Oyster Mushrooms — Garlic Butter Toast

Flavor Highlight: Delicate umami, meaty texture
Recipe:
Sauté 2 cups oyster mushrooms in olive oil and 1 tbsp butter with 2 minced garlic cloves until golden. Add a splash of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Spoon over toasted sourdough and garnish with fresh thyme.

Optional Add-On: Top with a soft-poached egg or shaved parmesan.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with tomato soup or a glass of chilled Chardonnay.

Shiitake — Quick Stir-Fry

Flavor Highlight: Earthy and smoky
Recipe:
Sauté sliced shiitake mushrooms in sesame oil. Add minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Toss with steamed broccoli and serve over rice.

Optional Add-On: Stir in scrambled egg or thin slices of beef.
Serving Suggestion: Top with sesame seeds. Pair with green tea or a light sake.

Maitake — Sautéed Maitake with Balsamic Glaze

Flavor Highlight: Fragrant, woodsy, and meaty with crispy edges
Recipe:
Gently tear 1–2 Maitake clusters into large bite-size pieces. Heat a pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until edges crisp, then flip. Add a pinch of salt and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Cook 1 more minute until slightly caramelized.

Optional Add-On: Top with goat cheese or a fried quail egg.

Serving Suggestion:
Serve over creamy polenta, risotto, or on crostini with a smear of goat cheese (or cashew spread for vegan). Drizzle with extra balsamic reduction and top with arugula.

Pairing:
Excellent with dry rosé, mushroom tea, or sparkling water with lemon.

King Trumpet — Seared "Scallops"

Flavor Highlight: Dense and chewy, great for slicing
Recipe:
Slice thick stems into 1" rounds and lightly score the tops. Sear in olive oil and butter with garlic until golden on both sides. Deglaze with a splash of soy sauce and lemon juice.

Optional Add-On: Serve with seared shrimp or a crispy prosciutto chip.
Serving Suggestion: Serve over mashed potatoes with microgreens. Pairs well with Pinot Grigio or jasmine tea.

Chestnut Mushrooms — Creamy Pasta

Flavor Highlight: Deep, nutty mushroom flavor
Recipe:
Sauté with minced shallots, garlic, and thyme. Deglaze with white wine, then stir in cream or a plant-based alternative. Toss with pasta and top with parmesan or vegan cheese.

Optional Add-On: Add crispy pancetta or a sprinkle of truffle oil.
Serving Suggestion: Great with red wine like Pinot Noir or iced herbal tea.

Enoki — Miso Soup

Flavor Highlight: Mild, crisp texture
Recipe:
Simmer miso broth with tofu, sliced scallions, and enoki mushrooms. Add a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.

Optional Add-On: Add thinly sliced beef, or top with a jammy egg.
Serving Suggestion: Serve as a side to rice bowls or sushi. Pairs well with genmaicha tea or sparkling water.

Lion’s Mane — Crispy Lion’s Mane Steaks

Flavor Highlight: Lobster-like texture and savory depth
Recipe:
Tear into thick chunks and press out moisture. Sear in olive oil or butter with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and sea salt until golden and crisp.

Optional Add-On: Top with a creamy lemon-dill aioli or a small scoop of real crab salad.
Serving Suggestion: Try as a crab cake-style sandwich with aioli. Serve with slaw and a lemon wedge.

Black Pearl — Roasted Mushroom Medley

Flavor Highlight: Meaty, rich, cross between oyster and king trumpet
Recipe:
Toss mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Roast at 425°F for 20 minutes until edges crisp.

Optional Add-On: Crumble feta or serve alongside grilled chicken.
Serving Suggestion: Serve over couscous or grain bowls. Pair with hummus and warm flatbread.

Beech Mushrooms — Sautéed Beech with Ginger Soy Glaze

Flavor Highlight: Slightly nutty, mild with a satisfying bite
Recipe:
Trim the base off 1 pack of beech mushrooms and separate into small clusters. Heat sesame oil in a pan, add 1 tsp minced ginger and 1 garlic clove, sauté for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and cook 3–5 minutes until tender. Splash in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp maple syrup or mirin. Stir to coat and reduce slightly.

Optional Add-On: Add a soft-boiled ramen egg or a few slices of smoked salmon.

Serving Suggestion:
Serve over steamed rice or soba noodles. Top with chopped scallions and toasted sesame seeds.

Pairing:
Delicious alongside miso soup or chilled green tea. Add a side of pickled veggies for balance.