Use one of these techniques or recipes to start enjoying oyster mushrooms and their savory flavor today!
I can hardly think of a food that is as divisive as mushrooms. I love them, but I know many people, including some of my closest foodie friends, who wouldn’t touch one if you paid them. They are definitely not going to be interested in our delicious dishes made for mushroom lovers, but that’s okay — to each their own.
One of the most common types of cultivated mushrooms in the world is the oyster mushroom. You can find these in a variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Korean, and Japanese cooking. But despite widespread popularity, plenty of people are still unsure how to cook oyster mushrooms or have questions about these savory fungi.
What Do Oyster Mushrooms Taste Like?
Oyster mushrooms have a subtle, savory flavor that is mild and lacks some earthy undertones that make other common mushrooms so contentious.
This flavor profile makes them incredibly adaptable, working in various dishes. Because they are tender and spongelike, they absorb many flavors of the dish and add texture and variety to your plate.
How to Cook Oyster Mushrooms
Frying, roasting, and grilling are among the several different ways you can prepare oyster mushrooms for consumption. You can even use an air fryer! The instructions you need will vary based on the method you choose.
The most common approach is probably sauteeing. It will take about 5-7 minutes to cook them this way — with many recipes suggesting you start on medium-high heat and then turn down the temperature after 3-5 minutes and continue cooking at medium heat — and results in a delicious flavor and aroma. Be sure to cook them in an even layer.
We recommend cooking them in garlic butter with fresh herbs until they’re golden brown, unless the overall oyster mushroom recipe you’re using calls for olive oil.
How long you cook them is somewhat up to you and the specific recipe you’re using — maybe you want crispy edges and smaller pieces, or maybe you’re looking for a more simple recipe to start that you’ll finish off with some soy sauce, lemon juice, or sea salt! It may take some trial and error to determine your favorite way to bring them to life and elicit as much flavor as possible.
Want to grill your oyster mushrooms? Consider this recipe.
If you need ideas for what to cook with oyster mushrooms or how to incorporate them into a larger dish, check out our recipe ideas below! But some people argue the best way to enjoy this type of mushroom is as the perfect side dish, so that you can get all of the delicate flavor as you taste individual mushrooms instead of getting lost in a more complex bite.
King Oyster Mushroom vs Oyster Mushroom
The oyster mushroom family comes in many sizes, shapes, and colors, much like any family could!
There are over 200 species of oyster mushrooms, also known as Pleurotus, but only a handful are typically seen on the market or in recipes today.
King oyster mushrooms live up to their name. Stately, portly, and hearty, these mushrooms are versatile and are often used in vegan recipes to replace meat — often shredded pork or scallops. They are larger and thicker, and have the classic mushroom shape, complete with a cap atop the stalk.
Oyster mushrooms, on the other hand, may share a similar name, but that’s just about where the commonalities end. Oyster mushrooms grow concentric petals that are irregular and fan-shaped. These are sometimes described as looking like ruffles or fish scales. Growing in large clusters, these thinner, almost fancier looking mushrooms grow in interlocking groups.
King oysters are dense, savory, and meaty.
Oyster mushrooms are delicate, soft, and have an almost sweet flavor.
Good news — they get along splendidly. You can use them together for recipes that call for multiple varieties of mushrooms for a texture and flavor balance that will complement just about any mushroom dish.
Oyster Mushroom Substitutes
If you’re searching high and low for oyster mushrooms because your recipe card calls for them and you’re coming up empty, we’ve got you covered.
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to decide what you can replace in a recipe if you’re missing a critical ingredient. In this instance, you wouldn’t want to use just anything — no two types of mushrooms are exactly the same.
When searching for adequate replacements, you want to find a mushroom with the appropriate taste and texture.
Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent choice for replacing oyster mushrooms. Thanks to a rich flavor and a texture that works well in stir fries, soups, and stews, shiitake mushrooms make our list.
Maitake mushrooms, more commonly known as “Hen of the Woods” mushrooms, have a meaty texture and nutty flavor that work well in many recipes that call for mushrooms as a meat replacement. Check out our Ina Garten mushroom lasagna for the perfect example of a flavorful vegetarian dish!
Abalone mushrooms have a unique fan shape and a crunchy texture that make them an interesting replacement in recipes that call for oyster mushrooms. Highly absorbent, these mushrooms are fun to play around with in your classic mushroom recipes – try them in our creamy mushroom pasta recipe for a texture sensation.
Portabella mushrooms are usually pretty easy to acquire and are also a good substitute for recipes that call for sauteed oyster mushrooms. These mushrooms are thick and meaty, and you will often find them replacing popular food items like burgers or sandwiches.
If the recipe you’re playing around with depends on a lighter, fruity flavored mushroom, consider enoki mushrooms. These are a great addition to fresh or lightly cooked dishes, as their flavor is mild.
Eggplant or firm tofu are other options for mushroom meal replacements if you’re coming up short with mushrooms, or if you have to cater your meal to the preference of a guest that doesn’t care for them.
How to Freeze Oyster Mushrooms
Freezing oyster mushrooms is simple and a wonderful method for preserving them for future use.
Whether you have dabbled in cultivating your own mushrooms at home or you picked up more than you could use at a market or grocery store, knowing how to save your oyster mushrooms for later is critical.
To freeze oyster mushrooms:
- Prepare a boiling pot of water, two colanders, a large bowl, and plastic freezer bags.
- Slice mushrooms to the size you prefer.
- Submerge mushrooms in boiling water for 30 seconds.
- Strain out the oyster mushrooms using the colander and place them in another colander suspended over the large bowl to collect the drained water.
- Repeat until all mushrooms are blanched.
- Allow the mushrooms to cool and then pack into freezer bags.
- Place in a freezer in an area that will not allow the mushrooms to be crushed or compressed.
- Save your mushroom water as a base for a stew or soup!
Great Mushroom Recipes to Try
Did all this talk about mushrooms prepare you to try something new? Perfect, we have an excellent selection of mushroom recipes to mix up your weekly menu!
- Mushroom Pasta
- Sauteed Mushrooms with Caramelized Onion
- Mushroom and Feta Hashbrown Skillet
- Beer Dipped Stuffed Mushrooms
- Gluten-Free Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms
- Honey-Dijon Chicken and Mushrooms
- Marinated Mushrooms
