What are blue oyster mushrooms and how to cook them? They can be pan-fried or roasted. You can use them in sauces, mix them into stews or soups or chuck them into frittatas or omelets, add them into your favorite pasta dishes or include them in quinoa bowls, or eat them alongside roasted potatoes.
Mushrooms are among the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen. They can be used in a variety of ways and they can add tons of flavor and texture to the dish you’re creating.
But, it could become boring to use the same old button portabello, cremini mushroom every single day.
This is where the blue oyster is found! This distinctive mushroom is a subspecies within the Oyster mushroom family. It’s so named due to its blue color and subtle oyster taste.
It is a deliciously succulent, meaty flavor with an ideal amount of chew.
Incorporating blue oyster mushrooms into your menu is a fantastic method to add some flavor to your meals. They make excellent food items and are simple to cook.
Simply clean and cut the oysters that are blue and cook them in a pan or oven to make the perfect crispy snack.
Read on to find out the blue oyster mushroom taste, how they are savored what they can be used for, how to utilize them in your kitchen as well as their nutritional value and some easy recipes to get started using them right now.
What Is Blue Oyster Mushrooms?
Blue Oyster Mushrooms are a sub-species of the standard Oyster Mushroom as well. Their shape and size differ based on the environment where they’re grown.
They’re actually very easy to cultivate at home, which is why lots of people are enjoying cultivating their own Blue Oysters.
The scientific name for these delicious little fungi is Pleurotus ostreatus or columbinus.
A stem from a blue oyster mushroom grows sideways and has cute caps which many believe resemble the shell of an oyster, which is why they get the name.
They form small clusters and are a stunning deep blue color that turns gray as they get older. The gills have a white color, making them appear gorgeous.
The mushrooms are extremely fast-growing and their pins can grow by a third in less than a day!
The rapid growth of these mushrooms is one reason why these mushrooms are well-liked by home mushroom growers and are extremely enjoyable to observe and can harvest a lot of mushrooms in a very short amount of time.
These mushrooms within the natural world are in temperate and subtropical forests, even though they’re not located throughout areas like Pacific Northwest.
They are found on dying or dead hardwood trees such as deciduous or beech trees. They are fungi whose primary purpose is to aid in the process of decomposing.
In the end, Blue Oyster Mushrooms do not kill the trees. They come back later to take down the wood, then return back to the circle of life.
What Does Blue Oyster Mushrooms Taste Like?
The mushrooms are a fantastic option to spice up any meal as they bring a deep umami flavor and a rich flavor to your main dish or food item.
Blue oyster mushrooms aren’t one-of-a-kind, as they have a distinct flavor and an intriguing texture which makes them more intriguing than your typical mushroom.
If you’re looking for the taste of blue oyster mushrooms There are some who believe that they have a seafood or oyster flavor to the mushrooms. Some believe they might have a slight anise (or the licorice) undertone although it’s extremely light.
The flavor tends to be more savory and is best cooked. These aren’t the ideal option for raw cooking However, once cooked, they can be truly amazing.
If you roast them while roasting or pan-frying them, they become crispy and the flavor is increased. They could be a great balanced sweet and savory.
The texture of oysters of blue The texture of blue oyster mushrooms is delicate, slightly fleshy, and rather crunchy in a great way.
Once cooked they crisp up well, and the center stays tender and chewy. They are a fantastic taste and texture to any food.
Blue oyster mushrooms possess a slight oyster/seafood taste that is accompanied by undertones of anise or licorice.
They are incredibly umami-y and possess a soft, fleshy texture that is almost chewy, but in the best way. If you’ve not yet had blue oyster mushrooms then you’re getting real pleasure.
What Are The Nutritional Benefits of Blue Oyster Mushrooms?
Blue oyster mushrooms are the perfect option to add to your menu because they’re loaded with fiber to make you feel fuller, and they’re low in carbs which is ideal for those who want to cut down on their carbs.
One cup (or 85 grams) of oysters from the blue variety You will receive about:
- 30 calories
- 5 grams carbohydrate
- Two grams of fiber
- 3 grams of protein
- not more than 1 Gram of fat
Apart from the breakdown of macronutrients in blue oyster mushrooms, they are also good sources of B vitamins, including Niacin and the acid Pantothenic (vitamin B5) as well as folate.
They are a good source of selenium and minerals like:
- Potassium
- Iron
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
As with other kinds of mushrooms blue oysters are abundant in antioxidants. They can safeguard your body from cell inflammation and damage.
What Is The Best Way To Store Blue Oyster Mushrooms?
To ensure that your blue oysters are as fresh as they can be it is important to be sure to keep them in a safe place.
They are usually packaged in plastic containers that have plastic wrap over the top. Once you’re home, put them in an empty paper bag and then take them out within the next week.
Storing them in a paper bag allows them to breathe, and will prevent them from getting all gross and slimy.
It is important to make sure that they are stored in the central section of your refrigerator, not in the produce drawer so that they can get plenty of flow of air.
