11 Delectable Hen Of the Woods Mushroom Recipes (2024)

Home » Meal Planning » 11 Delectable Hen Of the Woods Mushroom Recipes

By Author Andi Reis

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Meal Planning

11 Delectable Hen Of the Woods Mushroom Recipes (1)
Jump to Recipe

Here are 11 delectable hen of the woods mushroom recipes you can try at home.

Savory and earthy hen of the woods mushrooms are an excellent addition to your meatless Mondays repertoire.

Native to North America, Europe, and China, hen of the woods, sometimes called as maitaki, is one of the most popular mushrooms worldwide.

Fun Trivia: In Japan, maitaki is also known as the “dancing mushroom,” because according to the legend, the buddhist nuns were dancing for joy when they discovered the maitaki mushrooms on a mountain trail.

The mushroom variety has a unique shape, which resembles a chicken with its delicate featherlike layers.

The mushroom has a distinctly rich, earthy, and peppery flavor and aroma, making it a great meat replacement to make vegetable-based dishes.

Hen of the woods mushroom comes in large clusters, which make them a versatile pick for many recipes.

You can cook it whole or in smaller steak-sized or bite-sized pieces.

Hen of the woods is filled with natural flavor, so you don’t have to do much to make them shine.

You can find ideas in this collection of 11 different hen of the woods mushroom recipes.

Wild Mushroom Pappardelle makes a luxurious date night meal for two!

Enjoy a crispy fried treat with Bloomin’ Maitake.

Stay tuned until #11 for a quick and easy brunch recipe!

11 Delectable Hen Of the Woods Mushroom Recipes (2)

Table of Contents

Delectable Hen Of The Woods Recipes

Let’s get this list started with an oven-roasted mushroom recipe!

This is one of the easiest dishes using hen of the woods mushrooms.

Just drizzle with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, and you’re all set!

The oven heat makes the mushroom succulent and gives it deep roasted flavors.

Pair this dish with homemade ranch or other sauces!

A good ol’ hard sear is all you need to bring out the mushroom’s flavor in this simple recipe.

Cooking the mushrooms on high heat allows the maitake mushroom to develop a meaty taste and a nice crispy crust.

Searing also gives the mushroom a gorgeous golden brown color that pops on the plate.

The sauce is full of umami flavor from dried and fresh mushrooms and beef stock.

Red vermouth adds a punch of acidity that brightens up the whole dish.

A butternut squash puree gives the dish a creamy texture and balances the intense sauce with a bit of sweetness.

This mushroom-packed soup is an excellent pick-me-up after a long day.

Dried and fresh mushrooms and tamari sauce provide layers of deep umami flavors.

Tamari sauce’s thick consistency helps create the soup’s luscious mouthfeel.

The mushrooms also give the dish a meaty bite thanks to their chewy texture.

Vidalia onions, carrots, and celery complement the umami-packed soup with their sweetness and freshness.

This fried hen of the woods will give fried chicken a run for its money!

Hen of the woods’ texture makes it an ideal substitute for chicken.

It’s hard to tell they’re mushrooms once you’re done breading and frying them.

A pinch of sweet paprika and cayenne pepper in the batter gives the dish a mildly spicy and smoky kick.

Lemon juice drizzled on top of the fried “chicken” helps brighten up its flavor.

The key to deep frying hen of the woods mushroom is to divide them into manageable chunks.

The hot oil crisps up the delicate edges of the mushrooms, creating a lovely contrast of color and texture.

Marinara sauce has a sweet-tart combination that goes well with the savory mushrooms.

Parmesan cheese grated over the sauce gives the dish nutty and sharp flavors.

Enjoy this leftover-friendly recipe for your next family brunch!

Cooking the shallots over gentle heat intensifies their natural sweetness and brings out their complex savory flavors.

Goat’s cheese gives the dish a buttery and tangy taste that goes excellently with the balsamic reduction.

Adding a cup of whole milk to the egg mixture results in light, airy frittata and helps avoid overcooking.

Need a new go-to recipe for weeknights?

Try out this one-pan recipe!

The smooth sauce penetrates through the fried batter, coating the chicken inside and out with creamy goodness.

