Shimeji mushrooms come in darker and light varieties. The darker mushrooms have a bit richer taste, while the lighter mushrooms have a milder taste.

These mushrooms are also full of healthy nutrients, which make them a great ingredient for your recipes.

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6. Cremini mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms can also be used as a substitute for maitake mushrooms. These are one of the most common mushrooms used for cooking. 

Cremini mushrooms are a light brown color and have a nutty flavor that is like maitake mushrooms. You can use these in any recipe you can use maitake mushrooms in, but they are especially good when stuffed.

7. Oyster mushrooms

Another alternative to maitake mushrooms is oyster mushrooms. They are similar in appearance to shiitake mushrooms but differ in taste.

Oyster mushrooms have a bit of a seafood flavor to them as well as an earthy taste. They have a meaty, soft texture.

They also have quite a few health benefits!

8. Zucchini

If you’re looking for a replacement for mushrooms as a whole, try zucchini! It might sound odd, but zucchini can bring some of that earthy flavor found in mushrooms into your dish. They are easy grilled and seared like mushrooms as well.

Zucchini also shares many of the same health benefits as mushrooms!

Conclusion

If you’re looking to replace maitake mushrooms in a dish or recipe you’re preparing, you’re in luck. There are many different options available to you to use as a substitute.

Try some of these out to experience different flavors,  consistencies, and to get a feel for which you like the best!