Quick, savory, and bursting with umami your new favorite plant based side.
If you’ve ever walked past a display of oyster mushrooms at your local market and thought, “Those look fancy, but I wouldn’t know what to do with them” you’re not alone.
But here’s the secret: Oyster mushrooms are one of the easiest gourmet mushrooms to cook. Their delicate texture and naturally savory flavor make them perfect for quick sautés, stir fries, pasta dishes, or even taco fillings.
In this simple oyster mushroom recipe, we sauté them in olive oil with garlic and a splash of soy sauce. That’s it no fuss, all flavor. It’s the kind of side dish that tastes like a chef made it, but you whipped it up in under 15 minute.
Oyster Mushroom Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Oyster Mushroom Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Just 15 minutes from pan to plate.
- Naturally vegan and gluten free: Clean ingredients with tons of flavor.
- Versatile: Use as a side, topping, or meatless main.
What Are Oyster Mushrooms?
Oyster mushrooms are a soft, delicate variety that grow in clusters and resemble you guessed it oysters. They have a mild, slightly sweet, earthy flavor and absorb sauces beautifully.
They come in a few varieties like:
- Gray oyster mushrooms mild and tender.
- Pink or yellow oysters slightly firmer with a peppery edge.
- King oyster mushrooms thick stemmed with a meaty texture.
Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just mushroom curious, oyster mushrooms are a great ingredient to experiment with.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, big flavor:
- 8 oz fresh oyster mushrooms, cleaned and torn into pieces.
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: Chili flakes, lemon juice, or fresh parsley.
Tip: Don’t wash mushrooms under water — just gently brush off any dirt.
How to Cook Oyster Mushrooms (Step-by-Step)
Prep the mushrooms:
Gently tear oyster mushrooms into medium sized pieces. Trim off any woody ends.
Heat your pan:
Warm olive oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Add garlic & mushrooms:
Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add mushrooms in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes.
Season and stir:
Add soy sauce and black pepper. Cook another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
Finish and serve:
Squeeze a bit of lemon juice or top with chili flakes if you like some heat. Serve hot.
How to Serve Oyster Mushrooms
These mushrooms are the definition of flexible. Here’s how to use them:
- Side dish: Next to grilled tofu, rice, or potatoes.
- Topping: On toast, burgers, or pasta.
- Main course: As the star in tacos or grain bowls.
They’re also amazing over risotto or stirred into miso soup for an umami boost.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal — the texture gets soft.
- Reheat: In a skillet for 2–3 minutes to bring back crispiness.
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Total Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
| Calcium | 20 mg |
| Iron | 1.5 mg |
Recipe FAQs
Can I use dried oyster mushrooms for this recipe?
Yes! Just rehydrate them in hot water for 20 minutes, then pat dry before cooking. Fresh mushrooms have better texture, though.
What do oyster mushrooms taste like?
They’re mild, slightly sweet, and earthy — often described as “seafood-like” or meaty. Their texture is tender and silky when cooked right.
Can I use other mushrooms in this recipe?
Yes — shiitake, cremini, or even king oyster mushrooms work well. But the delicate texture of oyster mushrooms really shines here.
Easy Oyster Mushroom Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh oyster mushrooms cleaned and torn into pieces.
- 1½ tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves thinly sliced.
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Optional: Chili flakes lemon juice, or fresh parsley.
Instructions
- Prep the mushrooms:
- Gently tear oyster mushrooms into medium-sized pieces. Trim off any woody ends.
- Heat your pan:
- Warm olive oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic & mushrooms:
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then add mushrooms in a single layer. Let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes.
- Season and stir:
- Add soy sauce and black pepper. Cook another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Finish and serve:
- Squeeze a bit of lemon juice or top with chili flakes if you like some heat. Serve hot.
Video
Notes
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not ideal the texture gets soft.
- Reheat: In a skillet for 2–3 minutes to bring back crispiness.
