King oyster mushrooms (also known as Trumpet Mushrooms) are one of the most popular varieties of mushrooms. These meaty, umami-packed mushrooms are delicious prepared in many ways.
They are also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Learn how to prepare and store these mushrooms to ensure they remain fresh.
Preparation
King oyster mushrooms are large members of the mushroom family that can be used to replace meat or seafood in recipes. These thick, firm-textured fungi have a rich umami flavor and are often prepared in grilled, broiled, sauteed, and braised dishes.
They can be sliced into rounds and pan-seared to resemble sea scallops, threaded onto skewers and cooked like satay chicken, or shredded and broiled to produce a result similar to pulled pork. They can also be roasted, stewed, or breaded and fried.
The easiest way to prepare king oyster mushrooms is to cut them into thin slices. This will help to cook them evenly and prevent them from becoming tough.
Cooking
King oyster mushrooms are a staple in Asian cuisines, often skewered or cooked in stir-fries and tempura batter. They’re also good roasted, grilled, and pan-seared.
While they don’t have a lot of flavor when eaten raw, cooking releases their flavor and softens their texture. They’re especially delicious if you marinate them in oil and seasonings.
The easiest way to prepare king oyster mushrooms is by pan-frying them. Just a little bit of salt, fresh ground black pepper, and minced garlic can go a long way to make these tasty mushrooms shine.
When cooking king oyster mushrooms, it’s important to cook them slowly and make sure they’re not too dry. If they’re too dry, the texture will become astringent and they’ll lose their freshness.
Storage
Oyster mushrooms are best when they are fresh, and it is important to store them properly to preserve their flavor and texture. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
For storage, it is recommended that you wrap oyster mushrooms in paper towels to prevent them from becoming damp. This will make them last longer and help reduce the risk of rot.
It is also a good idea to punch in holes in the packaging to allow air and moisture to escape. This will also increase the shelf life of your king oyster mushrooms.
In addition, it is important to harvest your mushrooms when they are fully developed and a little bit downturned or flat on the cap. This will ensure that they are more durable and will have a better taste in your dishes. If you leave them until the cap edges start upturning, they will be more fragile and will lose their quality quickly.
Recipes
King oyster mushrooms are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, including Mediterranean and Asian. They are known for their dense, meaty, and chewy texture, which is reminiscent of abalone or scallops.
They can be sauteed, roasted, or grilled. They’re also a great side dish to serve with other meals.
Cut each mushroom in half lengthways, making sure not to slice all the way through. Next, lightly score a 5mm diagonal criss-cross pattern into the cut side of each mushroom.
This will help them cook more evenly and absorb the seasoning better. It’s also a nice decorative touch for your meals.
Unlike airtight containers, paper bags allow for more oxygen to circulate throughout the mushrooms, helping them retain their shape. They’re also more durable and can hold up better to storage in the fridge.