13 Delicious Mushroom Varieties You Should Be Cooking With

When it comes to cooking, mushrooms are one of the most versatile ingredients you can use. They add depth, richness, and sometimes even a meaty texture to both simple and complex dishes. With so many varieties to choose from, knowing which mushrooms to cook with can make all the difference.

Shiitake Mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms are known for their rich, umami flavor, which adds a savory depth to any dish. These mushrooms are often used in Asian cuisine, especially in stir-fries, soups, and broths. Their firm texture makes them a great substitute for meat in vegetarian dishes. When dried, their flavor intensifies, making them perfect for stock or sauces. Shiitakes also provide a nice boost of protein and fiber, making them a healthy addition to your meals.

Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are large, meaty, and perfect for grilling or stuffing. Their robust, earthy flavor makes them a great alternative to beef burgers for a plant-based option. When cooked, they soak up marinades and seasonings beautifully, making each bite flavorful. They also have a slightly chewy texture that holds up well in various recipes, from sandwiches to baked dishes. With their hearty size, portobellos make a satisfying and filling meal.

Cremini Mushrooms

Cremini mushrooms, also known as baby bellas, are younger versions of the portobello. They have a firmer texture and a slightly more delicate flavor than their larger counterparts. Creminis are excellent in sautés, sauces, and pasta dishes because they hold their shape well during cooking. Their mild, earthy taste pairs perfectly with garlic, butter, and herbs. Versatile and easy to cook, they’re a go-to mushroom for many home chefs.

Oyster Mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor that works well in a wide range of dishes. Their soft, velvety texture makes them ideal for stir-fries, soups, and even grilled dishes. They cook quickly and easily absorb the flavors of whatever seasoning or sauce you’re using. Whether served as a side dish or the star of a meal, oyster mushrooms add a subtle yet delicious note to your cooking. Plus, they’re rich in antioxidants and vitamins, offering a health boost as well.

Enoki Mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms are long, thin, and have a crunchy texture, making them a fun addition to soups and salads. Their mild, almost fruity taste pairs well with lighter dishes, like ramen or sushi. These mushrooms don’t need much cooking—just a quick sauté or simmer is enough to bring out their flavor. Enoki mushrooms are also high in fiber and low in calories, making them a healthy choice. Their unique appearance adds visual appeal to your dishes as well.

Chanterelle Mushrooms

Chanterelles are prized for their bright yellow color and delicate, fruity flavor with hints of pepper and earthiness. They have a firm, slightly chewy texture that works well in sautéed dishes, especially when paired with butter or cream sauces. Chanterelles are a bit more expensive and harder to find, but their unique taste makes them worth seeking out. Their flavor shines in simple dishes like risottos or omelets, where they can be the star ingredient.

Morel Mushrooms

Morel mushrooms are highly sought after for their deep, earthy flavor and sponge-like texture that soaks up sauces beautifully. They’re often foraged rather than farmed, which makes them a seasonal delicacy. Morels are perfect in creamy sauces, paired with pasta, or simply sautéed with butter and garlic. Their flavor is rich and bold, adding a gourmet touch to any meal. Because of their porous nature, they need to be cleaned carefully before cooking.

Maitake Mushrooms

Also known as hen of the woods, maitake mushrooms have a feathery appearance and a bold, earthy flavor. These mushrooms are great in stir-fries, soups, or roasted with herbs and oil. They have a meaty texture that holds up well in cooking, making them a good option for both vegetarian and meat-based dishes. Maitakes are also known for their health benefits, including immune-boosting properties. Their strong flavor adds depth to simple dishes.

Porcini Mushrooms

Porcini mushrooms are a favorite in Italian cooking due to their deep, nutty flavor. Whether fresh or dried, they add an intense richness to soups, risottos, and pasta dishes. Dried porcinis, in particular, have a concentrated taste that elevates sauces and stocks. Their firm texture and unique flavor make them a prized ingredient in gourmet kitchens. Though they can be a bit pricey, a little porcini goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of your meals.

King Oyster Mushrooms

King oyster mushrooms are known for their thick, meaty stems, which are great for grilling, roasting, or even slicing into steaks. Their mild flavor makes them a versatile choice, as they can easily take on the taste of any seasoning or sauce you use. When cooked, they have a chewy, almost seafood-like texture, making them perfect for plant-based recipes. They’re also a good source of protein and fiber, adding both flavor and nutrition to your dishes.

Lion’s Mane Mushrooms

Lion’s mane mushrooms have a unique, shaggy appearance and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Their texture is often compared to seafood, particularly crab or lobster, making them a great meat substitute in vegan and vegetarian dishes. Lion’s mane is also known for its health benefits, including boosting brain function and reducing inflammation. Sautéed or roasted, these mushrooms add an interesting texture and flavor to your meals.

Black Trumpet Mushrooms

Black trumpet mushrooms have a smoky, earthy flavor and a delicate, paper-thin texture. They’re often used in gourmet dishes, where their rich taste adds depth to sauces and soups. These mushrooms are sometimes called “poor man’s truffles” due to their intense flavor. They’re best when dried and rehydrated, as this brings out their full potential in cooking. Though they can be hard to find, black trumpets are worth the effort for their unique taste.

Wood Ear Mushrooms

Wood ear mushrooms have a mild flavor but a wonderfully crunchy texture that makes them popular in Asian cuisine, especially in soups and stir-fries. They absorb the flavors of the broth or sauce they’re cooked in, adding a nice contrast to softer ingredients. These mushrooms are often used in hot and sour soup, adding texture without overwhelming the dish. Wood ear mushrooms are also known for their health benefits, including improving circulation and boosting immune health.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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