Lobster mushrooms are a unique and tasty variety of mushroom that stand out for their bright red color and succulent texture. Their name comes from their resemblance to cooked lobster meat. While not as readily available as button or portobello mushrooms, lobster mushrooms can be found at many grocery stores and farmer’s markets if you know where to look. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about buying lobster mushrooms so you can get your hands on these scrumptious fungi.
What are Lobster Mushrooms?
Lobster mushrooms get their name from their similarities to cooked lobster shells because of their bright reddish-orange color But unlike an ocean crustacean, these mushrooms grow right in the ground!
Scientifically known as Hypomyces lactifluorum, lobster mushrooms are a parasitic fungus that grows on other types of mushrooms. They often form on Russula mushrooms and slowly take over, turning the host mushroom’s flesh red. The infected mushroom becomes soft and takes on the color and texture of lobster meat, hence the name “lobster mushroom.”
While they look like a unique species, lobster mushrooms don’t produce their own mushrooms or spores. They can only spread by infecting other mushrooms in the wild via their mycelium. That bright red-orange color comes from the carotenoids they produce as they consume their mushroom host.
These tasty mushrooms have a seafood-like flavor that’s subtle yet slightly sweet. Their texture is also unique—firm yet supple, with a pleasant chewiness.
Lobster mushrooms make a great addition to many dishes. Their mild flavor complements other ingredients without overpowering them. They work well in everything from soups and stews to pastas risottos, omelets, and more.
When and Where to Find Lobster Mushrooms
Wondering where to buy these delightful fungi? Here’s what you need to know:
When They’re in Season
Lobster mushroom season runs from late summer through early fall in most regions. However, you may find them popping up as early as July or lasting into November depending on your location and the weather conditions.
They thrive in wet conditions and often appear after rainfall. Check with your local forager or farmer’s market to find out when lobster mushrooms are at their peak season in your area.
Look for Them in the Wild
For the best flavor and texture, you can’t beat lobster mushrooms foraged in the wild. Search for them in damp, wooded areas with plenty of shade. Look around the bases of trees and logs where Russula mushrooms may be growing.
Keep an eye out for Russula mushrooms that look partially eaten and have reddish coloring taking over the cap and gills. This likely means they’ve been infected with the Hypomyces lactifluorum fungi that creates the lobster mushrooms.
Check Your Local Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s markets are a great place to find freshly foraged lobster mushrooms when they are in season. Look for vendors selling wild mushrooms or ask vendors if they have or can source lobster mushrooms.
The peak times to find them will be late summer through early fall. Going to farmer’s markets means you can buy them fresh instead of dried and ask the sellers any questions you may have about how to prepare them.
Visit Specialty Grocery Stores
If you don’t have any luck at your regular supermarket, check out small specialty grocers in your area. Stores that focus on local, organic, or gourmet foods are more likely to carry or be able to order lobster mushrooms when they are in season.
Some stores to look for include:
- Whole Foods Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Earth Fare
- Sprouts Farmers Market
- Natural Grocers
You’ll typically find them in the fresh produce section, sometimes near other exotic mushrooms like morels or chanterelles.
Check Asian Supermarkets
Markets specializing in Asian foods are another good spot to find lobster mushrooms from late summer through fall. Their produce sections often carry uncommon varieties of mushrooms.
Some chains to look for include:
- H Mart
- 99 Ranch Market
- Hong Kong Supermarket
- Jusgo Supermarket
- Pacific Ocean Marketplace
Mushrooms are very popular in many Asian cuisines, so these markets are likely to bring in fresh lobster mushrooms when available.
Buy Online
If you strike out finding lobster mushrooms locally, purchasing them online is always an option. There are several reputable sites that sell high-quality wild, dried, or frozen lobster mushrooms.
When buying online, look for companies that source from foragers and farms in the Pacific Northwest where lobster mushrooms thrive. Here are two recommended sites:
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Amazon sells wild dried lobster mushrooms sourced and packaged in Oregon, a top region for lobster mushrooms. They come in 1lb bags, don’t require refrigeration, and make a convenient pantry staple.
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Whole Foods Market carries fresh lobster mushrooms in the produce section when in season. They work with local foragers to offer these mushrooms across their stores for a limited time.
No matter where you buy them, always look for plump mushrooms free of blemishes. They should have a bright reddish-orange color without any brown or mushy spots. Store fresh lobster mushrooms in the fridge in a paper bag for up to 1 week.
How to Prepare Lobster Mushrooms
Once you’ve got your hands on these colorful ‘shrooms, you’ll want to make sure you prepare them properly to enjoy their best texture and flavor. Here are a few tips:
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Clean them by gently brushing or wiping away any dirt or debris. Avoid soaking them in water which can make them waterlogged.
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Trim off the very end of the stems which tend to be gritty. The rest of the mushroom is edible.
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For fresh mushrooms, slice, tear or cut them into chunks. Dried lobster mushrooms should be reconstituted before using.
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To reconstitute, soak dried lobster mushrooms in warm water for 20-30 minutes until softened. Strain, rinse and squeeze out excess moisture before using.
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Sauteeing over med-high heat works well to cook lobster mushrooms. You want them lightly browned but still moist.
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Their subtle flavor pairs well with butter, garlic, shallots, wine, fresh herbs, citrus, and spices like paprika or curry powder.
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Use lobster mushrooms in pasta, pizza, sautés, soups, casseroles, omelets, stuffed mushrooms, and anywhere else you would use ordinary mushrooms.
Get Creative Cooking with Lobster Mushrooms
Beyond simply sauteeing them in butter, there are so many creative ways you can use lobster mushrooms:
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Make lobster mushroom risotto, orrisotto con funghi di astice. The creamy rice pairs perfectly with these fungi.
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Add them to seafood pasta dishes for extra substance and to complement shellfish flavors.
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Stuff them with herb-flecked breadcrumbs, bake, and serve as appetizers.
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Fry up lobster mushroom “scallops” by slicing them into rounds and breading in panko.
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Make lobster mushroom tacos topped with avocado, cotija cheese and lime crema.
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Mix them into dips and spreads in place of water chestnuts or artichoke hearts.
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Use powdered or dried lobster mushrooms to boost umami flavor in rubs, broths, and sauces.
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Pickle lobster mushroom caps for an unusual take on mushroom burgers.
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Skewer bite-sized pieces and grill them for a meaty addition to kabobs.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with lobster mushrooms in all kinds of dishes to highlight their uniqueness. They’re versatile enough to stand in for seafood in vegetarian recipes or add rich flavor used alongside actual shellfish.
Enjoy These Treasures from the Forest
Lobster mushrooms are a tasty treat for mushroom lovers and adventurous eaters. Hopefully this guide has shed some light on where to find these beauties and how to use them in your own kitchen. Keep an eye out for lobster mushrooms at your local farmer’s market or specialty grocers from late summer through fall.
And consider growing your own mushroom logs using plug spawn to produce endless lobster mushrooms. However you get your hands on these fungi, their firm yet supple texture and savory umami flavor is sure satisfy. So embrace your inner fungiphile and try cooking with lobster mushrooms today!
