Oyster Mushroom Recipe: 5 Ways to Enjoy Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms, also known as oyster fungus and hiratake, are edible fungi that came into commercial popularity during the First World War. While they may not be as ubiquitous as shiitake, cremini (baby bella), or white button mushrooms, oyster mushrooms are one of the most diverse types of mushrooms. There are six types of oyster mushrooms—pearl oyster mushrooms, king oyster mushrooms, and pink oyster mushrooms—used in vegan cooking for their meaty texture. When cooked, oyster mushrooms taste like scallops.

While king oysters are certainly en vogue, all oyster mushroom varieties deserve equal billing: They’re meaty, healthful, and can lend themselves to a wide swath of dishes and cooking methods, from appetizers to mushroom soups—and even desserts. You can also use the mushroom stem in your cooking as the entire fungus is edible.

Oyster mushrooms are inherently customizable. They can act as a simple side or prominent ingredient in a composed dish. Here are a few options to try:

1. 1. Oyster mushroom pasta: Mushrooms help take this pasta dish to the next level. Sauté mushrooms with shallot, garlic, white wine, and butter before tossing with al dente pasta and topping with a mountain of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This mushroom pasta recipe calls for bucatini, but any long pasta shape will work.
2. 2. Oyster mushroom pizza: Since pizza cooks quickly (and mushrooms release water when they cook), use precooked mushrooms as a pizza topping. Pan-fried or even deep-fried oyster mushrooms add a delightful crunch. Scatter them atop a pizza, and cook until the cheese melts and the mushrooms begin to char.
3. 3. Oyster mushroom risotto: Creamy risotto and savory mushrooms are a classic combination. While the rice dish may seem challenging, risotto recipes are relatively straightforward. Mushroom risotto is an incredible iteration, dotted with boundless butter and cheese. You can easily adapt this porcini mushroom risotto to feature oyster mushrooms.
4. 4. Oyster mushroom stir-fry: Quickly stir-fry mushrooms and other vegetables in a wok over high heat before tossing with noodles, soy sauce, fish sauce, scallions, peanuts, and whatever other ingredients you have on hand for a satisfying meal. Learn how to stir-fry.
5. 5. Oyster mushroom tacos: Oven-roast mushrooms with olive oil until golden brown, crispy, and slightly chewy, then stuff them into tortillas or taco shells and top with minced white onion, cilantro, lime juice, and radish for a superb vegan meal.

Mushrooms are a unique ingredient, requiring a slightly different preparation than vegetables or meat. Here’s what to know:

1. 1. Buy high-quality mushrooms. Whether purchasing from the farmers’ market or a grocery store, try to be mindful of the mushroom quality. Avoid oyster mushrooms with any browning or blemishes. Try to buy these fan-shaped mushrooms in a clump, which you can tear apart just before cooking. Oyster mushrooms sold this way will stay fresher longer than pre-torn mushrooms.
2. 2. Prepare your mushrooms properly. Using a paper towel, lightly scrub any grit or grime from the mushrooms. Avoid washing mushrooms in water as they can become gummy or water-logged, making it impossible to achieve caramelization. Learn how to clean oyster mushrooms without water.
3. 3. Cook out excess moisture before seasoning. Mushrooms tend to release a considerable amount of liquid during sautéing. Continue to cook until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms begin to brown. Wait to season the mushrooms with salt until they have released their liquid and started to brown. Salting too early can cause the mushrooms to release their liquid prematurely, hindering proper browning or searing.