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Oyster mushrooms are a common type of mushroom that grows mainly on the pillars of dry trees. Dishes made from them turn out tasty and nutritious, but oyster mushrooms need to be cooked correctly. To do this, you need to know the features of preparing mushrooms for subsequent use, and also strictly follow the recipe. Due to their properties, they can be prepared in numerous ways and included in different dishes.
What do oyster mushrooms taste like?
These mushrooms have a characteristic taste and aroma. It resembles champignons, but the taste is more pronounced. In this matter, you need to take into account the place of growth. The tastiest specimens are those collected in the forest, and not grown on an industrial scale on specialized farms.
Due to their taste, wild oyster mushrooms can be prepared in any way. They go well with side dishes, are suitable for first courses, and are often used as a filling in baked goods.
How to cook oyster mushrooms
The processing method depends on what dish needs to be prepared. Before you start cooking, oyster mushrooms must be cleaned. The peculiarity of such mushrooms is that they do not need to be soaked.They do not have the bitterness characteristic of other types and are safe for health.
Before cooking, it is recommended to trim the legs by about 2/3. This necessity is explained by the fact that they are too rigid. The remaining specimens should be washed in water and the sticky coating should be removed from the cap. This is easiest to do with a small knife.
After cleaning, the mushrooms are washed again. They are then left in a colander to drain the liquid. When these procedures are completed, the oyster mushrooms can be cooked.
Recipes for cooking oyster mushrooms
There are many options for preparing oyster mushrooms at home. The choice of recipe should be based on personal culinary preferences. In any case, following the recipe will allow you to prepare a delicious mushroom dish.
Pickled oyster mushrooms
This is a popular snack that perfectly complements any table. There are several recipes that allow you to deliciously cook oyster mushrooms in a marinade in a short period of time.
You will need:
- oyster mushrooms – 4 kg;
- onion – 2 heads;
- water – 100 ml;
- garlic – 2-3 cloves;
- sugar – 40-50 g;
- salt – 10 g;
- vinegar – 30 ml.
Oyster mushrooms should be cooked in a saucepan this way. You need to lay out mushrooms and onions, cut into half rings, in layers. Next you need to fill them with marinade and set the pressure.
How to prepare the marinade:
- Add chopped garlic to 100 ml of water.
- Add vinegar, salt, sugar.
- Heat the mixture over the fire, but do not bring to a boil (so that the salt and sugar dissolve).
Under pressure, the appetizer is marinated for 8 hours.After this, it is ready for use. If you want a more pronounced sour taste, it is recommended to add more vinegar.
Another recipe calls for pickling in jars. This option is simple, but the mushrooms turn out crispy and incredibly tasty.
You will need:
- oyster mushrooms – 3-4 kg;
- water – 300 ml;
- sugar and salt - 30 g each;
- vegetable oil and vinegar - 50 ml each;
- bay leaf – 2 pieces;
- allspice – 4-6 peas;
- garlic – 2 cloves.
Pour water into the pan, add salt and sugar, garlic and pepper. When the liquid boils, you need to add oil with vinegar and bay leaf. Place oyster mushrooms in a boiling (over low heat) marinade. They are boiled for 7-8 minutes, then the container is removed from the stove and left to cool along with the mushrooms. Then they are placed in jars and filled with marinade from the same pan. The duration of marinating is at least 12 hours.
Salted oyster mushrooms
Pickling is the best way to preserve mushrooms for a long period of time. This preparation requires a minimum amount of ingredients. The most common methods are cold and hot salting.
The easiest way to cook is using the cold method:
- Sprinkle the bottom of the pan with salt.
- Place the washed oyster mushrooms on top, caps down.
- Sprinkle the mushrooms with salt and add the next layer.
- You need to lay out layers until the main product runs out.
- Sheets of cherry or oak are placed on the top layer, a plate is placed on top, and a weight is placed on it.
Over the course of several days, the fruiting bodies release juice and become completely covered in liquid. In addition to salt, you can add various spices to the pickling container. Cloves, black pepper and bay leaves work well. Marinating should take place in a cool place for at least 3-4 days.
