Garlic Butter King Oyster Mushrooms

Garlic Butter King Oyster Mushrooms are a savory, aromatic, and delightfully umami-packed dish perfect for serving as a side or topping for rice, noodles, or even toast. This quick and satisfying recipe celebrates the meaty texture of King Oyster mushrooms, transforming them into golden, buttery bites infused with garlic and soy-based sauces. With just a few ingredients and under 20 minutes of cooking, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, quick lunches, or a vegetarian-friendly main with steamed rice. Whether you’re vegan, flexitarian, or just love mushrooms, this is a go-to recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield

Serves 2–3 as a side or topping

Cuisine

Asian-inspired, Korean-Japanese fusion

Ingredients

• 4 King Oyster Mushrooms

• 9 to 10 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• Scallions, chopped (for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil

• 2 tablespoons butter (or additional oil for a vegan version)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• ½ tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegan oyster sauce)

• ½ tablespoon oligosaccharide (or substitute with honey or sugar)

• 1 tablespoon cooking wine or mirin (optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mushrooms

• Wash the King Oyster mushrooms briefly and pat dry.

• Slice them into bite-sized rounds or diagonally into oblong slices, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. This shape helps them cook evenly and develop a nice sear.

2. Sauté the Garlic

• Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wide skillet or frying pan over medium heat.

• Add the sliced garlic and sauté until lightly golden and aromatic. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

3. Sear the Mushrooms

• Add the sliced King Oyster mushrooms to the pan.

• Sauté for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until they become golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges. Mushrooms will release moisture before browning—just keep cooking!

4. Add Flavorings

• Lower the heat slightly. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ tablespoon oyster sauce, and ½ tablespoon oligosaccharide (or honey/sugar).

• Stir to evenly coat the mushrooms and garlic in the sauce.

5. Optional Wine or Mirin

• If using, add 1 tablespoon of cooking wine or mirin. Let the liquid reduce for 1–2 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate and the flavor to concentrate.

6. Final Touches

• Cook for another 2–3 minutes, letting the mushrooms absorb all the buttery, umami flavors.

• Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed (soy and oyster sauces already add saltiness).

• Turn off the heat and sprinkle with chopped scallions for freshness and color.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Serve hot as a side dish with rice, or on top of noodles, toast, or even polenta.

• Leftovers store well and can be reheated or added to stir-fries.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Estimated for 1 of 3 servings

• Calories: ~170

• Protein: 4g

• Fat: 12g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sodium: ~450mg

• Sugar: 3–4g

Origins and Popularity

This dish draws inspiration from Korean banchan (side dishes) and Japanese izakaya-style mushroom sautés. Garlic butter mushroom dishes are particularly popular in modern Korean and Japanese home cooking for their ability to bring restaurant-style flavor into the everyday kitchen. King Oyster mushrooms are prized in Asian cuisine for their firm, meaty texture and ability to absorb seasonings, making them ideal for rich, savory glazes like this garlic soy-butter combo.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and quick: Ready in under 20 minutes

• Umami-packed: Soy, garlic, and butter create an intense, savory bite

• Versatile: Serve it solo or as part of a larger meal

• Customizable: Easily made vegan or adjusted for dietary needs

• Impressive: Great for guests, yet incredibly easy to make

Health Benefits

King Oyster mushrooms are not just delicious—they’re also nutritious:

• Low in calories, fat-free, and high in fiber

• Rich in B vitamins, potassium, and antioxidants

• Prebiotic content helps support gut health

• Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties

• By using a small amount of oil and sugar, this recipe keeps things balanced and wholesome

Serving Suggestions

• Rice bowl: Spoon over steamed jasmine or brown rice

• Noodles: Serve on soba, udon, or ramen for a savory topping

• Toasts: Use as a topping for crusty sourdough toast

• Protein pairing: Complement with grilled tofu, tempeh, or a poached egg

• Side dish: Add to a Korean-style meal with kimchi, spinach namul, and egg rolls

Cooking Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: To get a golden crust on the mushrooms, cook them in a single layer or in batches.

• Control garlic browning: Garlic can burn quickly—remove from pan temporarily if it cooks faster than mushrooms.

• Adjust sweetness: Oligosaccharide is less sweet than sugar, so tweak based on preference.

• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or gochugaru (Korean chili powder) for heat.

• Finish with sesame oil: A tiny drizzle at the end adds nutty aroma.

Variations

• Vegan version: Use vegan butter or more cooking oil, and replace oyster sauce with a mushroom-based vegetarian version.

• Add vegetables: Bell peppers, spinach, or baby bok choy make great additions.

• Crispy topping: Add toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried shallots for crunch.

• Citrusy twist: Finish with a splash of lemon juice or yuzu for brightness.

• Hearty upgrade: Toss cooked soba or rice noodles in the mushroom sauce for a full meal.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter King Oyster Mushroom recipe is an effortless way to bring rich umami flavor to your table using just a handful of pantry staples. From the aroma of sizzling garlic to the golden sear on each mushroom slice, it’s a feast for both the senses and the stomach. Whether you serve it as a weeknight side or the star of a rice bowl, it’s a recipe that satisfies with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use regular mushrooms instead of King Oyster?
Yes! Shiitake, cremini, or portobello mushrooms also work, though King Oyster provides the best texture for this recipe.

2. What can I use instead of butter?
For a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute with avocado oil, olive oil, or vegan butter.

3. Is oyster sauce vegetarian?
Traditional oyster sauce is not vegetarian. You can use a mushroom-based oyster sauce alternative for a plant-based version.

4. What is oligosaccharide?
It’s a syrupy sweetener used in Korean cooking. If unavailable, use honey, maple syrup, or sugar.

5. Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, it reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

6. What pairs well with this dish?
Steamed rice, noodles, tofu, miso soup, kimchi, or sautéed greens.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s best eaten fresh, but can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

8. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is also gluten-free.

9. What if I don’t have cooking wine or mirin?
You can skip it, or use a splash of apple juice, rice vinegar, or dry sherry.

10. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely—add chili flakes, sriracha, or gochujang to taste.