Exploring Snow Oyster Mushroom Recipes with Spore to Fork

As winter sets in and temperatures drop, it's the perfect time to explore the world of snow oyster mushrooms. These delicate mushrooms thrive in cooler temperatures and offer a unique flavor profile that lends itself to a variety of dishes. Zach Papaleoni of Spore to Fork shares some of his favorite snow oyster mushroom recipes that are sure to impress your taste buds.

The Delicate Flavors of Snow Oyster Mushrooms

Snow oyster mushrooms are known for their tender yet firm texture and sweet aroma. They are versatile and can be used in a wide range of culinary applications, making them a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike.

Snow Oyster Mushroom Tempura with Raw Honey Chili Butter

For a killer appetizer that will impress your guests, try making snow oyster mushroom tempura with raw honey chili butter. This dish combines whole mushrooms with a flavorful butter sauce and fresh herbs for a delicious and crispy treat.

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup salted butter, softened
• ⅓ cup raw honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp chili sauce
• 12 oz. snow oyster mushrooms, cut into individual pieces
• 1 cup + a dusting of flour, sifted
• 1 tsp salt, divided
• 1 egg
• 1 cup chilled water
• Vegetable oil for frying
• ⅛ cup rosemary leaves (or other herbs of your choosing)

Method:

1. Whisk butter, honey, soy sauce, and chili sauce together in a small bowl and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a deep cooking vessel and prepare the batter by whisking egg, water, flour, and salt together.
3. Dip each mushroom in the batter and fry until golden brown.
4. Season with salt and serve with honey chili butter and fried herbs.

Snowy Thai Coconut Soup

This vegan and delicious Thai-style coconut soup highlights the natural flavors of snow oyster mushrooms. It's light, satisfying, and perfect for warming up on a cold winter day.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp refined coconut oil
• 2 tbsp ginger, minced
• 1 baton of lemongrass, cut into 3” sections
• 12 oz snow oyster mushrooms (8 oz chopped, 4 oz whole)
• 1 qt vegetable stock
• 2 13.5 oz cans coconut milk
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• Juice and zest of one lime
• Garlic chili sauce

Method:

1. Saute ginger and lemongrass in coconut oil, then add chopped mushrooms and cook until soft.
2. Add stock, coconut milk, sugar, soy sauce, and salt. Simmer and blend until smooth.
3. Finish with lime juice, chili sauce, and whole mushrooms.
4. Serve hot with cilantro and lime zest.

Linguini with Oyster Mushroom Sauce

This classic dish gets an upgrade with the addition of snow oyster mushrooms. The blend of garlic, herbs, and mushrooms creates a flavorful sauce that pairs perfectly with linguini.

Ingredients:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
• 1 lb snow oyster mushrooms, chopped
• ½ cup dry white wine
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 lb linguini
• Fresh Parmigiano Reggiano

Method:

1. Heat butter and garlic, then add mushrooms and cook until tender.
2. Deglaze with wine, add seasoning, and finish with lemon juice and parsley.
3. Toss with cooked linguini and top with cheese before serving.

Conclusion

Snow oyster mushrooms are a delightful ingredient to add to your winter cooking repertoire. Whether you try them in tempura, soup, or pasta, their unique flavors and textures will elevate your dishes. Experiment with these recipes from Spore to Fork and discover the culinary possibilities of snow oyster mushrooms.

Get Cooking with Snow Oyster Mushrooms

Ready to try your hand at cooking with snow oyster mushrooms? Visit Spore to Fork for more recipes, tips, and insights on growing and cooking with mushrooms. Follow Zach on Instagram @sporetofork for updates and inspiration for your mushroom adventures.