This post may include affiliate links; see our disclosure policy.
King oyster mushrooms have a deliciously meaty texture and savory flavor. Here’s more about these unique fungi (also known as King trumpet mushrooms), including recipes!
I’m always looking for new types of mushrooms, and my latest favorite is the King Oyster Mushroom. This unique variety of fungi is known for its meaty texture and unbelievably savory flavor. In fact, when I tried it for the first time, I couldn’t help but exclaim, “Yum!”
I’ve made it my goal to cook through all the types of mushrooms I can get my hands on, and this one stands out. Use my King Oyster mushroom recipe below to sauté it up with herbs, or you can even shred it for a vegan pulled pork! Either way: it’s extremely tasty.
5 Star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is the BEST way to cook trumpet mushrooms. Such umami and meatiness, forgot I was eating mushrooms. My new go to recipe. Thank you!” -Sherri
What Are King Oyster Mushrooms?
There are so many different types of mushrooms outside the more common cremini or portobello that feel familiar to most people. But you can find so many more unique varieties popping up at standard grocery stores. If you see King oyster mushrooms, make sure to nab them. Here’s more about them:
- Oyster mushrooms are a common type of edible fungus with caps that are shaped like oysters. The most common type of oyster mushroom you’ll see at the store is the pearl oyster mushroom. The stems are very short and they grow in clusters.
- King oyster mushrooms are the largest in the oyster mushroom family. They’re also known as king trumpet mushrooms or French horn mushrooms. They grow individually, instead of clusters like the pearl oyster. Native to the Mediterranean, they’re commonly used in Chinese, Korean and Japanese cooking. You can also shred them or fry them as a vegan meat substitute.
What Do They Taste Like?
What’s unique about King oyster mushrooms vs others in the mushroom family?
- What do King oyster mushrooms taste like? The flavor is earthy, aromatic, and very savory. This variety of mushroom is known for its intense umami flavor. Some people say they have a subtle flavor of anise (black licorice) on the finish.
- What is the texture of King oyster mushrooms? King oyster mushrooms are very meaty and almost tough. Expect a tougher texture than most mushrooms. This also makes this variety a great choice for a meat substitute. You can shred it up and coat in barbecue sauce for a tasty vegan sandwich.
How to Cook King Oyster Mushrooms
Here’s my basic recipe for how to cook King oyster mushrooms! There are also a few additional ideas below. If you want them savory, meaty and sautéed to perfection, here’s what to do:
- Slice the mushrooms. If they’re not already, slice the mushrooms into planks about 3/8-inches wide.
- Mix up a quick sauce. Add minced garlic, soy sauce or tamari, mirin and Sriracha hot sauce (or your favorite hot sauce).
- Saute the mushrooms in sesame oil, then add the sauce. Saute the mushrooms on medium high heat 3 to 4 minutes, turning until browned. Then add the sauce and cook a few more minutes until tender. Keep in mind the King variety will have a tougher, meatier texture than other types of mushrooms.
Serve these tasty ‘shrooms as a side dish. Pair with fried rice and broccoli, fried eggs for breakfast, or with a stir fry. You can also add them to stir fries, rice bowls, and sandwiches.
How To Store and Clean King Oyster Mushrooms
You can find whole king oyster or king trumpet mushrooms at the store, or they may come pre-sliced into large slabs. Here’s what to do once you grab them at the store:
- Store the mushrooms in a paper bag in the refrigerator (not produce drawer). You can leave them in the plastic wrapped container. But the best way to store mushrooms is in a paper bag, which allows them to breathe. Leave them in the main part of the refrigerator to get good airflow, not the produce drawer.
- Only clean them if necessary. This type of fungus grows on wood, so they don’t typically have dirt like the cremini or portobello. If you see any dirt, you can give them a quick rinse in cold water.
More Ways To Use Them
There are lots of other ways to cook up this uniquely tasty variety! Here are some common ways to eat King oyster mushrooms from a few other recipe developers from around the web:
- Fried: Try battered and fried King oyster mushrooms.
- Vegan pulled pork: Shred it with a fork, saute it, and add BBQ sauce. Instant pulled pork sandwich!
- Vegan scallops: Turn them into faux scallops!
Dietary Notes
This king oyster mushroom recipe is vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.
5-Minute Sauteed King Oyster Mushrooms
King oyster mushrooms have a deliciously meaty texture and savory flavor. Here’s more about these unique fungi, including recipes!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 8 ounces King oyster mushrooms
- 2 medium garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- ½ tablespoon mirin
- ½ teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce (or other hot sauce)
- 3 tablespoons sesame oil (standard, not toasted)
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic. In a small bowl, stir together the garlic with the tamari, mirin and Sriracha.
- Heat the sesame oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally as they start to brown. Add a few pinches of kosher salt while cooking. Pour in the bowl of sauce and continue cooking 1 to 2 minutes until browned and glossy.
May I know what pan is this that i have used in the below post?
https://www.acouplecooks.com/king-oyster-mushrooms/
I am really curious and i love it
It’s a 12″ Mauviel Copper Fry Pan — we love it! Unfortunately it doesn’t work on our new induction range.
This is the BEST way to cook trumpet mushrooms. Such umami and meatiness, forgot I was eating mushrooms. My new go to recipe. Thank you!
Love Your recipes♥️
Thank you!