Sauteed Oyster Mushrooms

Have you ever seen a product/item at the grocery store and are intrigued, but have no idea what you would do with it?   That was me for many years every time I spied oyster mushrooms.  I really wanted to throw them in the cart but always stopped due to fear, anxiety and intimidation.  Seriously.  But there is something extremely unique and interesting about their coral-like stems and their funny shaped tops.  So when I recently stumbled on them at the farmers market, I immediately grabbed them before I could talk myself out of it. 

Are these easy to cook?  What do you do with them?  What flavors go with these fascinating and oddly shaped mushrooms?  After some experimenting, I quickly learned, yes, they are really easy to cook.  All you need to do is de-stem and clean, and they cook rather quickly.  Secondly, I recommend you use them in a simple saute for your first recipe.  When in doubt, I always turn to the tried and true winning combination of flavors of butter, garlic, white wine and parsley.  It can make anything delicious... trust me.  These flavors did not let me down and really allowed the flavor of the oyster mushrooms to come out.


Oyster mushrooms are mild in taste, yet almost have a sweetness to them. This delicious saute is simple and makes for an impressive side dish.  If you are a fan of mushrooms and looking to try something different give these a shot!   Perfect for wow'ing a loved one if I might say so :)

Ingredients
*the photographs show a half portion

6 oz oyster mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed
2 tsp garlic, minced
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4-5 tsp parsley
4 tbsp white wine, dry, i.e. Chardonnay
1/4 tsp salt
freshly cracked pepper

  
Method

In a large saute pan heat butter over medium high heat until melted.  Reduce heat to medium and add oyster mushrooms.  Saute for 3-4 minutes.  Add garlic, white wine, parsley, salt and pepper.  Saute for another 2-3 minutes and then serve hot.  Enjoy!