Chinese Mushroom Recipe Vegetarian: Easy and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

If you’re looking to enjoy the rich and umami flavors of Chinese cuisine while keeping things vegetarian, this Chinese mushroom recipe is an absolute must-try. Mushrooms, often called the “meat of the vegetable world,” bring a satisfying texture and deep flavor that complements the vibrant spices and sauces typical of Chinese cooking.

This dish is not only hearty and delicious but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

With fresh shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms sautéed to perfection and tossed in a savory garlic-ginger sauce, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this dish promises to become a staple in your kitchen.

Plus, it’s gluten-free and packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome choice for everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese mushroom recipe is a delightful blend of texture and taste that comes together quickly and easily. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Umami-packed flavor: Mushrooms naturally have a meaty, savory taste that mimics the richness of traditional Chinese meat dishes.
  • Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep, it’s perfect for busy days.
  • Versatile: Enjoy it as a main dish, side, or even as a filling for vegetarian dumplings or buns.
  • Healthy and nutritious: Low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and full of fiber.
  • Family-friendly: Suitable for vegetarians and can be easily adapted for vegans by swapping oyster sauce for a vegan alternative.

Ingredients

  • 300g mixed mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, button – sliced)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
  • 2 spring onions (chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegetarian version or mushroom sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon water (optional, for sauce consistency)
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for slurry)
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Equipment

  • Wok or large non-stick skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Small bowl for cornstarch slurry

Instructions

  1. Prepare the mushrooms: Clean and slice all mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  2. Mix the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and water. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Heat the wok: Add the vegetable oil over medium-high heat and allow it to warm until shimmering.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and half the chopped spring onions. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Cook mushrooms: Add the mixed mushrooms to the wok. Stir frequently for 5-7 minutes until they release moisture and start to brown lightly.
  6. Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the mushrooms, stirring continuously to coat them evenly.
  7. Thicken the sauce: Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir and drizzle it into the wok while stirring. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the mushrooms.
  8. Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle the remaining spring onions and sesame seeds on top.
  9. Serve hot: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of Chinese Shaoxing wine or a few drops of chili oil to the sauce.”

  • Use fresh mushrooms: Always choose fresh, firm mushrooms for the best texture and flavor.
  • Vegan option: Replace oyster sauce with mushroom-based vegan oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.
  • Add vegetables: Toss in sliced bell peppers, snow peas, or bok choy for more color and nutrients.
  • Protein boost: For extra protein, add tofu cubes or tempeh, pan-fried until crispy.
  • Spicy kick: Add chopped fresh chili or a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (serves 3)
Calories 140 kcal
Protein 5g
Fat 7g
Carbohydrates 15g
Fiber 3g
Sodium 600 mg

Serving Suggestions

This Chinese mushroom dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and mains. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

  • Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a filling and nutritious meal.
  • Enjoy alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli.
  • Use as a flavorful filling for vegetarian spring rolls or dumplings.
  • Pair with simple noodle dishes, such as garlic sesame noodles or cold sesame noodles, for a complete experience.
  • Complement with other vegetarian Chinese recipes like Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or Passover Zucchini Kugel Recipe.

Conclusion

This Chinese mushroom recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. The combination of fresh mushrooms, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a savory sauce makes it a standout vegetarian option that anyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this recipe offers a delightful way to embrace plant-based eating while celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Chinese cuisine.

Not only is it quick and easy, but it’s also incredibly versatile and nutritious, making it an excellent addition to your weekly meal rotation. For more delicious and wholesome recipes, be sure to check out other favorites like the Personalized Recipe Book Stand and the Peanut Butter Gelato Recipe.

Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful, veggie-packed feast!

📖 Recipe Card: Chinese Mushroom Recipe Vegetarian

Description: A savory and flavorful vegetarian Chinese mushroom stir-fry that is quick to prepare. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 200g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 150g button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegetarian)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 spring onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add garlic and ginger, sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add shiitake and button mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Stir in soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and water.
  5. Cook for another 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.
  6. Drizzle sesame oil and add chopped spring onions.
  7. Mix well and season with salt to taste.
  8. Serve hot as a side or main dish.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 12 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chinese Mushroom Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A savory and flavorful vegetarian Chinese mushroom stir-fry that is quick to prepare. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“200g shiitake mushrooms, sliced”, “150g button mushrooms, sliced”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon ginger, minced”, “2 tablespoons soy sauce”, “1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegetarian)”, “1 teaspoon sesame oil”, “1/2 teaspoon sugar”, “2 spring onions, chopped”, “1 tablespoon water”, “Salt to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger, saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add shiitake and button mushrooms, cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, sugar, and water.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook for another 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle sesame oil and add chopped spring onions.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix well and season with salt to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot as a side or main dish.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “120 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “12 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X