Sarah Brown
Oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a delicate texture and a mild, nutty, umami flavour. They are a great meat substitute and can be cooked in a variety of ways, including sautéing, roasting, grilling, stir-frying, and air-frying. When cooked, oyster mushrooms develop a juicy, meaty texture and a rich, savoury taste. They can be seasoned in many ways, including with garlic, butter, soy sauce, herbs, and spices, and pair well with eggs, steak, chicken, pasta, avocado toast, tacos, and rice bowls.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavors | Savory, nutty, earthy, umami-rich, buttery, poultry-like, mild, tangy |
| Texture | Crispy, juicy, meaty, tender |
| Cooking Methods | Sautéing, pan-frying, roasting, grilling, air-frying, searing |
| Seasonings | Garlic, butter, parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives, scallions, lemon juice, soy sauce, olive oil |
| Sauces | Balsamic vinegar, vegan oyster sauce, stir-fry sauce, Chinese garlic sauce |
| Sweeteners | Maple syrup, agave |
| Spices | Red chili, chili flakes |
| Garnishes | Fresh herbs |
| Cleaning | Use a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away dirt, avoid rinsing under water |
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What You'll Learn
Sautéing with garlic, butter and herbs
Oyster mushrooms have a mild, nutty, and earthy flavour with a tender, meaty texture. They are full of umami, so they don't need much seasoning. However, if you're looking to add some extra flavour to your oyster mushrooms, sautéing them with garlic, butter, and herbs is a great option. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Ingredients:
- Oyster mushrooms
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary, dill, chives, etc.)
- Salt and pepper
- Lemon juice (optional)
Instructions:
- Clean the oyster mushrooms with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid rinsing them under running water, as they can absorb moisture and become soggy.
- Trim off the hard stem at the base of each clump of mushrooms. Separate large clusters into bite-sized pieces.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pan.
- Arrange the mushrooms in a single layer in the pan. Cook without stirring for 3-5 minutes until they start to brown.
- Stir the mushrooms and add butter and garlic to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 3-5 minutes until browned all over.
- Add your desired herbs, such as parsley and thyme, to the pan and swirl until fragrant. A squeeze of lemon juice can also be added for a tangy twist.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately. Sautéed oyster mushrooms are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips:
- For extra flavour and colour, you can add a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar to the pan before adding the mushrooms.
- If you want to add some spice, include finely sliced red chilli or chilli flakes to the dish.
- To make it vegan, use vegan butter and vegan garlic butter.
- For a more crispy texture, slice the mushrooms thinly before cooking.
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Pan-frying with olive oil
Oyster mushrooms have a mild, nutty flavour and a delicate, meaty texture. They are a great source of umami, so they don't need much seasoning.
Pan-frying oyster mushrooms is a simple and quick way to prepare them. This method yields a crispy texture and allows the mushrooms to retain their savoury, nutty flavour.
- Clean the mushrooms: Use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently wipe away any dirt from the caps and gills. Avoid rinsing the mushrooms under running water, as they will absorb moisture and become soggy.
- Prepare the mushrooms: Cut off the tough bottom portion of the stems. You can choose to leave the mushrooms whole for larger pieces or cut them into bite-sized pieces for a crispier texture.
- Heat the olive oil: Place a large, heavy skillet on medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the pan. You can also use garlic-infused olive oil for an extra savoury twist.
- Cook the mushrooms: Spread the mushrooms in a single layer in the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until they start to brown. Stir and cook for another 3-5 minutes until they are browned all over.
- Add aromatics: Put in the garlic and thyme to the skillet and reduce the heat to low. You can also add other aromatics like rosemary, oregano, or marjoram for additional flavour.
- Finish with butter: Add a knob of butter to the pan and cook for another 5-6 minutes, spooning the melted butter over the mushrooms. This will add a rich, glossy finish to the dish.
- Season and serve: Remove the thyme springs and season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
You can also use a mushroom press, heavy lid, or another pan to weigh down the mushrooms while they cook. This technique helps draw out their liquids, concentrating the flavour and giving them an even meatier texture.
Enjoy your delicious pan-fried oyster mushrooms as a side dish or add them to your favourite meals like pasta, scrambled eggs, or avocado toast!
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Roasting or air-frying
Oyster mushrooms have a mild, nutty flavour and a delicate texture. They are a great source of umami, so they don't need much seasoning.
