King Oyster Mushrooms as Meat Substitute

King oyster mushrooms (also called king trumpet) are prized for their dense, meaty texture that holds up beautifully to high-heat cooking. Unlike regular button mushrooms that release water and shrink, king oysters maintain their structure and develop an almost scallop-like bite when sliced into thick rounds and seared or fried. They absorb flavors readily while providing satisfying chew. In katsu preparations, they offer the same textural experience as pork or chicken cutlets while remaining plant-based. Choose specimens with firm, white stems and small caps for the best texture.