Laura Smith
Oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be grilled, roasted, or air-fried. They are also a great meat substitute, with a texture similar to chicken when cooked correctly. Marinating oyster mushrooms is a simple process that can add a lot of flavour to your dish. The mushrooms should be trimmed, cleaned, and sliced before being coated in a marinade of your choice. The marinade can be as simple as olive oil, garlic, and soy sauce, or a more complex combination of balsamic vinegar, chilli garlic sauce, maple syrup, and oil. The mushrooms should be left to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but not longer than 10 minutes if you plan to put them on skewers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Marinade ingredients | Balsamic vinegar, chilli garlic sauce, maple syrup, oil, salt, pepper, olive oil, rice wine, vegetable broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, chilli paste, miso paste |
| Marinating time | 10 minutes to overnight |
| Cooking methods | Grilling, roasting, air frying, pan-frying, stir-frying |
| Cooking time | 7 minutes on each side (grilling), 15 minutes (roasting), 10 minutes (air frying), 5 minutes on the first side, 3-5 minutes on the other side (pan-frying) |
| Other instructions | Trim and wipe mushrooms before marinating, thread mushrooms onto skewers before grilling, roast at 425ºF, air fry at 380ºF, baste mushrooms with remaining marinade halfway through cooking, soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes before grilling |
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Marinade ingredients
Marinating oyster mushrooms is a great way to add flavour to your dish. The mushrooms have a delicate texture and nutty flavour, so you should aim to marinate them for at least 15 minutes, but not more than an hour. Leaving them to marinate overnight will cause them to release liquid.
There are many different marinade ingredients you can use to flavour your oyster mushrooms. For a spicy kick, you could try a chilli garlic sauce, or a gochujang paste with chilli and rice wine. If you prefer a milder flavour, you can use minced garlic and soy sauce, or a miso paste with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar, ginger and garlic. You can also add olive oil to your marinade, but use it sparingly.
If you want to create a vegan dish that replicates the taste and texture of meat, you can marinate oyster mushrooms in a savoury, umami-packed miso-soy glaze. This marinade is perfect for creating vegan 'scallops' with a meaty texture.
For an Italian-style 'antipasto', you can marinade oyster mushrooms in vinegar, water, parsley, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. This dish is best made at least two hours before serving, but it's even better if left for a day.
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Marinating time
For example, when preparing king oyster mushrooms, one recipe recommends letting the mushrooms marinate for at least 15 minutes to an hour. Another recipe for king oyster mushrooms suggests a minimum marinating time of 20 minutes, but notes that they can be left to marinate overnight in the fridge. However, the mushrooms will continue to release liquid, so this should be taken into account when deciding how long to leave them.
For regular oyster mushrooms, one recipe suggests a marinating time of at least two hours, with a day being even better. Another recipe for oyster mushrooms warns against marinating for longer than 10 minutes, as this will cause the mushrooms to tear easily due to too much moisture. Instead, this recipe recommends using the remaining marinade for basting the mushrooms while cooking.
If you are looking for a quick option, one recipe for oyster mushrooms suggests a total preparation time of one hour and five minutes, including an hour of marinating time.
It is worth noting that some recipes, such as one for vegan oyster mushrooms that taste like chicken, recommend marinating the mushrooms for at least a day to allow them to fully absorb the sauce and develop a smooth and silky texture.
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Cooking methods
Oyster mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, grilling, stir-frying, steaming, and air frying. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and cook oyster mushrooms:
Trimming and Cleaning:
Use kitchen shears or a small knife to separate the oyster mushrooms from their base and remove the stems. The stems are edible but tough, so it is recommended to slice off the hard base before cooking. Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp towel to remove any debris.
Marinating:
Briefly marinate the trimmed oyster mushrooms to add flavour. You can experiment with different marinade ingredients such as balsamic vinegar, chilli garlic sauce, maple syrup, olive oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, or tamari. Mix your chosen ingredients in a bowl, and gently toss the mushrooms with the marinade until they are evenly coated. Set them aside for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavours. Do not marinate for longer than 10 minutes, as the mushrooms will absorb too much moisture and become fragile.
Cooking:
There are several cooking methods you can choose from:
- Roasting: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the marinated mushrooms on a baking sheet or skewers. Roast for about 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through cooking. Baste the mushrooms with the remaining marinade to keep them moist.
- Grilling: Thread the marinated mushrooms onto skewers if desired. Grill the mushrooms for about 7 minutes on each side, basting them with marinade halfway through.
- Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the marinated mushrooms in the air fryer basket, either directly or on skewers. Air fry for about 10 minutes, basting with marinade halfway through.
