King Oyster Mushroom “Scallops” with Caper Sauce

King oyster mushroom scallops are a great way to impress vegan guests (or just yourself). Read on for my cooking tips and serving suggestions.

“Scallops” made out of king oyster mushrooms are never not impressive – to vegans and omnivores alike. They’re fancy-looking, extremely delicious, and simple to make. If you’ve never tried this concept before, prepare to be amazed.

You see, king oyster mushrooms (also known as trumpet mushrooms) have these thick, meaty stems. When you slice them into rounds, soak them in a brine, and sear them, they take on the look, texture, and flavor of sea scallops. They’re chewy but tender, and have a mild sweet-savory taste that’s complemented perfectly by this tangy white wine sauce with capers.

Not only is this dupe vegan-friendly, but if you’re a fan of scallops, the mushroom version is way more affordable, too. (At the time of this writing, scallops are $30/pound at Whole Foods here in NYC. Yikes.)

Key Ingredients + Substitutions

• King Oyster Mushrooms: (a.k.a. “trumpet” and “royal trumpet” mushrooms) Look for these in Whole Foods and other specialty supermarkets, as well as Asian stores and farmers markets. Try to find ones with the widest stems. 12 ounces may seem like a lot, but they shrink considerably during cooking.
• Miso: Soaking the mushrooms in a hot water-miso solution softens them and creates the first layer of seasoning. If you’re in a rush, you can skip the soaking step; the mushrooms will have a tougher texture but still be delish.
• Dry White Wine: Forms the foundation of the tangy sauce. Go for sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, or something similar. Never use “cooking wine”. If you don’t drink alcohol, use vegetable broth as a substitute and double the amount of lemon juice in the sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Cuts through the richness of the sauce.
• Capers: Add pops of salty brininess typical in seafood dishes.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce. Use a gluten-free all-purpose blend for a GF version.
• Parsley: Brightens the dish with an element of freshness.

How to Make King Oyster Mushroom Scallops

Find complete instructions with ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.

Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms

Cut the caps off the mushrooms, and either keep them whole or halve them. Slice the stems into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Cut a diagonal crosshatch pattern into each slice on both sides; this will help the mushrooms absorb the seasoning and cook more evenly.

Step 2: Soak the Mushrooms

In a large bowl, combine miso with boiling water and stir to dissolve the miso completely. Add the mushrooms and toss them in the liquid to make sure they’re absorbing it evenly. Set aside for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or so.

Step 3: Sear the “Scallops”

Drain the mushrooms and pat them dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Cook in a non-stick skillet over medium heat until nicely browned on both sides, about 10 minutes total. Resist the urge to flip them more than once to ensure proper browning. Be sure all the liquid is evaporated before flipping. For best results, flip with tongs instead of a spatula.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Transfer the mushroom scallops to a serving platter. Add more oil to the skillet, as well as some minced garlic. Cook for a few seconds, then whisk in the flour. Add the wine and whisk to deglaze the pan (i.e. pick up the brown stuck-on bits at the bottom). Simmer the sauce for 2 to 3 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Lastly, stir in the capers, parsley, and lemon juice, and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Serve the “Scallops”

Pour the sauce over the mushrooms, sprinkle with extra parsley, and serve.

How to Serve Mushroom Scallops

Vegan scallops are great with anything starchy, creamy, and/or porridgy. Think vegan mashed potatoes, white bean purée, creamy polenta, or even pasta.