Choose Mushrooms on World Vegetarian Day

📢 PSA: Today is World Vegetarian Day! 📢 There’s no better or delicious way to celebrate today than with the mighty mushroom, aka the “original American veggie burger” as noted recently by the Washington Post.

Aside from being a long praised veggie burger option among vegetarians and meat-lovers alike, mushrooms’ deep flavor and meaty texture make them the star in many vegetarian dishes.

Wondering how to get started with your vegetarian menu? Mushrooms are the answer!

🍄 Mushrooms are hearty and filling.

Mushrooms are low in calories, making them a low-energy-dense food (meaning few calories given the food volume). By using mushrooms in place of a high-energy-dense food, like lean ground beef, you’re left feeling full and satiate

🍄 Mushrooms deliver umami flavor.

ICYDK: Umami is one of the five basic tastes. It can be described as deep, meaty or savory, and can be found in foods including mushrooms, meat, seafood, tomatoes and aged cheeses. Umami flavor counterbalances saltiness and allows for less salt to be used in recipes.

🍄 Mushrooms bring a meaty texture to any recipe.

Not only is the umami flavor amplified when cooked, the meat-like texture is, too! Many mushroom varieties can be used in applications where meat is common, for example:

• Whole portabella caps are a classic vegetarian burger option.
• Shredded oyster mushrooms are comparable to pulled pork. Try as carnitas tacos or in a sandwich!
• Cooked king trumpets possess a texture similar to seafood. Slice and sauté in butter for a spin on scallops.
• Chopped lion’s mane makes for a delicious lobster alternative. Vegetarian Lobster Roll? Sign us up!

🍄 Mushrooms are versatility superstars.

Add raw mushrooms to salads. Sauté as a side or as an addition to dishes. Slow bake into jerky. Is there anything mushrooms can’t do?!

Ready to get cooking? Here are five mushroom recipes that are guaranteed to delight.

Shiitake Mushroom and Smoked Tofu Stir Fry

Shiitake mushrooms add a meaty texture and earthy flavor to this veggie-filled dish. Not a fan of tofu? Try swapping for another mushroom variety. You know what they say, the more the merrier!

Vegan Mushroom Street Tacos

Life’s too short for boring tacos, which is why we’re giving you this recipe to upgrade your next taco night. 🌮 These tacos are filled with citrusy, smoky portabella caps, cauliflower, adobo sauce and radishes. *chefs kiss*

Roasted Oyster Mushrooms With Arugula and Walnuts

What’s made with simple ingredients, delivers flavor and can please a crowd? This oyster mushroom, arugula and walnut salad, of course.

Kale and Basil Pesto Zoodles With Mushrooms

Homemade pesto sauce. Crisp zoodles. Sautéed white button mushrooms. Does it get more delicious than that?

Zesty Crimini “Chicken” Nuggets

Mushrooms, black beans, jalapeño and herbs are blended and tossed in panko for “chicken” nuggets that are sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to pair with your favorite dipping sauce!