25 Amazing Oyster Mushroom Recipe Ideas to Try
They’re meaty, they’re mighty, and they’re also pretty darn magical. Oyster mushrooms have a mild flavor and chewy texture that makes them an excellent addition to dishes that would traditionally feature ingredients such as pork, fish, or chicken.
Naturally gluten-free and soy-free, oyster mushrooms also make a great alternative for vegans who have sensitivities to ingredients commonly found in meat replacements. With so many ways to prepare and enjoy them, you’ll never think of mushrooms as boring again.
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Types of Oyster Mushrooms
What kinds of oyster mushrooms are there? There are several varieties of pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushrooms) but the two most common types of oyster mushrooms you’ll find at the grocery store are king oyster mushrooms (aka “trumpet mushrooms”) and tree oyster mushrooms.
King Oyster Mushroom vs Tree Oyster Mushroom
King oysters are thicker and make a great choice for vegan scallops or vegan bacon recipes and have an edible stem. Tree oysters are ideal cooking as a vegan pulled “pork” or frying and have tougher stems. Both are great for adding into stir fries, soups, salads, and other plant-based recipes that could use a boost of flavor and texture.
There are also several other types of less common oyster mushrooms you may come across. They’re all edible and delicious in vegetarian recipes — but watch out because there are some oyster mushroom look-a-likes that are poisonous!
- Pink oyster mushroom or “flamingo oyster mushroom” (Pleurotus djamor)
- Pearl oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
- Blue oyster mushroom (Pleurotus columbinus)
- Golden oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus)
- Phoenix oyster (Pleurotus pulmonarius)
Pink oyster mushrooms are especially exciting to come across, because they have such a beautiful coral pink color! They are native in tropical regions and thrive in hot climates. If you use them in cooking you’ll find that they fade during cooking, so the final recipe won’t be as colorful as when they’re picked raw. Pink oyster mushrooms also have an even more woodsy smell than other oyster varieties, and are a bit hardier.
Health Benefits of Oyster Mushrooms
If you’re bringing mushrooms to the table for health, we get it! These superstar fungi are quite nutritious. You can get a healthy dose of the following nutrients from oyster mushrooms:
- Protein
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Copper
How to Prepare Oyster Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms can be prepared in a variety of different ways, as you’ll quickly find out by going through our guide! From sautéed to fried, there are countless ways to bring out the meaty flavor and texture of this mighty good mushroom. We just wouldn’t recommend eating them raw, as they have a slightly metallic flavor when uncooked.
It’s always important to wash your produce, of course! But keep in mind oyster mushrooms grow on tree bark, not soil, so you don’t usually have to deal with much dirt.
Oyster Mushroom FAQs
Yes. You can eat oyster mushrooms whole chopped, sliced or shredded. Depending on the recipe, you may want to eat them multiple ways!
While it is perfectly safe to eat raw oyster mushrooms, they have a slightly metallic flavor when uncooked that may not be preferable.
No. Oyster mushrooms are culinary mushrooms with zero psychedelic properties and are perfectly safe to eat. However, always take caution when foraging for mushrooms in the wild!
The Best Vegan Oyster Mushroom Recipes
From Southern comfort to Vietnamese specialties, oyster mushrooms have a place in cuisines from around the world. Try them all!
Fried Oyster Mushrooms
This vegan “fried chicken” recipe is easy, tasty, and perfect for any party. You can make this fried oyster mushroom recipe gluten-free with the right flour and even add extra spice if you like things hot.
Vegan Pulled Oyster Mushroom Tacos
This is one of those vegan recipes with oyster mushrooms that is perfect for serving at a large gathering or prepping for the week. Gluten-free, soy-free, and nut-free, these oyster mushroom tacos pack a punch with some help from chipotle peppers and pair deliciously with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans.
Mushroom Skewers
Elevate any meal with these flavor oyster mushroom skewers, boasting a juicy, meaty texture and a rich umami taste. They’re perfect for grilling and are easy to customize by adding extra veggies, protein, and sauces.
Cacio e Pepe With Garlicky Mushrooms
Oyster mushrooms and pasta are a heavenly combination. This recipe for vegan Cacio e Pepe by From My Bowl is super simple but also makes a perfect meal for a date night or special occasion.
Vegan Siopao Asado (Filipino Steamed Buns)
Filled with sweet and savory shredded oyster mushrooms, these Filipino steamed buns from Sweet Simple Vegan make a delicious snack or side any time of day. Pro tip: prepare the filling in advance so that it’s easier to make the buns!
Vegan “Scallops” and Edamame Corn Salad
Deliciously gluten-free, this unique and refreshing recipe from Veggiekins comes together in just under a half hour and will quickly become a staple meal! Grilled oyster mushrooms, bright edamame, corn, and watermelon radish provide a variety of exciting texture and color that could bring anyone out of a lunch funk!
Vegan Tikka Masala
Perfect for a cold day, this vegan Tikka Masala from My Goodness Kitchen features king oyster mushrooms as the dish’s secret weapon. Meaty, spicy, and rich with flavor, enjoy it over rice and share with a loved one!
Black Burger With Oyster Mushrooms and Spicy Eggplant
Level up your burger night with one of the best oyster mushroom recipes you could put between two buns from Quite Good Food. The buns get their black flavor from activated charcoal and are easy to prepare in advance.
