King Oyster Mushrooms

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!

Love mushrooms? Here’s the king of them all: the King Oyster Mushroom! This unique variety of fungi is known for its meaty texture and unbelievably savory flavor. In fact, when we tried them for the first time, we couldn’t help but exclaim their deliciousness! We’ve made it our goal to cook through all the types of mushrooms we can get our hands on: and the King Oyster stands out. Saute it up with herbs (see below), or shred it for a vegan pulled pork. Either way: it’s extremely tasty.

What are King oyster mushrooms?

There are so many different types of mushrooms outside the more common cremini or portobello. These days, you can find many more varieties popping up at standard grocery stores. If you see King oyster mushrooms, make sure to nab them immediately! Here’s more about this unique variety:

• 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 store and clean them

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.

How to cook King oyster mushrooms (basic recipe)

Here’s a 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.

More recipe ideas

There are lots of other ways to cook up this uniquely tasty variety! Here are some common ways to eat King oyster mushrooms:

• 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!

This king oyster mushroom recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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More types of mushrooms

There are so many other types of mushrooms to try! Sample them all:

• Cremini Mushrooms (aka baby bella) and Button Mushrooms are versatile for soups, pizza, pasta and more
• Lion’s Mane Mushrooms are fantastic fried up and eaten in a sandwich (they’re very meaty!)
• Enoki Mushrooms are delicate and beautiful.
• Portobello Mushrooms are a treat stuffed, grilled or in a burger topped with caramelized onions
• Maitake Mushrooms (aka Hen of the Woods) have feathered edges and an earthy, peppery flavor
• Beech Mushrooms are small, delicate and savory