King Oyster Mushroom
Pleurotus eryngii
The king oyster mushroom (새송이) is a relatively modern addition to Korean cuisine, with commercial cultivation beginning in the 1990s. Its Korean name means 'new pine mushroom,' referencing the prized wild songi (송이버섯/pine mushroom) — the name suggests it offers a more accessible alternative to that luxury ingredient. While not specifically named in the Donguibogam, it shares the general immunity-boosting properties attributed to edible mushrooms. Its remarkably meaty, dense texture has made it extremely popular in Korean vegan and temple cooking as a satisfying plant-based protein.
New to King Oyster Mushroom?
Is this edible?
Yes! King oyster mushrooms (also called king trumpet or eryngii) are one of the most popular mushrooms in Korean cooking, beloved for their thick, meaty stems and satisfying chewy texture. They are the most 'meat-like' mushroom available.
What does it taste like?
Mild and savory with a clean, slightly sweet mushroom flavor. The real star is the texture — the thick stem is dense, chewy, and almost steak-like when seared, making it the vegetarian's best friend for satisfying, meaty bites.
Where to buy
Korean and Asian grocery stores (H Mart, 99 Ranch) always have them, usually at great prices. Increasingly available at regular supermarkets, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe's. Available year-round.
How to prepare
Trim the very bottom of the stem. Slice lengthwise into thick slabs for searing, or slice into rounds. For a pulled-pork effect, shred with two forks. No washing needed — just wipe with a damp cloth if dirty.
Pro tip: Score the cut surface in a crosshatch pattern before searing — this creates more surface area for browning and makes them look like tiny steaks. Sear on high heat with minimal oil for the best caramelization.
Traditional Medicine
Source: Donguibogam (동의보감)
Nature (性)
Neutral (平)Flavor (味)
sweet
Target Organs (歸經)
Spleen (脾), stomach
Benefits
- immunity
Tonifies vital essence and strengthens immune function
정기를 보하고 면역력을 높인다
Source: 동의보감 [탕액편] 채부 — general mushroom properties
- digestion
Supplements spleen and stomach, raises qi
비위를 보하고 기를 돋운다
Source: 동의보감 [탕액편] 채부
Key Compounds
This information is based on traditional Korean medicine texts (Donguibogam) and is for cultural reference only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Seasonal Availability
Cultivated year-round in climate-controlled facilities. Korea is a major producer. No true wild season as commercial cultivation dominates.
Processing Methods (법제)
Thick slices or hand-torn pieces maximize the meaty texture. Scoring the surface helps absorb marinades and seasonings.
Consumption Tips by Health Goal
Energy
Grill, pan-fry, or add to soups for a satisfying, meaty vegetable protein. The dense flesh provides satiety in plant-based meals.
Culinary Profile
Flavor
Mild, savory, with subtle umami; develops deep, meaty flavor when grilled or pan-fried; absorbs marinades well
Texture
Dense, firm, and remarkably meat-like; thick white stem is the prized part
Common Uses
Western Substitutes
Related Recipes
Temple-style Mushroom Bulgogi
버섯불고기
Easy | 30 min
Grilled King Oyster Mushrooms with Gochujang
새송이 버섯구이
Easy | 40 min
Mushroom Vegetable Curry
버섯카레
Easy | 80 min
Braised Soy Protein with Vegetables
콩살로만찜
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Grilled King Oyster Mushroom with Basil Oil
새송이버섯 바질오일구이
Easy | 20 min
Stir-Fried Vienna Sausages with Vegetables
베지비엔나소세지볶음
Easy | 20 min
Salt-Grilled King Oyster Mushrooms
새송이버섯 소금구이
Easy | 10 min
Grilled King Oyster Mushrooms with Spicy Glaze
매콤 구운 새송이버섯
Easy | 80 min
Oat-Mushroom Patty Sandwich
귀리버섯패티 샌드위치
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Air-Fryer Roasted Mushrooms and Vegetables
에어프라이어 버섯 채소구이
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King Oyster Mushroom Tempura
새송이버섯 튀김
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Sandwich with Homemade Mayo
마요네즈 채소 샌드위치
Easy | 80 min
King Oyster Mushrooms with Perilla Seed Sauce
한정식집 들깨소스 새송이버섯
Easy | 20 min
Cabbage Ssam Rice Rolls
웰빙 양배추쌈밥
Easy | 26 min
Colorful Sushi
알록달록 꽃김밥
Medium | 80 min
Mixed Mushroom Fried Rice
버섯볶음밥
Easy | 40 min
Mushroom Risotto with Soy Milk
버섯리조또
Easy | 40 min
Melting Mushroom Porridge
버섯 듬뿍 죽
Hard | 0 min
Mushroom Hot Pot
버섯전골
Medium | 45 min
Homemade Soybean Pulp Stew
구수한 별미 콩비지찌개
Easy | 40 min
Beet and Lotus Root Jeon
연근전
Easy | 40 min
Braised King Oyster Mushroom in Soy Sauce
새송이버섯 장조림
Easy | 20 min
Soy-braised King Oyster Mushrooms with Shishito Peppers
새송이버섯 꽈리고추 조림
Easy | 26 min
Gochujang-glazed King Oyster Mushrooms
고추장 버섯조림
Easy | 15 min
Spicy Bibim Glass Noodles
비빔당면
Easy | 80 min
Blanched King Oyster Mushroom Namul
새송이버섯나물
Easy | 40 min
Spicy King Oyster Mushroom Salad
새송이버섯 매운무침
Medium | 40 min
King Oyster Mushroom Cho-Muchim
새송이버섯 초무침
Easy | 15 min