Lobster mushrooms, also known as false morels or giant oysters, are one of nature’s most prized delicacies.
They have a unique taste all their own with hints of sweetness and an earthy flavor.
While they may not seem like a common ingredient in many dishes, this versatile fungus grows abundantly throughout the US and Canada.
If you want to try your hand at preparing a lobster mushroom recipe, read on!
What Are The Ingredients In A Lobster Mushroom Recipe?
The main ingredients in any lobster mushroom recipe include meat from a crustacean (lobster) and a variety of vegetables.
You can choose to add fresh or dried mushrooms depending on how much time you have available.
For instance, when making a lobster mushroom soup, it would be best to use both fresh and dried shrimp.
Fresh shrimp will add extra protein while dried ones will give off a rich aroma and bring out the flavors of other ingredients.
Other ingredients commonly used in lobster mushroom recipes include onions, garlic, parsley, thyme, bay leaves, celery, bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, corn, and peas.
Some chefs even add seafood such as clams, scallops, mussels, and fish eggs.
1. Lobster Mushroom Soup
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes Ingredients 2 tbsp olive oil
4 large shallots, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lb. red wine
8 cups chicken stock
10 sprigs fresh thyme
2 lbs. small new potatoes
14 oz. shrimps, deveined and coarsely diced
5 oz. green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
15 oz. baby spinach
7 oz. white button mushrooms, quartered
12 oz. lobster tails, shelled
Salt & pepper to taste Instructions Heat the pot over medium heat.
Add the olive oil followed by the shallots and sauté until translucent.
Next, add the garlic and cook until fragrant.
Then, add the white wine and let simmer until reduced by half.
Finally, pour in the chicken stock and add the thyme sprigs.
Bring mixture to boil then reduce heat and allow it to simmer for 30 minutes.
Strain the broth through cheesecloth and discard solids.
Place the potatoes, shrimps, and beans in another pot and cover them with water.
Boil the contents for about 5 minutes, drain, and set aside.
In a separate pan, blanch the spinach for 3 minutes.
Transfer spinach to bowl of ice water to stop further cooking process.
Once cooled, remove the wilted spinach from the ice bath and squeeze excess moisture using paper towels before transferring to a cutting board.
Roughly chop the spinach and transfer to a blender along with the white mushrooms.
Pulse several times to combine the spinach and mushrooms together.
Set aside.
To make the lobster mushroom soup, place the lobster shells in a pot filled with cold water and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove lobster shells from hot water and strain through a fine mesh sieve.
Discard the shellfish debris.
Place the strained liquid back into the same pot.
Add the blended spinach and mushroom mixture to the boiling lobster liquid.
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Garnish the finished soup with a few drops of lemon juice and serve piping hot.
2. Lobster Mushrooms en Papillote
Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 50 minutes Total Time: 75 minutes Ingredients 1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups milk
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp parsley flakes
2 tbsps sour cream
1/2 tsp paprika
20 oz. frozen mixed vegetables (corn, lima bean, carrots)
24 oz. cooked lobster meat
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cayenne powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika to sprinkle on top
Instructions Melt the butter in a saucepan on low heat.
Mix together the flour, milk, and spices in another pan.
Stir continuously until smooth paste forms.
Let cool completely.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the vegetable mix evenly.
Cut each piece of parchment paper into 4 equal squares.
Remove the paper lining from the baking sheets and lay a square of parchment paper onto the center of each tray.
Spoon some of the prepared batter on top of the vegetables, leaving space between each layer.
Top the batter with a generous amount of the lobster meat.
Sprinkle a little bit of paprika on top of each lobster mushroom.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until golden brown.
How Do You Prepare Lobster Mushrooms For Cooking?
Freshly harvested lobster mushrooms must be rinsed thoroughly before being cooked.
The outer layer should also be removed since it is tough and can interfere with the proper texture of the dish itself.
Once cleaned, the lobsters mushrooms need to be prepared by cutting them into bite-sized pieces.
These will then be sautéed until tender with some butter and herbs.
You can find recipes online which include a variety of different foods such as fresh tomatoes, garlic, onions, and peppers.
The next step involves adding white wine to the mixture along with salt and pepper.
Once the lobster mushrooms have been sauteed, they need to be placed onto a plate and covered.
Then, they will be allowed to cool down completely so that they become easier to handle when served.
You can serve these delicious fungi as soon as they are done but if you prefer, you can store them in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy them later.
Lobster mushrooms can easily last up to five days after preparation.
How long does it take for lobster mushrooms to cook?
Since lobster mushrooms are fairly small, you don’t necessarily need to wait too long for them to finish cooking.
In fact, once the mushrooms start to turn brown, they are ready to eat.
However, you might want to give them longer than usual depending on how much time you have available.
If you plan ahead, you can freeze lobster mushrooms.
Just place them in a freezer bag and keep them frozen until needed.
When thawing frozen lobster mushrooms, allow them to sit out at room temperature for 10 minutes to bring back their original moisture content.
Afterward, they can simply be added directly to any stew or soup without having to defrost first.