- Pan-frying: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Place the marinated mushrooms in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred. Return the mushrooms to the pan and pour in the remaining marinade. Cook until the sauce thickens and glazes the mushrooms. Serve hot with rice, vegetables, or salads.
- Steaming: Place the sliced mushrooms in a steamer basket and steam for 3 minutes until 'al dente'. Prepare your marinade by whisking together the remaining ingredients. Place the steamed mushrooms in a container and pour the marinade over them.
Storage and Leftovers:
Oyster mushrooms can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Serve them cold in salads or reheat them in the oven or microwave.
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Storage
When bringing home fresh oyster mushrooms, it is essential to inspect them for any signs of spoilage. Look for firm, plump mushrooms with uniformly coloured caps, avoiding any with excessive moisture, discolouration, or the presence of white fuzz, mould, or slime, which indicates spoilage.
To store fresh oyster mushrooms, it is recommended to place them in a paper bag or wrap them in paper towels inside a loosely closed plastic bag. Paper absorbs excess moisture released by the mushrooms, preventing them from going bad. Store them in the refrigerator immediately, ideally in the bottom drawer, away from strong-smelling foods like onions, garlic, or durian, as oyster mushrooms can easily absorb odours. The refrigerator provides a cool, dark, and slightly humid environment that slows down the natural decay process of the mushrooms. Aim to maintain a temperature between 34°F to 40°F (1°C to 4°C) and a humidity level of 90-95% for optimal preservation.
For pre-packaged oyster mushrooms, ensure the packaging has perforations for air circulation and moisture release. Cover any remaining mushrooms with plastic wrap and punch holes in it after each use. Alternatively, store them in their original container in the refrigerator.
If you plan to store oyster mushrooms for an extended period, freezing is a great option. Fresh mushrooms can be frozen directly without washing, and frozen mushrooms are ideal for soups, stews, and casseroles. To prepare mushrooms for freezing, blanch them in salted boiling water for 3 minutes, then rinse, drain, and seal them in freezer bags. Frozen mushrooms can last for about a year and retain their flavour well, although they may have a soggier texture.
Cooked oyster mushrooms have a different shelf life and should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator after cooling to room temperature. This prevents condensation, which can lead to faster spoilage.
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Serving suggestions
Oyster mushrooms have a delicate texture and nutty flavour. They are versatile and can be served as a main course, appetiser, or side dish. Here are some serving suggestions:
Grilled, Roasted, or Air-fried Oyster Mushrooms
- Marinate the oyster mushrooms and cook them on a grill, in an oven, or air fryer until golden brown.
- You can place them on skewers before cooking for easier handling, flipping, and even cooking.
- Baste the mushrooms with the remaining marinade halfway through cooking.
- Serve hot with rice or other carbs and vegetables of your choice.
Pan-fried Oyster Mushrooms
- Pan-frying is another option for cooking your marinated oyster mushrooms.
- Place the marinated mushrooms in a hot pan with oil and leave them untouched for a few minutes until lightly charred, then flip and repeat on the other side.
- For an extra glaze, you can pour in the remaining marinade after flipping and let it thicken around the mushrooms.
- Serve hot with rice, noodles, or vegetables.
Oyster Mushrooms in Salads, Wraps, and Soups
- Oyster mushrooms can be a great addition to cold salads, wraps, veggie bowls, or grain bowls.
- You can also add them to soups and stews as a meat alternative.
- For a refreshing option, refrigerate any leftover cooked oyster mushrooms in an airtight container for up to 5 days and serve them cold with salads.
Oyster Mushrooms as Vegan Scallops
- King oyster mushrooms, with their meaty texture, can be marinated and prepared as vegan scallops.
- Slice the mushrooms into rounds, create a criss-cross pattern on top, and marinate them in a savoury miso-soy glaze.
- Pan-fry the mushrooms with minced garlic and serve them with garlic rice or other sides of your choice.
Oyster Mushrooms as an Appetiser or Snack
- Marinated oyster mushrooms can be a delicious appetiser or snack, especially when served with crusty, dark bread.
- They can also be added to an antipasto platter or enjoyed as a low-FODMAP snack for people with IBS.
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Frequently asked questions
Marinating time can vary depending on the type of mushroom and the recipe. Some recipes recommend marinating for at least 15 minutes, while others suggest 20 minutes or up to an hour. For the best results, follow the instructions in your chosen recipe.
There are many different ingredients you can use to make a marinade for oyster mushrooms. Some common ingredients include balsamic vinegar, chilli garlic sauce, maple syrup, oil, minced garlic, soy sauce, and olive oil. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs to add extra flavour.
It is not necessary to cook the oyster mushrooms before marinating them. However, some recipes recommend steaming or blanching the mushrooms before marinating to enhance their flavour and texture.