Quick Vegan Vietnamese Salad
Whoever thinks salad is boring clearly has not tried this fresh Vietnamese salad from Heartful Table. One of the freshest vegan recipes with oyster mushrooms out there, this salad also features vermicelli noodles, shredded carrots, sprouts, and other tasty ingredients that come together to make one seriously great salad.
Blackened King Oyster “Scallops” & Grits With Greens
Hearty, comforting, and a great midweek pick-me-up, this oyster mushroom recipe from Connoiseurus Veg is a real winner. Gluten-free and completely delicious, spicy oyster mushrooms are complemented by creamy grits and sautéed greens, bringing a sincere Southern flair to your plate.
Stir Fried King Oyster Mushrooms
One of the most simple oyster mushroom recipes you could ever make, this recipe for stir fried king oyster mushrooms by The Viet Vegan comes together in just a few minutes. Serve with steamed rice and a side of blanched greens for a quick meal!
Vegan Gyros
Made with sautéed oyster mushrooms instead of meat, these vegan gyros by Veggie Society are perfect for a tasty lunch or dinner. Serve with some vegan tzatziki sauce and enjoy often!
Oyster Mushroom Chowder
This oyster mushroom soup recipe from Beautiful Ingredient uses oyster mushrooms in place of fish and the result is 1000% delicious. Once you’ve soaked your cashews or Brazil nuts, this vegan clam chowder comes together in just over 30 minutes.
Oyster Mushroom Po’ Boy
From Hot for Food comes a super tasty crispy oyster mushroom recipe that you’re going to want to make every day. After all, fried mushrooms just taste better when they’re layered between sliced tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, and remoulade sauce on a big ol’ bun.
Oyster Mushroom Polenta
What’s creamy and comforting and perfect for warming your soul? Why, this downright delicious recipe from Resplendent Kitchen! Naturally gluten-free, this vegan oyster mushroom recipe goes great with a side of asparagus or squash.
Sticky Pulled Oyster Mushroom Bao Buns
Flavorful and so fun to eat, these vegan oyster mushroom bao recipe from Lovely Jubley is a must-try for anyone who likes things savory and sweet. Thinly sliced cucumber, pickled onions, vegan mayo, and more come together to complement the textures and flavor of the oyster mushrooms quite well.
Air Fryer Oyster Mushrooms
In less than 30 minutes you can have these delicious air fryer oyster mushrooms from Our Plant Based World. King oyster mushrooms magically turn into a tender, caramelized treat with a few staple ingredients, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or side dish!
Vegan Bulgogi
Enjoy this popular Korean BBQ “beef” dish made with oyster mushrooms from Health My Lifestyle. With just 10 ingredients and 35 minutes, this savory, umami, and sweet dish is ready to serve over rice with pickled cucumber or kimchi!
Teriyaki Oyster Mushroom Steak
Easily turn meaty oyster mushrooms into beefy “steak” with this delicious recipe from My Pure Plants! Serve them up izakaya style with a luscious teriyaki sauce that’s perfectly sticky, sweet, and savory.
Grilled Bok Choy With Oyster Mushrooms
Achieve ideal texture with this grilled bok choy, an excellent vegan side dish from Olives for Dinner! Create attractive grill marks using a grill pan and top it off with zesty oyster mushrooms!
Creamy Oyster Mushroom Soup
Whip up this velvety oyster mushroom soup effortlessly, brimming with amazing flavors from onions, carrots, garlic, coconut milk, and meaty oyster mushrooms. This recipe from Plant Based Jess is ideal for a nourishing dinner or lunch, both quick and convenient, and can be prepared in advance!
Gochujang Peanut Noodle Soup
Indulge in a quick weeknight delight with this gochujang peanut noodle soup from the Plant Based RD, featuring an effortlessly flavorful broth that complements your favorite noodles and dumplings for a perfect slurping experience.
Fried Vegan Calamari
If you love seafood you’ll love this vegan calamari made with king oyster mushrooms. From Alexa Fueled Naturally, these fried nuggets are simple to make, absolutely delicious, and perfect for sharing!
Oyster Mushroom Stir Fry
Crafted in just 20 minutes, this oyster mushroom stir fry, with its simple peanut sauce, offers and quick and filling meal. The meaty texture of oyster mushrooms shines in this dish from Vegan Punks!
Spicy Crunchy Oyster Mushroom Burger
Savor a tempting burger from The Vegan Larder made with a crispy, spicy coating and juicy oyster mushrooms—sure to satisfy everyone’s appetite. Prepare it effortlessly in the air fryer, oven, or on the stovetop.
More Tasty Vegan Mushroom Recipes to Try
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I LOVE these deliciius recipes ! Im a mushroom forager and right now is summer oyster season . I usually just batter and fry my oysters , they are one of my favorite wild mushrooms . But that gets boring and i was looking for something different . Your recipes are amazing ! I havent tried them all yet but the chowder , the gyros , the pulled oyster mushroom sandwich and a few others just blew me away ! Thank you fir sharing these awesome recipes ! Ill never have boring oysters again
Yay! So happy you are enjoying these oyster mushroom recipes 🙂 We love to hear it!
This ALMOST makes me want to become a mushroom lover!! The recipes look soooo good. I’ll probably use vegan chicken in place of mushrooms though, I just can’t get over the texture!
I’m not a mushroom lover either, but some of these recipes really surprised me at how much I liked them 🙂
Oyster mushrooms are the best! So many amazing ways to make and enjoy them :-).