The hot salting method is no less popular than the cold one. This recipe involves subsequent rolling in a jar.
You will need:
- boiled oyster mushrooms – 2.5 kg;
- water – 1.5 l;
- salt – 100 g;
- garlic – 5 cloves;
- cloves, pepper, bay leaf - several pieces each;
- vinegar – 15 ml.
Oyster mushrooms are placed in a large jar and filled with brine. To prepare it, you need to dissolve salt in water, add garlic and spices. Boiling liquid is poured into a jar and left to cool. For the first 2 days, the workpiece should be kept at room temperature. Then the brine is drained, boiled, returned back to the container and closed with an iron lid.
Oyster mushroom soup
This recipe will definitely appeal to lovers of first courses made with mushroom broth. It is best to cook fresh oyster mushrooms, but you can take prepared ones for the winter. Then they need to be thoroughly washed from the marinade and allowed to drain.
For a delicious soup you need:
- mushrooms – 500 g;
- potatoes – 3-4 pieces;
- onion – 1 small head;
- 1 small carrot;
- water – 2-2.5 l;
- vegetable oil – 1 tbsp. l.;
- salt, spices - to taste.
How to cook soup:
- Place onions and carrots in a frying pan heated with oil and fry for several minutes.
- Add chopped oyster mushrooms.
- Cook for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
- At this time, boil the water.
- Place roasted and peeled, diced potatoes in a pan, pour boiling water over them.
- Add salt, spices and place the container on the fire.
- When the soup boils, stir the contents and reduce the heat.
- Cook the dish for 25 minutes.
- At the end, add bay leaf and pepper if desired.
The soup turns out thick and rich. For those who like dishes with a thinner consistency, it is recommended to add less potatoes. You can decorate the soup with herbs, and it is recommended to serve with sour cream.
Oyster mushroom salad
This type of dish will certainly appeal to those who like original combinations of ingredients. The proposed recipes for oyster mushrooms will certainly not leave cold appetizer lovers indifferent. It is recommended to pay attention to a simple mushroom salad with eggs.
Required ingredients:
- oyster mushrooms – 300 g;
- processed cheese – 1 package;
- egg - 2 pieces;
- mayonnaise – 1 tbsp. l.;
- salt, spices - to taste;
- greens - for decoration.
How to prepare the salad:
- Cut the mushrooms into strips and place on a salad plate.
- Grind the processed cheese on a grater.
- Cut the boiled eggs into cubes and mix them with cheese.
- Add the resulting mixture to the mushrooms, season with mayonnaise, add spices.
- The ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
Before serving, it is recommended to keep the dish in the refrigerator for a short time. When cold, it has a richer and piquant taste.
Another option for preparing oyster mushrooms will appeal to lovers of salty salads.
List of ingredients:
- smoked chicken breast – 1 piece;
- oyster mushrooms – 400 g;
- eggs – 4 pieces;
- onion – 1 small head;
- pickled cucumbers – 200 g;
- mayonnaise – 100 g.
You need to chop all the ingredients and mix them together, seasoning with mayonnaise. Another option is to prepare the salad in layers. Then it is best to place chicken at the bottom of the container, oyster mushrooms, cucumbers and eggs on top. Each layer must be coated with mayonnaise. The result is an original and very satisfying dish.
Fried oyster mushrooms
When looking for a recipe for oyster mushrooms for the second course, you should definitely pay attention to fried mushrooms. This cooking option is considered one of the most popular. This is a great addition to potatoes and other side dishes.
For preparation you will need:
- mushrooms – 400 g;
- onion – 1 small head;
- carrots – 1 piece;
- garlic – 3 cloves;
- vegetable oil – 1-2 tbsp. l.;
- salt, spices - to taste.
First of all, fry the onions and carrots in a frying pan with oil. Then chopped raw oyster mushrooms are added to them. They will certainly form liquid, so cook with the lid open.
