Eat Mushrooms Instead of Meat

Mushrooms don't often get the recognition they deserve. Perhaps if people knew how healthy mushrooms are, they would eat more of them. They are delicious and have many health benefits when eaten raw or cooked.

Mushrooms are versatile and are ideal for people who want to eat less meat. So, if you are looking to limit the amount of meat you consume, eat mushrooms instead. Mushrooms are ideal for taking the place of meat for vegetarians, vegans, pescatarians, flexitarians, fruitarians, and beegans.

Mushrooms are delicious with a dense, meaty texture and a unique savory flavor. While they taste like meat, mushrooms don't come close to having the same amount of unhealthy ingredients as in some meats. Mushrooms contain vitamins, and minerals with only 25 calories per 1/2-cup cooked serving or 1-cup raw serving. They contain no sodium, less than 1% fat, and 3 grams of fiber.

Here are some quick, easy, and convenient ways to prepare mushrooms. They are so delicious, and you won't miss the meat you won't be eating.

1. Sauté

One of the easiest ways to cook mushrooms is to sauté them. Simply brush a pan lightly with oil and heat on high. Add a single layer of mushrooms. Cook until one side becomes reddish-brown. Then turn the mushrooms over until they are cooked. Eat the sautéed mushrooms alone or use them as a topping for grilled meats such as chicken, pork chops, or steaks.

2. Grill and Broil

Grill or broil large capped mushrooms, like portobellos. Brush caps and stems with oil and season. Then grill or broil them for four to six minutes on each side. The large cooked mushrooms can be the main course of a meal.

3. Roast

Roast mushrooms by brushing with oil. Place them on a shallow baking pan in the oven and roast them at 450 degrees until they are brown in about 20 minutes.

4. Steam in the Microwave

Place slices of mushrooms in a microwaveable bowl. Cover the bowl and microwave for two to three minutes. Eat them on a hot sandwich, chili, soup, or any meal you are having.

5. Make a Portobello Burger

If you have a craving for a hamburger, try a healthier option. Swap your burger for a grilled portobello on a bun. Add your favorite condiments and enjoy!

6. Add to Pasta

Turn a plain pasta dish into something amazing. Use any type of mushrooms you have on hand. You get so much flavor in your pasta when mushrooms have been tossed in it.

7. Add to Salads

Simply add slices of mushroom to your favorite salad to enhance it. The mushrooms will give your salad additional fiber to keep you full until it is time for your next meal.

8. Use in Soups

Add mushrooms to your favorite soup along with carrots, celery, onion, and tomatoes. Season as you like and you will have a healthy and delicious meal. The fresh mushrooms in your soup add nutrients with no fat, no sodium, few calories, and no extra cholesterol.

You can also make a mushroom soup by sautéeing any kind with diced onions and carrots in a little oil until they are tender. Use chicken stock to cover, and let the mixture simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and eat as a delicious appetizer or a meal for lunch.

9. Sandwiches

In addition to replacing a burger with portobello mushrooms, you can also cut slices of them and make a sandwich instead of using meat. This is a healthy and inexpensive meal.

10. Eat Mushroom Chips

For a healthy and flavorful snack, dip mushroom chips in a warm pesto sauce. They are better for you than greasy potato chips.

11. Put on Top of Pizza

Instead of adding several meats to pizza, spread sliced mushrooms on top. You will get the taste of meat while getting the nutrients from the mushrooms.

12. Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms make a delicious appetizer for any cocktail party. Lots of simple recipes are available online and on YouTube. Choose one that appeals to you. By the way, stuffed mushrooms don't have to be earmarked just for cocktail parties. Prepare and enjoy them at home any time you like.

13. Mushroom Blend

Blend mushrooms with your favorite meat recipes to make them more favorable. Include them with tacos, burgers, chilis, casseroles, and more. This is an easy way to sneak extra flavor and nutrition into meals for the entire family.

Final Words

Mushrooms are not just for folks who want to go meatless. They can be added to enhance any meat, such as chicken, pork chops, lamb chops, and steaks.

Try some of the ways listed above to enjoy mushrooms and to give mushrooms the respect they deserve.

Check out my article about the health benefits of mushrooms. They might surprise you!