If they start drying out and look sad, you are able to make soups with them or other dishes in which they absorb some liquids such as in sauces or cooked with plenty of butter.
If they turn slimy and smell fishy, you should throw them out.
Best Way To Clean Blue Oyster Mushrooms?
Blue oysters are a fungus that grows upon wood, the oysters do not become much muddy or dirty as other kinds of mushrooms, portabellos or cremini.
To keep the taste you can give them a short wiping using a paper towel, and cut off the stems’ ends.
They can be pulled apart into smaller, equally-sized pieces. I wouldn’t suggest washing them in water because it could alter the taste and texture of the mushrooms.
I make use of paper towels to wash any type of mushroom in order to ensure that their delicate flavor remains preserved.
What Is Best Served With Blue Oyster Mushrooms?
The ways you can use blue oyster mushrooms in your kitchen are practically endless. They can be used almost just like you would other types of mushrooms. Use them in preparations like:
- Pan-fried using butter, herb and salt
- A delicious roast made with your favorite spice and herbs
- In stews and soups
- Incorporated into stir-fries
- Cook them, and then mix them into grain dishes or pasta dishes, like farro and quinoa.
- Incorporate them into your gravies and sauces to get an extra punch of umami flavour
- Cut them into pieces and mix them into scrambled eggs, omelets, and frittatas
- Place them on skewers and grill them off on the grill for a delicious appetizer
- Include them in your roasts so that they cook in juices for an ideal side dish
- Flavor them and dehydrate them for crispy mushrooms chips
- Cook them with butter, herb, and cream for a tasty sauce or side dish
- Roast them along with your potatoes
- Try squeezing them using the vinegar of rice and with peppercorns
As you will see, there are plenty of ways to make use of the blue oyster mushrooms in the kitchen. Its flavor is well-matched with a variety of Asian ingredients, including sesame, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and fish sauce.
Do not be scared to be creative and experiment with new flavors! You may be amazed at what you can create and the way you will enjoy eating them.
Pan-Fried Blue Oyster Mushroom Recipe
If you’re planning to cook an oyster pan-friend side dish, it’s extremely easy and delicious. The recipe below makes use of some Asian ingredients to complement the umami flavor of the oyster mushroom.
Ingredients
- 200 grams (give or take) blue oyster mushroom separated and cleaned
- 1 tablespoon butter salted
- Two cloves of garlic finely minced
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce or Tamari
- A splash of rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Directions
- Then, heat your frying pan or skillet at a medium temperature for a couple of minutes until the mushroom starts to squeak after you run it against your pan’s bottom.
- Add the blue oyster mushrooms in the skillet and allow them to toast in the skillet for around 2 minutes, or until they begin to turn brown.
- Mix the mushrooms well and allow them to toast for another couple of minutes.
- Add the garlic, butter as well as soy sauce and rice vinegar, mixing to mix.
- Lower the temperature to a simmer and allow them to caramelize until they are dark brown and crisp. Make sure to stir them regularly to avoid burning.
- After the food is cooked, remove it from cooking and mix in the sesame oil as well as sesame seeds.
- Serve and have fun!
Notes: If you choose to use a low sodium sauce like soya sauce, you might need to add some salt to flavor them according to your liking.
Oven Baked Blue Oyster Mushroom Recipe
Another fantastic method of cooking oysters in blue can be to bake them. The steady, slow temperatures give them a wonderful flavor as well as a deliciously crisp texture.
It is possible to be creative in the use of spices and herbs that you select based on your tastes and preferences however it’s a great place to start.
Ingredients
- 300-230 grams blue oysters cleaned and separated
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- just a few pulses of black pepper
- 3 fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Half teaspoon powder of garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F and cover a baking tray with parchment paper.
- A bowl, mix the blue oyster mushrooms and olive oil. Make sure that each mushroom gets an oily coat.
- Add salt and pepper, as well as herbs and spices, and mix until they are evenly coated.
- The oysters of blue spread out in an even layer on parchment paper. Make sure to leave a bit of gap between them so they aren’t steamed and crispy. steam.
- Bake the mushroom in the oven, and bake for around 12-15 minutes.
- Take them out of the oven, flip the oven over, and bake for an additional eight minutes or so. They should appear slightly crisp along the edges but soft in the middle.
- After they are cooked after cooking, remove them from the oven immediately and serve.
Air Fryer Blue Oyster Mushroom Recipe
Air fryers are an extremely well-known kitchen appliance because they allow you to cook tasty, crispy dishes that taste like deep-fried food, but without the oil, and in a brief period of time.
Making your oysters blue inside an air fryer is a fantastic method to make a crisp tasty, delicious and tasty mushroom snack.
This recipe is a great base that is adaptable to incorporate any of your preferred herbs and spices. Explore your options to find the ideal combination.
