Despite their name, oyster mushrooms have nothing to do with shellfish or the ocean. In fact, you’re more likely to find one in the wild if you wander through one of the world’s temperate or subtropical forests. But if it’s a little out of reach, you can also easily find them in grocery stores.
Oyster mushrooms are nutritious, versatile, and often praised by vegans for their meaty texture. But how to cook with them? And what plant-based recipes do they work best in? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. But first, let’s take a closer look at what oyster mushrooms actually are.
What are oyster mushrooms?
Oyster mushrooms (or, if you’re a scientist, Oyster mushroom ostreatus) are incredibly common. This is a type of mushroom that grows naturally on trees, but is also cultivated in many countries for commercial purposes. They earned the name “oyster mushrooms” because of their shape, which resembles an oyster shell. There are many different colors and varieties, but the king oyster mushroom, which has a thick, fleshy stem, is the largest.
The world’s largest producer of oyster mushrooms is China, which accounts for more than 85 percent of the market. But they are also produced in several other countries, such as Japan, Italy and Thailand.
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What do oyster mushrooms taste like?
Smooth and meaty in texture, oyster mushrooms have a slightly earthy taste, with a hint of anise. But some also say they taste similar to that of seafood– which makes their name even more appropriate. “Oyster mushrooms are often described as ‘brickish’ or having a delicate seafood flavor,” notes the Mushroom Council. “Their texture is velvety and dense, and when pan-fried, their edges become deliciously crispy.”
Nutrition of oyster mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms are not only tasty, like most types of edible mushrooms, they are also good for your health. They are a source of protein and carbohydrates, and also contain fiber, vitamin B5, niacin, folate, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus and choline. Additionally, they are also a good source of antioxidants. These are plant molecules that help reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals in the body.
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In China, oyster mushrooms have been renowned for their potential health benefits for centuries. “The pink oyster mushroom and other mushrooms of its kind Oyster mushroom have been valued for centuries for their nutritional value and delicious taste,” notes Hifas da Terra, a biotechnology company focused on mycology. “In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), oyster mushrooms are prescribed to “relax muscles, joints and tendons, strengthen circulation and increase kidney function.”
How to cook with oyster mushrooms
There are different ways to cook oyster mushrooms. You can roast or bake them or boil them in salted water. But one of the best and most popular ways to cook oyster mushrooms (and get that delicious crispy texture) is to pan-fry them over high heat.
Vegan Oyster Mushroom Recipes
Want to learn more about how to cook oyster mushrooms? You have come to the right place! Here are some of the best and tastiest vegan oyster mushroom recipes.
Lauren Toyota
1 Po’Boy with oyster mushrooms
A Louisiana classic, po’ boy sandwiches are usually filled with salad and some sort of meat filling, like roast beef. But seafood is another popular choice. However, you can get the same deliciously satisfying taste and texture by swapping in crispy oyster mushrooms. For even more mouth-watering flavor, drizzle with a little homemade Thousand Island dressing.
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Nadine Horn and Jörg Mayer
2 Grilled and spicy royal oyster mushroom skewers
Enhance the flavor of your king oysters by marinating them in tangy balsamic vinegar, mixed with garlic and thyme, along with a little oil and a little salt. After that, they are ready to be skewered on bamboo and cooked on the grill. This is the ultimate recipe for vegan barbecue season.
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Jeeca Uy
3 Vegan Korean Bulgogi Mushrooms
Once again, this recipe is an absolute must-have for the summer months when you’re gathered around the barbecue. Bulgogi (literally meaning “fire meat” in Korean) generally refers to marinated, barbecued beef. But beef is absolutely not a necessity for cooking this traditional dish, as mushrooms work just as well. Just make sure you make enough, because your loved ones will definitely be asking for more when grilling season rolls around.
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Alexandra Graf
4 Mexican pozole
Pozole generally refers to a spicy Mexican soup made with hominy and pork (sometimes it is also made with chicken). But thanks to the meaty texture of oyster mushrooms, you can get the same deliciously fiery taste and experience without any animal products.
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Martin Nordon
5 Miso Soup With Royal Oyster Mushrooms
If it’s cold and rainy outside, a nice hot bowl of miso soup is just what you need. And, for an added boost of nutrition, as well as texture and flavor, upgrade the standard recipe with oyster mushrooms, quinoa and seaweed.
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Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Urquiza
6 Vegan Mushroom Poc Chuc
Poc Chuc is a savory meat dish originating from the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Again, it’s traditionally made with pork, marinated in citrus juice, grilled, then served with pickled onions and rice. But if you want to avoid the meaty part, replace it with portobello mushrooms or king oyster mushrooms (or both).
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To learn more about vegan ingredients, read:
Charlotte is a writer and editor based in sunny Southsea on the south coast of England.
