King Oyster Mushroom "BLT" with Basil Mayonnaise

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Chef Richard Landau skips the creepy packaged vegan bacon in favor of king oyster mushrooms, also known as king trumpets or royal trumpets. These have a firm, meaty texture and flavor that can mimic bacon on a BLT. While the texture of king oysters is unique, other thinly sliced wild mushrooms, like shiitake, would also be tasty on this sandwich. Slideshow: Vegetarian Sandwiches 

King Oyster Mushroom "BLT" with Basil Mayonnaise
Photo: © Con Poulos
Total Time:
30 mins
Yield:
2

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • ½ pound king oyster mushrooms (trimmed and very thinly sliced lengthwise (see Note))

  • Salt

  • Freshly ground pepper

  • ¼ cup vegan mayonnaise

  • 2 tablespoons basil (finely shredded, plus more for garnish)

  • 4 slices country bread (lightly toasted)

  • 4 romaine lettuce leaves (small whole or shredded)

  • 1 red tomato (large thinly sliced)

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil until shimmering. Add half of the mushroom slices in a single layer and cook, turning once, until golden, about 6 minutes. Drain the mushrooms on paper towels and season them with salt and pepper. Repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and mushrooms.

  2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise with the 2 tablespoons of shredded basil and season with salt and pepper. Spread 1 tablespoon of the basil mayonnaise on each slice of bread and top with lettuce. Arrange the sliced tomato on the lettuce, followed by the mushrooms. Sprinkle the sandwiches with salt and pepper and garnish with basil. Serve the sandwiches open-face or close the sandwiches and serve.

Notes

King oyster mushrooms are available at farmers’ markets and specialty shops.

Suggested Pairing

Light reds like those from Beaujolais in France are terrific with the fresh tomatoes and earthy mushrooms in these sandwiches.

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