Fried Oyster Mushrooms are one of those rare ingredients that can take me just about anywhere. Such a simple mushroom with a vast realm of possibilities. When I started thinking about this dish, my mind took me all over the world with it. One minute I was imagining these fried oyster mushrooms as a New Orleans Style Po’ Boy and the next I was seeing a Southern Style Chicken and Waffles. That’s why I love them so much, they aren’t just one thing. Who wants to be put into a box anyways?
I have always been fascinated about mealtime. Perhaps it’s the forever explorer in me. Once a day you can put something on a plate that allows you to think about somewhere else in the world. I think imagining those moments is how you get to where you want to go. It’s like this… if you cook enough creme brûlée… surely you will end up in France one day. That goes for just about anything. Trust me on this one.
Dishes to Make With Fried Oyster Mushrooms
The possibilities with fried oyster mushrooms are truly endless, as it allots so much creative freedom. Once you master a simple fried mushroom, you can use it to make dishes from all around the world. Whether you are vegan or just love mushrooms… dare I say that these mushrooms will change you life? Some of my favorite ways to use the fried oyster mushrooms are…
- New Orleans Style Po’ Boy Sandwich
- Southern Style ‘Chicken’ and Waffles
- East Coast ‘Calamari’ Style with Cocktail Sauce
- Southern Fried ‘Chicken’ Dinner
- Vietnamese Banh Mi Sandwich
- Korean Style Fried ‘Chicken’
Where to Buy Oyster Mushrooms
If you cannot find oyster mushrooms at your local supermarket, then I would suggest going to your closest asian market or farmers market. If you have been following my blog for even one minute, you know that I am a ginormous Asian supermarket fan. They instantly transport me back in time to when I was volunteering in Vietnam. Honestly, they just make me feel peaceful and at home. A grocery store… can you believe it? Plus they have amazing deals on ingredients as most of them are whole-selling. My first choice will always be the farmers market though, because they are going to be local and freshly picked. Aside from frying the oyster mushroom, you can do so many other creative things with them. Check out my oyster mushroom gravy that I use for a Southern Style Biscuits and Gravy.
Fresh Cocktail Sauce
You didn’t think I was going to put a recipe out there without a sauce did you? My favorite way to eat this mushroom right now is with a side of fresh cocktail sauce. That is because I have a never ending obsession with horseradish, and according to my crystal ball… that doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. One reminder on this sauce. If you plan on eating this meal as vegan, remember that worcestershire sauce contains anchovies. Most large grocery stores carry a vegan version.
What to Expect When Tasting
The first time you bite into one of these fried oyster mushrooms, I really think you’re going to be just as befuddled as myself. They remind me so much of fried chicken- from their taste to their texture. You are most likely going to be in utter confusion at the beautiful way they pull apart. The ‘skin’ that they develop also rivals any fried chicken you’ve had. When we stop eating animals products (for whatever reason), it’s not usually because we don’t enjoy the taste of meat. I want to be very clear that this fried oyster mushroom is a mushroom in all of it’s glory, but if you are looking for a dish inspired by fried chicken from your past life… this is it.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Max Ehrmann
