Homemade oyster mushroom stir fry

If you like mushrooms and just happen to have a big batch of oyster mushrooms, you can’t miss this simple dish. This quick oyster mushroom stir fry is a dish that my mom used to cook on repeat as a weekday dinner when I was growing up. She would heat up her cast iron wok super hot, brown the mushrooms and season them with very light ingredients and some aromatics. The finished dish is simple yet satisfying. I would happily enjoy a big plate of the mushrooms with steamed rice all by myself. 

What is oyster mushroom

Oyster mushrooms are some of the most popular mushrooms in Chinese cooking. They have a mild flavor with a subtle earthy and nutty flavor. They brown very well over high heat, creating crispy edges while maintaining a tender texture. They also absorb the flavor of seasonings and sauces well. 

There are different types of oyster mushrooms, such as king oyster mushrooms, that behave quite differently in cooking. When not mentioned specifically, oyster mushrooms often means pearl oyster mushrooms. It’s the most common variety, with a light grey and beige color.

Stir fried pearl oyster mushroom close up

Where to buy oyster mushrooms

Living in the US, I found that most grocery stores only carry a limited selection of mushrooms. And even though I can find the other varieties, they are usually quite pricey. 

If you happen to live close to an Asian grocery store, you may find many varieties of mushrooms at a cheaper price. Your best bet is a Chinese market such as Ranch 99, a Korean market such as H Mart, or a Japanese grocery store. The other option is a farmer’s market, although they might have different varieties depending on the season.

Ingredients for oyster mushrooms stir fry

You only need a few simple ingredients. And when you’re ready to cook, everything should be measured out and cut.

  • Oyster mushrooms: torn to large bite-size pieces. 
  • Light soy sauce: adds a nice umami to the dish without adding much color.
  • Sugar: the sugar balances out the saltiness of the dish to bring out the flavor of the mushrooms. It won’t make the dish too sweet.
  • Garlic
  • Salt
  • Green onion: For garnish, but it also adds a nice taste. 
Oyster mushroom stir fry ingredients

How to make the oyster mushroom stir fry

1- Sear the mushrooms lightly, then add the garlic. Once fragrant, add the sugar and cook until the mushrooms are blistered.

Pan frying oyster mushroom and adding garlic

2- Pour in the light soy sauce and cook until fully absorbed and the mushrooms have softened. 

Pour in the light soy sauce into the pan

3- Add the green onion and mix everything together.

Adding green onion to finish up the dish

Eat more mushrooms

A wide range of mushrooms is commonly used in Chinese cooking for the multitude of delicious flavors, as well as to add interesting texture to a dish and for their nutritional value. Mushrooms are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. They also have a meaty texture, which can make them a fun meat replacement. They are low in calories and fat, which make them a great diet food.

To explore more mushrooms recipes, check out:

Oyster mushroom stir fry served in a plate

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A super quick and easy oyster mushroom stir fry that creates a hearty side dish in 15 minutes. The mushrooms are cooked with a dash of soy sauce and garlic to bring out the delightful flavor of the ingredients.

Easy Oyster Mushroom Stir Fry

By Maggie Zhu
4.50 from 2 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2 to 3 servings
Print
A super quick and easy oyster mushroom stir fry that creates a hearty side dish in 15 minutes. The mushrooms are cooked with a dash of soy sauce and garlic to bring out the delightful flavor of the ingredients.

Ingredients 

  • 12 oz oyster mushrooms , tough ends removed and cut into bite sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon peanut oil
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1/8 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
  • Green onions for garnish , sliced (Optional)

Instructions

  • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add mushrooms, let sear, stirring frequently for 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Add garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  • Sprinkle sugar and salt on top. Cook and stir until slightly charred, 2 minutes or so.
  • Pour soy sauce over mushrooms. Quickly stir for another minute, until the soy sauce is absorbed evenly and the mushrooms have softened. Add the green onion if using, stir a few times to mix well. Taste the mushrooms and adjust seasoning by adding more salt if needed. Turn off the heat and transfer the mushrooms to a plate. Serve hot as a side dish.

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Notes

  1. Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari to replace light soy sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 85kcal, Carbohydrates: 7.2g, Protein: 6.2g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 0.8g, Sodium: 307mg, Potassium: 609mg, Fiber: 1.9g, Sugar: 3.5g, Calcium: 4mg, Iron: 5mg

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