What Is The Best Way To Cook Lobster Mushrooms?
When it comes to cooking lobster mushrooms, there isn’t really much to it.
They need very little time to bake, but if you want them to be even better than when fresh, you should cut them into smaller pieces so that they don’t dry out while baking.
If you decide to slice up your lobster mushrooms before placing them in the oven, make sure they fit snugly and are placed close together (about 2 inches apart). You will want to rotate them halfway through the process so that each side bakes evenly.
The ideal temperature for cooking lobster mushrooms is 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
The longer you cook them, the drier the texture becomes.
So, if you are going to add any additional ingredients such as cream cheese or bacon bits, then you will probably want to wait until after 10 minutes of cooking.
Ingredients for Lobster Mushroom Recipe
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temp
- 6 slices thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, chopped
- 1 pound lobster mushrooms, sliced thin
(Optional) 4 green onions, diced small
- Directions:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and stir constantly until smooth. Continue stirring until the roux browns slightly. Add the milk slowly, whisking constantly until completely combined.
- Once fully incorporated, turn off the burner and let mixture cool down for 20 minutes. When cooled, add remaining 3 tablespoons of butter, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, then transfer mixture back onto stovetop and bring to boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and set aside. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until fluffy.
- Wipe out the pan used for making the roux and return to stove top. Over medium heat, sauté the bacon until crispy. Transfer bacon to paper towel lined plate.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the cooked lobster mushroom mixture. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning. Remove lid and continue to cook for another five minutes.
- Stir in the reserved bacon, then remove from heat. Serve warm topped with green onion, if desired.
What Other Ingredients Can Be Added To A Lobster Mushroom Recipe?
When it comes to adding additional ingredients to a lobster mushroom recipe, there are plenty of options.
You can add fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, basil, chives, cilantro, or any combination thereof.
Other possibilities include garlic, shallots, onions, peppers, or even bacon bits or pancetta.
For those who prefer meatless meals, lentils, chickpeas, beans, and quinoa would make great additions to the lobster mushroom recipe.
The key here is to choose something that complements the natural flavors of the lobster mushrooms.
The secret to creating a good lobster mushroom meal lies in choosing complementary ingredients so that everything works together well.
What Are Some Tips For Making A Delicious Lobster Mushroom Dish?
To make a lobster mushroom dish, start by picking out the right variety of lobster mushroom.
There are several different varieties of these fungi, but only one—the yellow-capped “oyster” variety—is edible.
If you do find yourself hunting down the edible kind (or if you just happen upon them), make sure to look closely at them before choosing which ones to use.
The edible type has a white cap that turns yellow when it’s cooked, while the poisonous types have brown caps that turn black when cooked.
You don’t want to end up throwing away perfectly good food because of a bad choice of mushroom!
Once you’ve picked out the right kind of lobster mushroom, wash them well under running water to remove any dirt.
Then place them into a saucepan filled with cold water and bring them to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the temperature to medium-low so the lobsters cook slowly until tender.
This method will help ensure that the lobsters aren’t boiled alive.
When the lobsters reach the desired tenderness, drain them completely and set aside to cool.
Now is the time to add whatever seasoning you prefer to the lobster.
You can season lobster mushrooms with butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, and/or hot chili peppers.
These spices will give the mushrooms an extra kick of flavor.
After adding your favorite spice blend, cut open each lobster mushroom and scoop out its insides using a spoon or knife.
Save the meat in a bowl to be used later in another meal.
Discard the shells.
Now, chop the lobster mushroom meat roughly and add it back into the empty shell.
Repeat this process for all remaining lobster mushrooms.
Serve immediately after adding the chopped lobster mushroom meat back into the shell.
How Can Lobster Mushrooms Be Served?
Lobster mushrooms are typically eaten raw but there are several ways to prepare them when cooking.
You may choose to sauté them until tender and then season them with salt and pepper before serving.
Or, you could bake them as part of a casserole.
You might even opt for a roasted version of the lobster mushroom if you decide to serve it with meat.
This will give you a rich and hearty meal!
What Are Some Popular Lobster Mushroom Recipes?
There are several different ways in which people prepare lobster mushrooms.
The following are just a few examples of how these fungi can be used in various preparations.
- Steamed Lobster Mushroom Recipe – A classic steaming technique is great for any seafood dish. You will need about 8 ounces (227 grams) of fresh lobster mushrooms per person. Wash them thoroughly under running water before trimming off any excess stems. Place the cleaned mushrooms into a pot filled halfway with boiling water. Once it comes back up to temperature, cover the pot and let simmer until tender. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
- Shiitake Mushrooms & Lobster Mushroom Stir-Fry – For this stir-fry, you’ll need 3 large shiitake mushrooms, 2 cups (473 ml) of chicken broth, 1 tablespoon (14 g) of cornstarch, 4 tablespoons (57 g) of vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons (10 g) of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon (5 g) of sugar, ½ teaspoon (3 g) of salt, and ¼ cup (59 ml) of sake.