Ingredients
- 200-230 grams of blue oysters cleaned and separated
- 1/2 – 1 tablespoon olive oil (the more oil, the more crisp they’ll be)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- just a few gallons of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked spicy paprika (optional)
Directions
- Based on the model you have depending on the model, you might need to heat up the air fryer. If this is the case you need to set it at 380 degrees F and allow it to heat while you prepare your mushrooms.
- A mixing bowl combine the mushrooms and oil until they are completely coated.
- Then add salt as well as pepper and smoking the paprika (if you’re using) mixing the mixture till the mushrooms have been well coated.
- Include your mushrooms in the basket of your fryer or lay them on the Air fryer tray (depending on the model you have).
- Put the basket again in the air fryer, and cook for 10 to 15 minutes until mushrooms are completely browned. You should remove the basket after four minutes in order to stir the mushrooms to ensure an even cooking.
- If you’re making use of the tray you are able to flip the mushrooms in about 4 minutes.
- When your mushrooms are cooked and crisp, remove them off the fryer and serve them immediately.
Blue Oyster Mushroom Sauce Recipe
This Blue oyster recipe to make a sauce for pasta or eat simply as an accompaniment dish. It’s creamy and rich and full of delicious flavor and mushrooms.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 shallots finely cut
- 5 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 cups oysters from blue separated and cleaned
- 1.5 Cups heavy or whipping or whipping
- 3 fresh thyme
- 1 rosemary sprig
- Four tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- A few twists of black pepper
- 1.5 cups of grated Parmesan cheese (you could substitute goat cheese Gruyere as well, and a different preferred cheese if you like).
Directions
- Prepare a skillet or frying pan on moderate temperature. After it is warm, add the olive oil and allow it to warm for around 30 seconds to one minute.
- When your olive oil is warm, add the shallots as well as garlic and stir them. Allow them to cook for about 2 minutes or until fragrant and softened.
- Add the blue oyster mushrooms and sauté with garlic and shallots for about 3 minutes, or until softened.
- Include the cream, the herb rosemary, salt and pepper. Bring it to a gentle boil at the point that bubbles begin to rise and then begin to appear on the top Then reduce the temperature.
- Let the mixture simmer for around 15 minutes or as long. It will begin to decrease and become thicker.
- Mix in the butter, and then simmer. The sauce will reduce until it’s approximately half the original volume.
- Just before you’re ready serve, switch off the flame, and mix in the cheese until it’s all melted. Enjoy.
Blue Oyster Mushroom Jerky Recipe
Another excellent way to enjoy your blue oyster mushrooms when they’re beginning to dry out or you want to utilize them fast can be to make them chewy and jerky.
By marinating and drying your blue oysters, you can make delicious snacks that are low in calories but packed with satisfaction.
Instructions
- 200 grams blue oysters separated and cleaned
- 1/2 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil (use less If you don’t enjoy it)
- 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce or Tamari
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey, maple syrup or sugar
- Half a teaspoon of liquid smoke, or one teaspoon smoked black paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- just a few gallons of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of crushed chili red flakes
Directions
- Be sure that your blue oyster mushrooms are clean and separated into separate caps and stalks. Place them in a bowl.
- Mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients and then whisk together until completely inseparable.
- Place the blue oysters into the mix and stir until every mushroom is completely coated. The bowl is covered with plastic wrap, then place in the fridge for a night to let the marinade sit.
- The next day spread your blue oyster mushrooms on dehydrator trays as well as air fryer plates in one layer. Be sure to avoid having any pieces that touch as this could hinder them from drying completely. You might want to spray the trays with some oil spray.
- In the dehydrator, or air fryer at 180 degrees F.
- After about an hour and a half, unhook the dehydrator’s trays and flip over the Blue oysters. Place them back in the air fryer/dehydrator and cook them for another 30-60 minutes or until they’re cooked according to your preferences.
- Once the food is cooked, take out the trays and mushrooms out of the dehydrator. Allow them to remain for about 2 minutes before eating.
- Keep in an airtight container after cooling.
A Roundup of Blue Oyster Mushrooms
There are numerous ways to take advantage of oysters with blue and your creativity is your only limitation. The only way to know if you wish to eat them is if not cooked. They don’t have the most appealing texture or taste until they’re cooked.
The easiest method of cooking oysters in blue is to bake them in the oven, accompanied by your preferred herbs and spices to make a crisp taste, and delicious appetizer.
Pan-frying them in a mixture of spices and butter to intensify the flavor and increase their flavor and texture.
If you’d like to be more imaginative with your blue oyster mushrooms you could dehydrate them, or create an amazing creamy sauce or an appetizer that is full of cheese and herbs.
However, you will enjoy these mushrooms as they’re a fantastic option for any of your next meals!
Heya, I’m Norah! The foodie editor here at YummyTasteFood! I love absolutely everything to do with food, baking, and eating! I earned my stripes in the hospitality industry as a pastry chef, sous chef, and barista. I’m now a freelance writing nomad. I do not miss the hospitality industry! Be sure to join our Facebook group – it’s free to access!
