Sarah Brown
King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet, French horn, eryngii, or trumpet royale mushrooms, are a variety of mushrooms known for their thick white stems and brown caps. They are sought after for their meaty texture and ability to absorb other flavours. They can be prepared in a variety of ways, including pan-frying, roasting, grilling, or sautéing. When cooking, it is best to avoid washing them, as they easily absorb moisture. Instead, they should be brushed clean and wiped with a damp cloth. King oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in stir-fries, stews, pasta sauces, and more.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common Names | King Oyster Mushrooms, King Trumpet Mushrooms, French Horn Mushrooms, Eryngii, Trumpet Royale |
| Appearance | Large, up to 20 cm; thick white stem and brown cap |
| Texture | Meaty, firm but tender |
| Flavour | Savoury, slightly sweet, nutty |
| Raw Consumption | Safe but not recommended due to chewy texture and bland, mildly metallic taste |
| Storage | Refrigerate in a paper bag or cardboard container; avoid freezing |
| Cleaning | Brush off dirt and wipe with damp kitchen paper; avoid washing under the tap |
| Cutting | Slice lengthwise, into thick slices, or shred; cutting technique depends on the dish |
| Cooking Methods | Pan-frying, roasting, grilling, sautéing, stir-frying, baking |
| Common Pairings | Pasta, chicken, steak, rice, parsley, garlic, lemon zest, nutmeg, furikake, chives, green onions, vegan butter |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparation
King oyster mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Before cooking, it is important to clean and prepare them properly to ensure the best results. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning and preparing king oyster mushrooms:
Cleaning:
Firstly, it is not recommended to wash the mushrooms under running water as they tend to absorb moisture, which can result in soggy mushrooms. Instead, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush away any visible dirt or debris from the surface of the mushrooms. If needed, you can also use a damp paper towel or a damp cloth to gently wipe the mushrooms clean. Make sure to blot any excess moisture with a dry cloth or paper towel afterwards.
Preparation:
Once the mushrooms are clean, you can start preparing them for your desired dish. King oyster mushrooms have a firm but tender stem and a chunky cap, both of which can be sliced and cooked. Here are some common ways to prepare king oyster mushrooms:
- Slicing: Depending on the dish, you can slice the mushrooms lengthwise into halves or thick slices. For dishes like grilling or skewering, lengthwise slices work well. For stir-fries or stews, slice the stem into rounds and the cap into slices.
- Shredding: For certain recipes like "pulled mushrooms", you can shred the mushrooms using a fork. This creates a texture similar to pulled pork.
- Scoring: To add visual appeal and promote even browning, you can make diagonal or criss-cross scoring cuts on the surface of the mushroom slices.
It is important to note that king oyster mushrooms should be cooked soon after cleaning and preparation to maintain their freshness. They are highly perishable and can turn slimy if left uncooked for too long.
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Pan-frying
King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms, are a popular ingredient in Asian cuisines. They are native to the Mediterranean areas of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. They are a great meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans due to their firm texture and flavour.
To prepare king oyster mushrooms for pan-frying, start by trimming off the ends and any dark straggly bits. You can then slice them into ¼-inch slices, either diagonally or lengthwise. You can also make diagonal cuts or scores on one or both sides of each slice to help the edges brown in the pan and to allow the mushrooms to absorb more flavour.
Next, heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. You can also add some butter to the pan for extra flavour. Once the butter is frothy, add the mushroom slices, placing them cut-side down. Press down on the mushrooms to ensure good contact with the skillet.
Cook the mushrooms without moving them for 2-3 minutes, or until well-browned underneath. Flip the mushrooms, season with salt, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. You can also season with pepper and other spices like cumin and nutmeg.
For extra flavour, you can add garlic and herbs like thyme or parsley. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the garlic is toasted.
Your pan-fried king oyster mushrooms are now ready to serve! They make a delicious side dish or a satisfying main course. Enjoy!
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Roasting
King oyster mushrooms are versatile and can be roasted to create a rich, concentrated flavour. They are also low-maintenance and can be prepared in a variety of ways.