Roasting Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms can be roasted in an oven or an air fryer. Here is a simple recipe for roasted oyster mushrooms:
- Clean the mushrooms with a damp cloth and cut them into evenly sized pieces.
- Prepare a cornstarch mixture and dip each mushroom piece into it, followed by vegan buttermilk, and then breadcrumbs. Make sure each mushroom is well coated.
- Drizzle or spray oil over the mushrooms.
- Place the mushrooms in a single layer on an oven tray or an air fryer basket.
- For the oven: roast at 400ºF/200ºC for 20 minutes.
- For the air fryer: cook at 400ºF/200ºC for 12 minutes or at 360 F/180 C for 8-10 minutes, flipping them once.
Air-Frying Oyster Mushrooms
Air-fried oyster mushrooms make a great vegan chicken substitute. They can be shredded or cooked whole. Here are some tips for air-frying oyster mushrooms:
- Shred the mushrooms with a fork or tear them into pieces for a variety of textures.
- Stab holes in the mushroom cap to keep it together while shredding.
- Place the mushrooms in the air fryer basket and cook at 450 F for 10-13 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- For crispy edges and a soft centre, cook for 10 minutes. For a crunchier texture, cook for 13-14 minutes.
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Adding an Asian-inspired glaze
Oyster mushrooms have a neutral flavour and a meaty texture, making them a great vegetarian and vegan alternative. They are also low-fat, low-calorie, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
When preparing oyster mushrooms, it is best to clean them with a damp cloth or paper towel to wipe away any dirt. Avoid rinsing them under water as they will absorb the moisture and become soggy.
To add an Asian-inspired glaze to your oyster mushrooms, start by combining a tablespoon of olive oil with soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic, thyme, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk this together and set it aside.
Next, gently clean your mushrooms and remove any tough stems. Break the mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a swirl of oil. Place a single layer of mushrooms in the pan, making sure they have some space between them. Allow the mushrooms to sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Once the mushrooms are cooked, add them to the pan with the glaze and simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. You can serve the mushrooms over rice or with chopped herbs such as parsley, scallions, or chives.
For a slightly different glaze, you can melt butter and mix it with light and dark soy sauce, honey, grated garlic, and black pepper. This glaze can be used to coat the mushrooms before cooking, and any extra can be drizzled over the dish before serving.
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Using as a meat substitute
Oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used as a meat substitute in a variety of dishes. Here are some tips and recipes for using oyster mushrooms as a meat substitute:
Vegan Shawarma
Oyster mushrooms can be seasoned, seared, and stacked on a stick before being roasted in the oven to create a vegan shawarma. This recipe is simple and delicious, and the mushrooms can be served in a wrap, salad, or any other way you like. The key is to cook the mushrooms at a high temperature with frequent rotation, just as you would with traditional meat shawarma.
Vegan Pulled Pork
King oyster mushrooms can be shredded into thin strips, seasoned with spices such as smoked paprika, chili powder, and garlic powder, and then baked to create a tender and flavorful vegan pulled pork. This can be used as a filling for sandwiches, tacos, or burritos.
Vegan Scallops
King oyster mushroom stems can be sliced to the thickness of scallops and steamed in salted water. Once moist, remove them from the heat, add vegan butter or oil, and sear. Add garlic, lemon juice, parsley, maple syrup, paprika, salt, and pepper. The mushrooms will mimic the texture of fresh scallops while absorbing the flavours of the sauce.
Vegan Bacon
King oyster mushrooms can be cut lengthwise into thick strips to capture the shape of bacon. Create a marinade with tomato paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Let the mushrooms sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes before frying them in a hot pan with oil until crispy. This vegan bacon can be used in sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish.
Vegan Fried Chicken
Oyster mushrooms can be coated in a seasoned batter and fried to create a vegan version of fried chicken. The mushrooms provide a juicy and tender texture similar to chicken, and the crispy exterior adds to the authenticity of this dish.
Tacos and Nachos
Oyster mushrooms can be shredded, sautéed with taco seasoning, and used as a filling for tacos, nachos, or burritos. They can also be breaded and fried until crisp, then paired with a tangy sauce such as chipotle lime or buffalo sauce.
Other Tips
When using oyster mushrooms as a meat substitute, it is important to choose the right variety and prepare them correctly. King oyster mushrooms, for example, have a meaty texture and flavour-absorbing qualities, making them ideal for dishes like pulled pork or bacon. Additionally, marinating and seasoning the mushrooms can enhance their flavour and help them mimic the taste of meat.
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