Laura Smith
King oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a meaty texture and savoury, slightly sweet taste. They are native to the Mediterranean and commonly used in Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cooking. They can be grilled, roasted, sautéed, fried, or used as a vegan meat substitute. When cooked, they develop golden, crispy edges and a deep umami flavour. They are also a good source of vitamin D, fibre, B vitamins, and antioxidants. This paragraph will discuss the various ways to cook king oyster mushrooms and highlight their unique attributes.
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What You'll Learn
King oyster mushroom varieties and their unique qualities
King oyster mushrooms, also known as trumpet mushrooms, are the largest of the oyster mushrooms. They are native to the roots of hardwood trees in the Mediterranean, Asia, and North Africa. They are also grown in East Asia, where they are a common ingredient in many recipes. They have a thick, white stalk and a small brown cap. They are prized for their dense, chewy, meaty texture, versatility, and visual appeal. They are a popular meat substitute in vegan cooking, replacing ingredients such as pulled pork, squid, and scallops.
There are several varieties of king oyster mushrooms, including:
- Pleurotus eryngii var. eryngii: This is the most commonly known and cultivated variety.
- Pleurotus eryngii var. ferulae: This variety is grown almost exclusively in China and is named after the giant fennel plant it grows on.
- Pleurotus eryngii var. tingitanus: This variety grows naturally on the Mediterranean coast herb, Tangier fennel.
- Pleurotus eryngii var. thapsiae: This variety is associated with the deadly carrot, Thapsia garganica.
- Pleurotus eryngii var. elaeoselini: This variety grows from the plant Elaeoselinum asclepium.
King oyster mushrooms are highly versatile in cooking. They can be sautéed, roasted, grilled, braised, or broiled. They can be sliced into rounds and pan-seared, or lengthwise and threaded onto skewers to be baked or grilled. They are also used fresh or dried in soups and stews or served with pasta.
King oyster mushrooms have a mild flavor when raw, but when cooked, they develop a rich, nutty, earthy, umami flavor. They are also a good source of protein and various vitamins and minerals.
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How to store and prepare king oyster mushrooms
King oyster mushrooms are the largest in the oyster mushroom family and are known for their thick, meaty texture and savory, umami flavor. They are a popular ingredient in Asian dishes, particularly in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisine, and are often used as a vegetarian or vegan meat substitute.
Storing Fresh King Oyster Mushrooms
To store fresh king oyster mushrooms, keep them in a paper bag in the refrigerator. Do not store them in a plastic bag or the produce drawer of your fridge. The paper bag allows the mushrooms to breathe and prevents moisture buildup, helping them stay fresh and firm for up to 7-10 days. If you purchase pre-packaged mushrooms, ensure the packaging has perforations to allow air circulation and moisture escape. Cover any remaining mushrooms with lightly wrapped plastic wrap, punching a few holes in the plastic.
Storing Cooked King Oyster Mushrooms
Once cooked, king oyster mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, it is best to pan-sear or roast them briefly, rather than using a microwave, to maintain their texture. While it is possible to freeze cooked mushrooms, it may alter their texture. If you choose to freeze them, it is recommended to sauté or roast them first, and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Preparing King Oyster Mushrooms
King oyster mushrooms are versatile and can be sliced, shredded, grilled, pan-fried, or roasted. They hold their shape well when cooked and have a satisfying chewy texture. Before cooking, trim the very bottom of each stem and brush off any dirt or give them a quick rinse in cold water. Avoid washing them if possible, as they absorb water easily and this can cause them to rot faster.
Cooking King Oyster Mushrooms
- Sauté: Heat oil in a pan, add sliced mushrooms, and sauté over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until browned. You can also add herbs, spices, or sauces to flavor the mushrooms.
- Fry: Bread the mushrooms in flour and then fry until crispy and golden brown.
- Grill: Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-fry with olive oil and butter until charred.
- Braise: King oyster mushrooms can be braised for a long time, making them suitable for stews or sauces.
- Vegan meat substitute: Shred the mushrooms with a fork and char on a stovetop. Add BBQ sauce for a vegan pulled pork dish or serve as vegan scallops.
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Pan-frying king oyster mushrooms
King oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways. They are prized for their meaty texture and ability to absorb other flavours. They are also a great source of vitamin D and antioxidants.
- Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
- Slice large mushrooms in half lengthwise and leave smaller mushrooms whole.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add a splash of oil to the pan. Swirl to coat the pan.
