Delicious & Nutritious Oyster Mushroom Porridge Recipe

Updated at: 18/02/2025

Oyster mushrooms, known for their delicate flavor and meaty texture, offer a surprising versatility beyond the usual stir-fry or soup. This recipe elevates the humble mushroom into a comforting and nutritious porridge, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal any time of day. Imagine a creamy, savory broth brimming with the earthy goodness of oyster mushrooms, enhanced by subtle seasonings that allow the mushroom's natural flavor to shine. This isn't your average porridge; it's a delicious and unexpectedly elegant dish that's surprisingly simple to make.

This oyster mushroom porridge recipe is not only flavorful and healthy but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend brunches. Forget complicated cooking techniques; this recipe prioritizes simplicity and fresh ingredients to deliver maximum flavor. Ready to transform this versatile ingredient into a culinary masterpiece? Let's dive into the step-by-step process.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Bowl
  • Pan

Ingredients

  • Oyster mushrooms: 600g (or 3.5-4kg unpeeled)
  • Rice: 1/2 cup
  • Straw mushrooms: 300g
  • Fried onions: a little
  • Green onions: 50g
  • Coriander: a little
  • Lemons: 2
  • Shallots: 4
  • Garlic: 5 cloves
  • Ginger: 30g, peeled and washed
  • Seasoning powder
  • MSG
  • Sugar
  • Ground pepper
  • Oyster sauce
  • Cornstarch
  • Fish sauce
  • Oyster oil
  • Cooking oil
  • Salt
  • Water: 2 liters

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients

  • Wash the rice twice and drain.
  • Soak in water with lemon juice (from half a lemon) for 5 minutes to remove fishy smell. Cut into thin slices then strands.
  • Cut the remaining lemon into small pieces.
  • Chop green onions (both white and green parts) and shallots separately.
Wash the rice twice and drain.Clean the oysters: Soak in water with lemon juice (from half a lemon) for 5 minutes to remove fishy smell. Cut into thin slices then strands.Cut the remaining lemon into small pieces.Chop green onions (both white and green parts) and shallots separately.
Prepare Ingredients
  • Remove the bottom part of large mushrooms. Cut large mushrooms in half, and just remove corner of small mushrooms. Soak them in diluted salt water for 5 minutes, then wash and drain.
  • Add seasoning powder, MSG, sugar, ground pepper, and oyster sauce. Mix well and set aside.
  • Add seasoning powder, sugar, cornstarch, ground pepper, fish sauce, and oyster oil. Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes.
Prepare the straw mushrooms: Remove the bottom part of large mushrooms. Cut large mushrooms in half, and just remove corner of small mushrooms. Soak them in diluted salt water for 5 minutes, then wash and drain.Marinate oysters: Add seasoning powder, MSG, sugar, ground pepper, and oyster sauce. Mix well and set aside.Marinate straw mushrooms: Add seasoning powder, sugar, cornstarch, ground pepper, fish sauce, and oyster oil. Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes.
Prepare Ingredients

Step 2. Cook the Porridge

  • Roast rice in a pan over medium heat until the grains are opaque white. Turn off the heat.
  • Heat cooking oil in the pan. Add half of the chopped garlic and fry until fragrant. Add straw mushrooms and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  • Add more cooking oil to the pan. Add remaining shallots, garlic and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant. Add oysters and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.
  • Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a pot. Add roasted rice and stir well to prevent sticking. Cook until rice grains are expanded, stirring occasionally.
Roast rice in a pan over medium heat until the grains are opaque white. Turn off the heat.Heat cooking oil in the pan. Add half of the chopped garlic and fry until fragrant. Add straw mushrooms and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.Add more cooking oil to the pan. Add remaining shallots, garlic and ginger. Stir-fry until fragrant. Add oysters and stir-fry for 2 minutes. Turn off heat and set aside.Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a pot. Add roasted rice and stir well to prevent sticking. Cook until rice grains are expanded, stirring occasionally.
Cook the Porridge

Step 3. Combine and Season

  • Add the stir-fried straw mushrooms and oysters to the porridge. Stir well.
  • Season the porridge with salt, MSG, sugar, and ground pepper. Stir to dissolve.
  • Add chopped green onions and stir well. Turn off heat.
Add the stir-fried straw mushrooms and oysters to the porridge. Stir well.Season the porridge with salt, MSG, sugar, and ground pepper. Stir to dissolve.Add chopped green onions and stir well. Turn off heat.
Combine and Season

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve hot with fried onions, green onions, and your preferred dipping sauce (chili fish sauce or seafood dipping sauce are suggested).
Serve hot with fried onions, green onions, and your preferred dipping sauce (chili fish sauce or seafood dipping sauce are suggested).
Serve

Read more: Vietnamese Fish Rice Porridge (Cháo Cá): A Comforting Bowl

Tips

  • Soaking oysters in lemon juice helps remove any fishy odor.
  • Roasting rice before cooking porridge helps it cook faster and results in better texture.
  • Don't overcook the oysters to maintain their tenderness.
  • Stir the porridge occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
  • Adjust seasonings according to your taste preference.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of mushrooms instead of oyster mushrooms?

While oyster mushrooms are ideal for their unique flavor and texture, you can experiment with other mushrooms like shiitake or cremini. The cooking time might need slight adjustment.

2. What if I don't have all the ingredients listed?

Feel free to adapt the recipe to what you have available. The core ingredients are oyster mushrooms, broth, and a starch for thickening. Adjust seasonings to your preference.

3. Can I make this porridge ahead of time?

Yes! This porridge tastes even better the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.


This oyster mushroom porridge recipe offers a delightful and healthy way to enjoy this versatile fungus. Its simple preparation and adaptable nature make it a perfect dish for both novice and experienced cooks. Enjoy the comforting warmth and satisfying flavors of this unique and nutritious porridge!