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This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about cooking with oyster mushrooms. What they taste like, variations, how to buy, store, clean, and recipes for using this unique edible fungus!
Chances are, you haven’t heard much about the humble oyster mushroom. But I’m here to tell you there is more to the mushroom world than portobellos and button mushrooms.
Oyster mushrooms are the mushrooms you need to be eating more of. They’re packed with nutrition, quick to cook and make for the best vegetarian pulled pork substitute (step aside, jackfruit). Let’s talk about oyster mushrooms!
Types of Oyster Mushrooms
While there are many varieties of oyster mushrooms, the two most common types that you are likely to find in a supermarket are:
- Pearl Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus): These are tender and small, with almost no stem (see previous photo).
- King Oyster (Pleurotus eryngii): These have thick white stems and small flat caps, and they have a heartier, more meaty texture than other oyster mushrooms (pictured below).
What do oyster mushrooms taste like?
Oyster mushrooms’ taste is very mild, and some describe it as subtly woody or like seafood. What makes oyster mushrooms so unique is their texture. When prepared properly, both pearl and king oyster mushrooms can have a very meaty texture!
Where to Buy Oyster Mushrooms
Depending on where you are, oyster mushrooms can be tricky to find. Asian supermarkets will almost always carry oyster mushrooms, with natural food grocers also sometimes carrying them. If you live in an area with a large Asian immigrant population, your neighborhood grocery store may also carry them!
How to Store Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms should be stored in a loosely closed plastic bag in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for 5 to 7 days.
How to Clean Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms usually grow on wood, so they probably haven’t been in contact with dirt and shouldn’t need much washing. Gently clean each mushroom with a damp cloth. If you have a lot of oyster mushrooms, you can rinse them, but be careful not to rinse for too long as they can become water-logged (goodbye flavor!).
oyster mushroom recipes
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing dip, we’ve got a variety of recipes that all use this meaty mushroom.
King Oyster Mushroom Pulled Pork
Corn and Pulled Mushroom Vegetarian Tacos
Buttermilk Fried Mushrooms
Vegan Nachos with BBQ “Pulled Pork” and Queso
Vegetarian Buffalo Dip
Bought oyster mushroom and after a few days found some discolouration on them are they safe to eat?
Discoloration could be normal, but be on the lookout for dry fuzzy patches, which could indicate mold!
I live in South Louisiana. We have been finding our own oyster mushrooms. They grow on water willows. We harvest them and dehydrate them. Only have to put them in a little water and they plump right up. Found some in one of our local grocery stores, $8.99 lb. Love them.
So fun that you can harvest your own! 😀
Please send me a copy of these recipes.
Hi Natalie! You can find each recipe by clicking on the photo for the recipe you’d like to try 😀
I have been finding many pounds of oysters this fall in Maine which is what lead me here. The recipe looks good.
My advice is to store mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge. They can get slimy and mold in a plastic bag. Paper breaths better and they tend to just dry out a little instead of molding.
Thanks for that tip! I’m growing my own near Death Valley, and the harvest is good, but needed some advice on how to store them. My air fryer comes in really handy since we usually grow more than we can eat. Go figure. In the desert?!
Can you consume oyster mushrooms after seven days? Thanks Brena
As long as there is no evidence of mold or spoilage!
Will oyster mushrooms cause diarrhea?
I suppose they could if you have an allergy to them!
You’ve mentioned “adobo-spiced”on your Vegetarian Tacos, wonder if you’ve been here in the Philippines or just tasted “adobo” in Netherlands?
Love your recipes,more on these healthy recipes please?
Thanks,🙏🙏🙏❤️🤗
It’s on my travel bucket list! The adobo I tasted that inspired many of these recipes came from the Mexican food I ate while living in Texas. Chipotle peppers packed in adobo sauce is pretty common, and adds a nice smoky spice to dishes 🙂