BBQ Pulled Oyster Mushroom Burger Recipe (Vegan + Meat Free)
Chewy, sweet, and savoury, there’s a reason we love pulled pork. As comforting and delicious as it can be, more and more of us are looking for meat-free weeknight alternatives to our favourite dishes - we’ve found success with this BBQ pulled oyster mushroom burger. With much of what we enjoy about the original dish coming from the sticky sauce, oyster mushrooms offer a great vegan pulled pork alternative, with a similar texture and their own distinct, delicious umami flavour notes.
As mushroom connoisseurs who have worked closely with some of the UK’s top chefs, we’ve picked up a thing or two about getting the most out of these flavoursome fungi, and in this blog, we’ll be sharing our recipe for pulled oyster mushroom burgers. Perfect for a weeknight treat or a Saturday night in, these meat-free burgers are incredible when served with a tangy, fresh coleslaw. Let’s dig in!
Why oyster mushrooms work as an alternative to meat
Before we look at the recipe, let's quickly ask - why oyster mushrooms? While many mushrooms possess a ‘meaty’ texture, oyster mushrooms in particular are effective in replicating that distinct and satisfying mouthfeel many of us crave.
Satisfying texture
When it comes to replicating texture, the fibrous stems of oyster mushrooms are very similar to the sinewiness of pulled pork.
Effective flavour absorption
Thanks to their fibrous structure and the high amount of water released when cooked at high heat, oyster mushrooms are able to absorb seasoning flavours very effectively.
Brief cooking time
As an added bonus, mushrooms reach the perfect texture in just a few minutes, making them a meat alternative that not only satisfies the palate, but also cuts down on cooking time - perfect for when you’re strapped for time.
Where can I buy oyster mushrooms?
Oyster mushrooms are becoming increasingly popular among restaurateurs and home cooks alike for their delicious flavour and unique properties.
That being said, their availability isn’t quite up to the same standard as, say, portobello mushrooms. Oyster mushrooms can be purchased online and in some specialist supermarkets, such as Asian supermarkets. However, one of the most rewarding ways to grow your own oyster mushrooms is with a DIY kit. Kits guarantee at least one yield of delicious, gourmet-quality mushrooms that are high in flavour and perfect for a recipe like this. Additionally, kits like ours are completely traceable, using a vegan, peat-free recipe, and UK native mushroom strains, making them the number one choice for ethical eaters.
Pulled oyster mushroom burger recipe
Now that we have a little more info about what makes oyster mushrooms so effective, it’s time to get cooking. Of course, any recipe of this nature is very much down to personal taste, so once you’ve made this one, feel free to update with your own tweaks. For an extra boost, why not make a homemade coleslaw for added freshness and flavour
Ingredients
- 600g Oyster Mushrooms
- 1 Tbsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 2 Tbsp Oil
- 3 Tbsp BBQ Sauce
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ Tbsp cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 Brioche Buns (or vegan alternative)
Method
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Preheat the oven to 200 °C & line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce, salt, ketchup, brown sugar, cider vinegar and soy sauce. Set this aside for later; it will be used quite near the end of the recipe.
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In a large bowl, combine the oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and pepper. Cut all the oyster mushrooms into thin strips and toss them into the bowl with the oil and seasonings, tossing to coat all the mushrooms.
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Spread out onto your prepared baking tray to form a single layer. Place into your preheated oven and roast for 15 minutes.
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After 15 minutes, remove the tray from the oven, give everything a good turning and place the baking tray back into the oven for 10-15 more minutes. We’re looking for the water to have cooked off & for the mushrooms to have a nice light brown sizzle.
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Once the mushrooms have reached the desired colour - a nice golden brown - mix through the BBQ sauce mixture one Tbsp at a time until the mushrooms are fully coated.
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Put the tray back into the oven for a final 3-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to make sure the brown sugar doesn’t burn.
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Assemble your burger by piling the finished mushroom mixture onto the bottom half of your Brioche bun, then topping with the coleslaw and any other toppings you like!
Now that you’ve followed these steps, all that’s left to do is get stuck into this delicious burger. We hope it’s as much of a hit in your home as it is in ours. If you’ve been following along but need to secure some oyster mushrooms before starting, visit our product page to find oyster mushroom kits. With our DIY kits, you’ll get flavour, texture, and the reward of growing your own produce in a way that’s safe and fun for all the family.
We are always happy to answer questions & offer advice to budding mushroom enthusiasts, so if you're on your mushroom-growing journey and having difficulties, please get in touch with us!
Our website also features recipes, and more information on mushroom growing on our blog. Keep up to date with us on Instagram, or sign up to our mailing list.
