Oyster Mushroom Recipe – Food Faith Fitness

Bring elevated earthiness to your dinners with this herb-filled Oyster Mushroom recipe.

Have you ever heard the saying that we “eat with our eyes?” It’s so true! Sure, our eyes aren’t a part of the digestive system, but they certainly influence how we perceive the food in front of us. Even if something tastes delicious, we may not be inclined to try it if it doesn’t look all that appetizing. 

Instagram-worthy aesthetics make us pay extra to eat at chic restaurants — but that doesn’t mean we can’t make pretty plates at home! There are plenty of simple tricks to bring extra sophistication (and social media cred!) to your weeknight meals. For instance, have you ever considered serving luxurious oyster mushrooms as a side?  

Don’t worry if you don’t like the sound (or taste) of slurping on shellfish. Although these mushrooms have “oyster” in their name, they aren’t related to those slimy mollusks. While oyster mushrooms have an eye-catching, oyster-like appearance, you don’t have to worry about the flavors, textures, and aromas found in their name. 

If you’re looking for a simple way to add some “eye candy” to your dinner — plus introduce incredible flavors and a dose of health benefits — you’ve got to consider giving oyster mushrooms a try. 

Are Oyster Mushrooms Healthy?

Oyster mushrooms aren’t just lovely to look at and tasty to eat; they’re packed with nutrients that will make your body happy. In addition to vitamins and minerals, you’ll enjoy a healthy dose of protein, fiber, and antioxidants when you eat your sautéed oyster mushrooms. Plus, since we’re adding ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and thyme, you’re going to get even more benefits as you munch on this yummy side. 

Although this oyster mushroom recipe is pretty healthy, a few features may not suit everyone’s diet. For instance, while butter adds richness to these oyster mushrooms, it also adds saturated fat and makes this meal a no-go for vegans. Thankfully, there are a lot of vegan-friendly butter alternatives (e.g., coconut butter) that work great as substitutes. Otherwise, you could add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to cooked oyster mushrooms for extra richness. 

What makes oyster mushrooms different from other mushrooms?

The obvious feature separating oyster mushrooms from other varieties is their visual appeal. These mushrooms have a similar coloring, shape and texture to a seaside oyster, which is sure to add a huge visual pop to whatever you serve them with. 

Beyond their appearance, oyster mushrooms are known for having a mild, earthy flavor with a hint of sweetness and faint traces of licorice. The relatively neutral notes in oyster mushrooms make them versatile, either for pairing with meals or soaking up flavors in your favorite dishes. The texture of oyster mushrooms also makes them easy to use in many recipes. Lastly, although these mushrooms tend to be chewy, they have a more delicate and tender texture than denser options like portobellos.

INGREDIENTS

• 10 ounces oyster mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare

Clean and cook mushrooms.

Flavor

Make garlic butter in the pan.

Serve

Pour butter over mushrooms and serve.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

Serving Suggestions

Although oyster mushrooms have a distinctive taste and meaty mouthfeel, they’re subtle enough to work into many main courses. Whether you want to serve your oyster mushrooms as toppings for homemade Margherita pizza, baked burgers, or a juicy sirloin steak, this side will provide a rich complement. You could even mix oyster mushrooms into lunch staples like a toasty air fryer grilled cheese or some soft scrambled eggs for a touch of class.

Are there any stir-fry fans out there? Good news: Oyster mushrooms also work fantastic as an add-on to a cauliflower rice stir-fry. Lastly, placing oyster mushrooms on top of creamy risotto Milanese or pasta with Alfredo sauce is a simple way to bring extra elegance to your mealtime.