When the water has evaporated, reduce the heat and fry for another 10-15 minutes. A few minutes before the end of the process, add garlic and spices. The dish has a rich golden color, which makes it more appetizing.
Stewed oyster mushrooms
Among the many recipes for preparing oyster mushrooms, the stew dish stands out. This appetizer is an ideal addition to any side dishes, but goes best with fried or boiled potatoes.
Required ingredients:
- oyster mushrooms – 0.5 kg;
- onion – 1 head;
- sour cream – 150 g;
- cheese – 50 g;
- spices and herbs - to taste.
How to cook:
- Fry the onion in a frying pan.
- Add chopped oyster mushrooms.
- When the excess liquid has evaporated, add sour cream.
- Add cheese, herbs, salt, spices.
- Simmer over low heat for 8-10 minutes with the lid closed.
To give it an original color, you can include 1 egg yolk. The dish must be served hot.
Mushroom caviar from oyster mushrooms
Mushroom caviar is an original dish that is used as an appetizer. It can be consumed immediately after preparation or preserved for the winter. Below is a simple and delicious recipe for oyster mushrooms.
Required components:
- oyster mushrooms – 400 g;
- carrots – 1 piece;
- onion – 1 head;
- vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons;
- tomato paste – 50 g;
- garlic – 2 cloves;
- salt, pepper - to taste.
Onions and carrots are fried in a frying pan, after which oyster mushrooms are added to them. The mixture is fried until cooked. You need to add spices and garlic. The result is a fried mass. It is ground in a blender or passed through a meat grinder. Due to this, the caviar has a uniform consistency. Alternative recipe for oyster mushrooms on video:
Oyster mushroom pie
It is recommended to prepare baked goods with oyster mushrooms using yeast dough. You can buy it at the store or prepare it yourself.
For this you will need:
- flour – 2 cups;
- sugar – 3 tbsp. l.;
- butter – 3 tbsp. l.;
- water – about 200 ml;
- dry yeast – 1 tsp.
How to prepare the dough:
- Pour the yeast into 0.5 cups of warm water.
- Pour the rest of the water into the container with flour.
- Add sugar, melted butter.
- When the yeast rises, add it to the main mass.
The dough must be thoroughly kneaded with your hands. If necessary, add flour and water. The dough should stretch well and not tear. After kneading, it is left to rise in a warm place.
At this time you should prepare the filling:
- 500 g of oyster mushrooms are fried with onions and carrots in a frying pan.
- Separately stew 700 g of cabbage.
- The finished components are mixed together.
In addition to the filling itself, you will need to fill the pie. To do this, beat 3-4 eggs with 150 ml of sour cream.You can add hard cheese, pre-grated, to the composition.
How to cook the pie:
- Place the dough in a deep greased pan and form even sides.
- Place the filling inside.
- Pour the contents of the pie with egg and sour cream filling.
- Sprinkle the pie with spices.
- Place in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for about 20-25 minutes.
Useful tips
Following a few tips will allow you to properly prepare oyster mushrooms for any dish.
Useful tips:
- To prevent the fruit bodies from boiling, they should be washed with cold water after cooking;
- It is best to prepare specimens of even color, without spots;
- if the surface of the cap is dry, this indicates that the fruiting body is old;
- boiled specimens can be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 3 days;
- When cooking, a lot of juice is released, so you need to cook in deep containers;
- recipes for oyster mushroom dishes with photos will definitely help in the cooking process;
- Oyster mushrooms are a low-calorie product, but in combination with vegetable oil, sour cream and other ingredients, the nutritional value increases significantly;
- You can cook oyster mushrooms in the microwave by placing them in a suitable container greased with vegetable oil for 7-9 minutes.
Following these tips will ensure success in preparing both simple and complex dishes.
Conclusion
Cooking oyster mushrooms is not difficult if you choose quality ingredients and follow the recipe. These mushrooms can be prepared in a variety of ways, opening up many culinary possibilities.When prepared, they are ideal as an independent dish, but will also be an excellent addition to salads, pastries, and soups. In addition, they can be prepared for the winter by salting or canning.