Can I eat the whole oyster mushroom?

Yes. You can eat oyster mushrooms whole chopped, sliced or shredded. Depending on the recipe, you may want to eat them multiple ways!

Can you eat oyster mushrooms raw?

While it is perfectly safe to eat raw oyster mushrooms, they have a slightly metallic flavor when uncooked that may not be preferable.

Is oyster mushroom a psychedelic?

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!

30+ Amazing Oyster Mushroom Recipes 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, and dozens of oyster mushroom recipes to choose from, 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 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. They also have an edible stem. Tree oysters are ideal for cooking as a vegan pulled “pork” or frying and have tougher stems. Both are great for adding to 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.

How to Prepare and Cook With Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms can be prepared in a variety of different ways, as you’ll quickly find out! 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. You can gently wipe the mushrooms with a damp paper towel or rinse them quickly under cold water. Avoid soaking them, as they can absorb too much moisture.

You’ll also want to trim any tough or woody stems, if necessary, but oyster mushroom stems are usually tender and edible. Depending on your recipe, you can either slice or tear them into smaller pieces. Then they’re ready to cook!

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.