- Sautéed Lobster Mushroom & Bacon Salad – Sautéing lobster mushrooms adds another layer of flavor to this salad. To make this delicious meal, start by sautéing bacon slices in a pan over medium-high heat. After 5 minutes, add 1 pound (454 g) of sliced white onion and cook until golden brown. Add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon (4 g) of garlic powder, and 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 g) of ground ginger. Cook for 1 minute longer and then remove from heat. In a separate bowl, mix together 2½ pounds (1 kg) of cooked lobster mushrooms, 6 ounces (170 g) of crumbled feta cheese, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil, 1 tablespoon (9 g) of chopped parsley, and juice of half a lemon.
- Lobster Mushroom Soup – This soup is simple to make but has a rich taste thanks to its creamy texture. Start by cutting the tough stems from the lobster mushrooms using scissors and discard. Then rinse the mushrooms well under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Chop the mushrooms roughly and place them in a large stockpot along with 4 cups (945 ml) of milk, 2 bay leaves, 1 sprig of thyme, and 10 peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes. Strain out the solids from the liquid and return the broth to the pot. Heat gently over low heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper, if desired, and ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraiche.
- Cream of Lobster Mushroom Soup – Cream of mushroom soups are very similar to lobster mushroom soup except they use more ingredients for the base instead of only milk. This particular version calls for heavy whipping cream, butter, and mushrooms. Begin by rinsing the lobster mushrooms under cold running water and then chopping them roughly. Drain the mushroom pieces with a colander and set aside. Pour 3 cups (710 ml) of whole milk into a large stockpot and bring to a light boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and whisk in 3 cups (710 ml) of heavy whipping cream and 1 stick (113 g) of unsalted butter. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens enough so that it coats a spoon. Finally, add the chopped lobster mushrooms and season the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired. Ladle the soup into individual bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream or crème fraîche.
How Do You Store Lobster Mushrooms After Cooking?
You can keep fresh lobster mushrooms in the refrigerator for up to two days if properly stored.
After cutting them into bite-sized pieces, place them back into a bowl filled with ice water.
The cold temperature will stop the cooking process so you don’t need to worry about overcooking them.
Once cut, add them back into the refrigerator until it’s time to eat them again.
Can Lobster Mushrooms Be Frozen For Later Use?
You can freeze lobster mushrooms just like any other wild food.
You should keep them in airtight containers because these fungi don’t dry out very well.
Make sure to label each container so you know what it contains when thawed.
If you plan to freeze lobster mushrooms before using them, make sure to remove any dirt from the outside of the cap.
That way, you won’t end up with mold growing inside while defrosting.
Also, if possible, pick them during the cooler months (fall and winter).
The cold temperatures will slow down the growth process, making for better results overall.
Preparing Lobster Mushrooms for Freezing
- Remove the outer layer of the cap by scraping off the thick skin with a knife.
- Use tweezers to carefully pull out any remaining bits of soil, then rinse the mushrooms under cool running water.
- Dry them completely with paper towels and place them in an airtight freezer bag or plastic container.
What Are Some Other Uses For Lobster Mushrooms?
In addition to being used in seafood recipes, lobster mushrooms can be roasted, sautéed, boiled, pickled, eaten raw, or even stuffed into ravioli.
Lobster mushrooms are also commonly sold by specialty food stores and grocery stores.
Some varieties can grow up to two feet tall and weigh over ten pounds each.
Here are some examples of how lobster mushrooms can be prepared:
- Roasted lobster mushroom appetizer: Roast them whole and serve with melted butter and lemon juice drizzled onto top.
- Sautéed lobster mushroom appetizers: Sauté slices of fresh lobster mushroom in olive oil until tender.
- Boiled lobster mushroom appetizers: Boil lobsters mushrooms after peeling off any outer layers and then chop them up before serving.
- Pickled lobster mushroom appetizers: Pickle chopped lobster mushrooms in vinegar.
- Stuffed lobster mushroom appetizers: Stuff lobster mushrooms with cheese, rice, and herbs such as thyme and parsley.
If you love lobster mushrooms but aren’t quite sure what to do with them, we recommend checking out our article about lobster mushroom cooking tips.
We cover everything from ways to prepare lobster mushrooms to tips on how to cook lobster mushrooms so that they turn out delicious every time.
Equipment
- Saute Pan
- The Oven
Ingredients
Lobster Mushroom
- 1 cup cleaned and sliced fresh lobster mushrooms
- dried lobster mushrooms
Lobster Mushroom Pasta Cream Sauce
- 3 clove garlic
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparing the Lobster Mushrooms
- Wash and dry fresh lobster mushrooms thoroughly. To rehydrate used dry lobster mushrooms, see the notes.
- Slice lobster mushrooms into 14-inch-thick pieces.
Lobster Mushroom Pasta Cream Sauce
- Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened, after adding heavy cream and parmesan cheese.
- Stir in the fettuccini pasta once it has been cooked.
- Place on dish, top with fresh parsley, and relish!
Video
Nutrition
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