Mushrooms are an extremely versatile ingredient, yet can often be overlooked in terms of what they bring to a dish. In truth, mushrooms can be the star of any culinary show, particularly if you know how to use them in the right way. Here we look at a few recipes that put mushrooms front and centre, and how to best match different mushrooms to your culinary visions.

Stir-fry with oysters mushrooms

Oyster mushrooms are one of the most absorbent mushroom varieties, and are able to take on a surprising amount of flavour and texture in any dish. For this reason, they make the perfect accompaniment to any stir-fry, soaking up the soy, oyster or hoisin sauce that flavours the dish. What’s most surprising about oyster mushrooms, however, is their unique texture, as they are often just as juicy as cuts of fish or chicken.  

Pho-style soup with enoki mushrooms

Enoki mushrooms might look a little strange, but they have a mysterious subtlety about them that helps brings a richness and depth of taste to a dish. One fantastic use for enoki mushroom is in any asian-style soup, such as pho. If you are being carb conscious, try switching out rice noodles for a handle of enoki mushroom and bean sprouts. Rest assured, they will be just as delicious.

Button-mushroom soup

Button mushrooms are the most common type of mushroom found in the Western world, regularly served up alongside a poached egg and steaming mound of spinach. Mushrooms can also make for a delicious creamy soup filler, too, when mixed with cream, fresh parsley and served with a buttered crust of bread.

Shiitake mushroom burgers

Not for the faint hearted, shiitake mushrooms are one of the most flavoursome of the oriental varieties, really holding their own in terms of texture and taste. For this reason, they tend to steal the spotlight of a dish and are best presented as the main component of a meal, rather than as part of a mixture of ingredients. Why not try a steaming shiitake mushroom burger patty, mixed with some fresh shallots, garlic and ginger? Paired with crunchy salad ingredients, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a healthy vegetarian dish.