To roast king oyster mushrooms, first, wipe them gently with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove any dirt. Do not wash them under running water as they absorb water quickly. Then, trim the tough ends of the stems and slice the mushrooms lengthwise into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch thick slices. Preheat the oven to 400-425°F (200°C). Arrange the mushroom slices on a large rimmed baking sheet, slightly overlapping. Drizzle with olive oil, chicken stock, or butter, and season with salt and pepper, thyme, rosemary, and minced garlic. Roast for 15-25 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender and golden brown. Blot with paper towels, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.
King oyster mushrooms are also delicious when roasted with balsamic vinegar. After roasting, remove the mushrooms from the oven and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Toss gently to coat, then transfer to a platter and garnish with fresh microgreens.
King oyster mushrooms are known for their thick, meaty texture and ability to absorb flavours, making them a versatile ingredient in various dishes. They can be sliced, shredded, or left whole before roasting, depending on the desired dish.
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Grilling
To grill king oyster mushrooms, start by cleaning them. It is best to avoid washing them under the tap, as they can absorb the moisture and become soggy. Instead, brush off any dirt and wipe them with a damp kitchen paper.
Next, slice the mushrooms. You can cut them lengthwise into thick slices or rounds. If you have the time, you can also score each side of the mushroom slices in a crisscross pattern. This will help them absorb the marinade better and cook more evenly.
After slicing, it is time to marinate the mushrooms. In a bowl or a large freezer bag, mix your desired seasonings with the mushrooms. A simple marinade can be made with soy sauce, oil, and garlic. You can also add other aromatics like ginger, chilli seeds, oyster sauce, and five-spice powder. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Let the mushrooms marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Once the mushrooms have marinated, it's time to grill! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the mushrooms on the grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until both sides are golden with slightly crispy edges. You can also add a small drizzle of olive oil to the grill before placing the mushrooms.
Finally, serve the grilled king oyster mushrooms immediately. You can garnish them with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or fresh herbs like coriander or parsley. Enjoy them as a delicious and versatile addition to your meal!
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Stir-frying
King oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpet mushrooms, have thick, white edible stems and small brown caps. They are a great option for stir-fries due to their meaty texture and flavour. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a stir-fry with king oyster mushrooms:
Preparing the Mushrooms
Firstly, clean the king oyster mushrooms by wiping them gently with a damp cloth. Trim the tough ends and any discoloured parts, then slice the mushrooms into thin strips or 1/4-inch slices. You can cut them diagonally, lengthwise, or crosswise—diagonal cuts can make the slices look more interesting and easier to bite into. If you are using larger mushrooms, cut the strips in half.
Heat vegetable oil or extra light olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Next, add the sliced king oyster mushrooms and stir-fry for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Chinese chilli bean sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended. You can adjust the spiciness according to your preference by adding more chilli pepper, chilli flakes, or reducing the amount of chilli bean sauce.
Final Steps
Pour the sauce mixture over the mushrooms in the skillet or wok. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together. Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish the dish with freshly chopped scallions or green onions. Serve the stir-fried king oyster mushrooms hot with steamed rice or as a side dish.
This stir-fry is a quick, tasty, and vegetarian-friendly dish that is packed with umami. Enjoy!
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Frequently asked questions
King mushrooms, also known as king oyster or king trumpet mushrooms, are a type of mushroom known for their thick white stems and brown caps. They have a meaty texture and a savoury, slightly sweet taste when cooked.
King mushrooms should be refrigerated and will keep for up to a week. To clean them, brush off any dirt and wipe with a damp paper towel. Avoid washing them under the tap as they can absorb moisture and become soggy.
King mushrooms are very versatile and can be pan-fried, roasted, grilled, sautéed, or stir-fried. They can also be shredded, seared, or baked.
King mushrooms are commonly used in stir-fries, stews, pasta sauces, risottos, and meatballs. They can also be sliced and fried to create dishes like vegan scallops or "pulled pork". King mushrooms are also a great addition to dishes like pasta, chicken, steak, or rice bowls.