- Arrange the mushrooms in an even layer, cut-side down.
- Cook without moving for 3 minutes.
- Season the mushrooms with salt and pepper, then toss and continue cooking until golden brown all over, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add butter, garlic, and nutmeg. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is toasted.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add fresh parsley leaves and lemon zest.
- Toss the mushrooms with the residual heat of the pan to coat them evenly in the remaining butter and spices.
For extra flavour, you can also try cutting some cross lines on one side of the mushrooms before cooking. This will help them absorb more flavours from the spices and speed up the cooking process.
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Grilling, roasting, and sautéing king oyster mushrooms
Grilled king oyster mushrooms are a delicious vegan option for any barbecue. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a flavourful marinade. To make them, you'll need to finely chop or mince garlic and ginger, creating a paste. You can also include chilli seeds for heat and use shop-bought pastes if you prefer. For seasoning, soy sauce and aromatics are a great choice, but feel free to add your favourites. King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms or king brown mushrooms, have thick white stems and small brown caps, making them ideal for vegan dishes due to their meaty texture.
To grill, marinate the mushrooms for 15-30 minutes. Then, place them on a barbecue or grill, cooking until they are golden and tender. You can also pan-fry them for a delicious alternative.
King oyster mushrooms are also excellent when roasted in the oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Slice the mushrooms and arrange them on a baking sheet. Dot with butter, drizzle with chicken stock and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 50 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and browned. Blot with paper towels, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
Sautéing king oyster mushrooms is another tasty option. Create a glaze by melting butter and stirring in soy sauce, honey, garlic, and black pepper. Slice the mushrooms lengthwise into ¼” thick slices. Heat a cast iron pan to medium-high heat and brush with vegetable oil. Fry the mushrooms in a single layer, ensuring they have space to breathe. Once cooked, return the mushrooms to the pan, add the glaze, and toss to coat. Serve garnished with chopped scallions.
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King oyster mushroom recipes
King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms, are a versatile ingredient with a long shelf life. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, grilling, sautéing, stir-frying, and pan-frying.
Pan-fried king oyster mushrooms
To pan-fry king oyster mushrooms, heat some oil in a pan. Place the mushrooms in the pan and fry each side until slightly seared. The whole process should take around 3-5 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to a serving plate and sprinkle a spice mix on top. Alternatively, you can add a dipping sauce on the side, such as chili sauce.
Soy butter-glazed king oyster mushrooms
First, prepare the glaze by melting butter and stirring in light and dark soy sauce, honey, grated garlic, and black pepper. Mix well and set aside. Slice the mushrooms lengthwise into 1/4-inch thick slices. Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and brush with vegetable oil. Add the mushrooms in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Once cooked, return the mushrooms to the pan, pour in the glaze, and turn off the heat. Toss the mushrooms in the residual heat and garnish with chopped scallions.
Teriyaki king oyster mushrooms
Make a simple teriyaki glaze with soy sauce, mirin, and ginger. Cut the mushrooms into thick slices and coat them in the glaze. Sear the mushrooms until golden and caramelized. This dish goes well with rice and bok choy.
King oyster mushroom vegan scallops
Slice the mushrooms in half lengthwise and reduce the heat to medium. Add oil to the pan and place the mushrooms cut-side down. Season with salt and pepper and cook until golden brown. Add butter, garlic, and nutmeg to the pan and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Remove from the heat and add parsley and lemon zest.
King oyster mushrooms with Thai chili peppers and lime
Cut the mushrooms in half lengthwise and use a sharp knife to cut a shallow diagonal crisscross pattern on the cut side. Heat a skillet with avocado oil and place the mushrooms cut-side down in the pan. You can also add Thai chili peppers or crushed red pepper flakes for a tangy and savory flavor. Add fish sauce or coconut aminos, and lime juice or lemon juice for extra tang.
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Frequently asked questions
Store the mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator. If they came in a plastic container, you can leave them in that.
Avoid washing them under the tap, as they will absorb the water. Instead, brush any dirt off and wipe with a damp piece of kitchen paper.
You can shred, roast, fry, sauté, grill, or sear king oyster mushrooms.
King oyster mushrooms are very versatile. You can use them in stir-fries, pasta sauces, meatballs, stews, risotto, soups, sandwiches, and more. They are also great as a vegan meat substitute.
