The 5 Best Eggplant Substitutes

Eggplant is one of the most popular vegetables today. People from all over the world use eggplants in their cooking.

This is because it has a unique flavor that adds goodness to a dish.

But, if you don’t like the basic flavor of eggplant, have an allergy, or just can’t find eggplant, you need to find a good substitute to substitute it in your favorite eggplant dishes.

So what are the best eggplant substitutes?  The best substitutes for eggplant are mushrooms, zucchini, green tomatoes, okra, and tofu. When deciding which one to choose, the factors to consider are the texture of the substitute, the intensity of the flavor, and how you are going to prepare the dish.

If you want to know why the above ingredients are the best eggplant substitutes and where to use them, keep reading!

Can you find substitutes for eggplant?

Yes, you can find eggplant substitutes, but you can’t replicate the exact flavor of eggplant with them.

Still, they’re great ways to recreate an eggplant dish that tastes somewhat close to the original.

These substitutes have an eggplant-like texture, smoothness, light flavor, and absorption that make them suitable.

Let’s see what ingredients you can use to replace the eggplant.

What are the 5 best eggplant substitutes?

There are many substitutes for eggplant, both vegetable and non-veg.

These top five picks will help make your eggplant dish taste just as amazing.

1. Mushrooms

Mushrooms are one of the best substitutes for eggplant. In addition, they are soft, have a mild flavor and are unique. Currently, there are two types of mushrooms that you can use instead of eggplant.

portobello mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms have a similar texture, mild flavor, and deep umami flavor like eggplant. 

You can mainly use them as a substitute for dishes such as aubergine pizza, pasta, moussaka and aubergine parmigiana. You can also roast, grill, or sauté them to your liking.

If you can’t substitute the meat for the eggplant, you can also substitute the Portobello mushrooms.

These mushrooms offer just the right amount of juiciness and chewiness for a meat dish.

shiitake mushrooms

If you can’t find portobello mushrooms, you can opt for shiitake mushrooms.

These mushrooms also have a mild, exotic umami flavor that you can combine with the unique flavor of eggplants.

Shiitake mushrooms can also be used with eggplant pizza, pasta, and eggplant parmigiana.

2. Zucchini

If you don’t like mushrooms, you can opt for zucchini.

Zucchini is a type of summer squash that bears a slight resemblance to eggplant. It has a mild flavor and a slightly soggy or mushy texture.

However, zucchini is not as soft or doughy as eggplant. But, if you cook it too long, it can lose its texture, which eggplant doesn’t.

Zucchini contains several nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, making it an attractive option for the health conscious.

Fortunately, you can use zucchini as a substitute for eggplant in a number of dishes, including pasta, soups, stir-fries, and even casseroles.

Also, you can substitute zucchini for eggplant in the famous French dish Ratatouille. It’s also one of the most common substitutes for the classic dish, eggplant Parmigiana.

All you have to do when substituting zucchini for eggplant is double the measurements.

For example, if the recipe calls for one eggplant, use two zucchini.

3. Tomatoes

If you want the true umami flavor of eggplant in your dish without using it, green or red tomatoes are your best bet.

The tomato is extremely versatile and can be used in just about anything, whether it be salads, pasta, or pizza.

They have a soft texture, similar to that of eggplants.  Also, its umami taste is the strongest compared to the other substitutes .

Specifically, you can use green tomatoes instead of aubergines in dishes like ratatouille. They can provide a similar texture and flavor and also make the dish look colorful.

Keep in mind that if you can’t find green tomatoes for some reason, be sure to double the number of red tomatoes in the recipe.

4.okra

Okra is hands down the go-to eggplant substitute for many people.

This is because okra is also very mild in flavor and blends well with the surrounding ingredients and flavors. 

It has a slightly soft and smooth texture. This gives a very eggplant-like feel to most dishes. Also, okra is rich in vitamins and antioxidants.

The only problem that can arise when using okra is its slimy nature. In some recipes, it can give a sticky consistency that can ruin the dish.

The okra releases a substance that makes its surface feel somewhat sticky. Note that this cannot affect slow-cooked foods, such as casseroles.

The best way to prevent food from getting sticky is to take vinegar and dip okra in it. Then, dry it well to remove any stickiness.

If you plan to cook something over high heat, such as stir-fried vegetables, don’t worry, as the okra won’t have time to release any sticky substance.

5. Tofu

Tofu is the best alternative to eggplant, especially if you don’t want to opt for any other vegetables. Additionally, it is nutrient-dense with protein, iron, calcium, and other minerals.

Like brinjal, tofu has a very subtle and mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.

You can also use it in a wide variety of dishes, whether sweet or savoury.

Firm tofu has a texture similar to that of brinjal. We recommend choosing it firm or extra firm.

Another great feature of this choice is that it can also absorb flavors during cooking without becoming extremely soggy, as zucchini can.

What other eggplant substitutes are there?

Aside from our five favorites above, there are many others that you can use for eggplant dishes. Among them are

1. Root vegetables

If you want to make sauces, soups, or stews without eggplant, consider using root vegetables. 

For example, you can opt for turnips, since they have a very mild flavor and a soft texture. They can also pair well with the various flavors found in stews and soups.

Apart from turnips, you also have other options like rutabagas. They are larger than turnips, but taste almost the same.

Other root vegetables include beets, yams, and carrots. You can choose any one based on your preferences.

2. Pumpkin

The different types of squash are also a great substitute for eggplant.

You can opt for yellow squash as it has an eggplant-like texture.

Or, you can go for pan-squash or scallop squash, especially if you want to stuff it similar to stuffed eggplant.

The flavor may differ in this case, but if you’re looking for consistency, pumpkin is a considerable option. 

How to choose the best eggplant substitute?

Now that you have plenty of eggplant substitutes, how do you choose the best one? Keep the following points in mind when making your choice.

dish type

The type of dish is the most important deciding factor.  Some substitutes can work great for one dish or spoil the flavor of another.

For example, you can opt for okra if you have any slow-cooked dishes or even quick dishes cooked over high heat.

Zucchini are ideal for dishes like ratatouille and pasta. They may not work well as vegan lasagna sheets.

They are also not suitable for slow cooking dishes, as they can become very soft.

We highly recommend root vegetables as a substitute for eggplant in stews and soups.

Instead, for vegan dishes that call for eggplant as a meat substitute, try using mushrooms instead.

Availability and cost

The price and availability of these substitutes vary depending on where you live and what season you are in.

Normally, you’re sure to be able to find tofu at the grocery store all year long.

Although growing seasons vary, most or all of our favorite plant substitutes should be ready and waiting at your local grocery store all year long.

any allergies

If you have an allergy to eggplant, it is best to avoid all its types. Instead, opt for some of the vegetables we’ve listed above.

If you are not allergic, you can try other types like Graffiti aubergines, Indian aubergines, Italian aubergines, etc. They just might suit your taste buds!

If you are allergic to soy, you may want to avoid using tofu as a substitute.

Final thoughts

Eggplant is a lovely addition to any dish due to its subtle flavors and smooth texture. However, what makes it better is how well it absorbs the flavor of other ingredients as well.

If you don’t like eggplant, you don’t have to put aside recipes based on it.

Instead, simply try some of our suggested substitutes that can provide nearly the same texture and flavor.