The sauce also helps keep the chicken breast moist and juicy.

A sprig of fresh rosemary infuses the sauce with lemony and peppery flavors.

Chicken breasts are a great option for a satisfying meal, but you can also use boneless chicken thighs.

Porcini mushrooms are rich, nutty, and savory–an excellent choice for a recipe that makes the most out of simple ingredients.

Chopped parsley mixed into the pasta adds a fresh and herby flavor to the dish and gives it a much-needed splash of green color.

The sauce clings to the noodles’ broad shape, making every bite velvety smooth.

Red pepper flakes have just enough heat to make this dish exciting.

This dish makes a fantastic game day snack!

It’s a mushroom spin on the famous bloomin’ onion with the same satisfying crunch and golden brown color.

Like the iconic onion, this dish is best enjoyed by tearing up little chunks at a time.

Choosing the right hen of the woods piece is key to this recipe.

You’ll want a small piece with many “feathers” to get as much crispy action as possible.

Nothing beats a simple stir-fry when highlighting mushrooms’ unique flavor and texture.

Lightly seasoned with soy sauce, this dish features the earthy and pepper taste of hen of the woods mushroom.

Toasted garlic’s sweet, buttery, and nutty flavor plays well with the flavorful chili oil.

Foraging is the latest viral food trend; this recipe is a great way to join the fun!

With some effort, you can easily spot garlic chives and hen of the woods in the wild.

The garlic chives’ bold garlicky flavor and aroma make them an excellent substitute for garlic.

Grated cheddar cheese melts quickly, covering the dish with nutty and sharp flavors.

The bottom line

Hen of the woods mushroom has a unique shape that resembles something from a fairytale story.

Despite its odd look, this mushroom will fit right in your home-cooked recipes once you know how to use it.

Like other mushrooms, hen of the woods is packed with umami, making it a fantastic meat substitute.

Whether fried, baked, battered, or stewed, this versatile ingredient offers endless possibilities.

Feel free to revisit this list if you need inspiration.

More Mushroom Recipe Inspirations

  • Different Types Of Edible Mushrooms
  • Best Cremini Mushroom Recipes
  • Dried Shiitake Mushroom Recipes
  • Stuffed Portobello Mushroom Recipes
  • Best Mushroom Recipes
11 Delectable Hen Of the Woods Mushroom Recipes (3)

11 Tasty Hen Of the Woods Mushroom Recipe Collection

Here are 11 delectable hen of the woods mushroom recipes you can try at home.

Ingredients

  • Roasted Hen Of The Woods
  • Hen Of The Woods Steak
  • Hen Of The Woods Soup
  • Fried Chicken Of The Woods
  • Crispy Hen Of The Woods With Marinara Sauce
  • Hen Of The Woods Frittata
  • Creamy One Pan Maitake Mushroom Chicken
  • Wild Mushroom Pappardelle
  • Bloomin’ Maitake
  • Stir-Fried Maitake Mushrooms With Garlic & Chile Oil
  • Garlic Chive & Mushroom Omelette

Instructions

  1. Find your favorite recipe from our Hen Of the Woods Mushroom Recipes list.
  2. Gather all the ingredients needed.
  3. Start cooking and make us proud!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

11 Delectable Hen Of the Woods Mushroom Recipes (2024)

FAQs

How to prepare hen of the woods to eat? ›

Preparation
  1. Brush any soil off mushrooms; cut mushrooms into 1-inch dice.
  2. Melt butter with oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. When butter stops sizzling, add mushrooms; sauté until tender, about 4 minutes. Add shallots, garlic, thyme, salt and pepper. Sauté 2 minutes and serve.

What is hen of the woods mushroom good for? ›

Rich in vitamin D, it helps everything from cancer support to bone health. Its distinctive shape has earned it the nickname “hen-of-the-woods.” It's also known as sheep head and king of the mushrooms, with its most common name — maitake — meaning “dancing mushroom.”

Can you eat hen of the woods raw? ›

Once cleaned hen of the woods can be cooked and preserved in a number of ways. Although it can be eaten raw, I think it best eaten cooked, and as with all wild mushrooms, its worth trying just a small bit, well cooked if its your first time.

What are the poisonous look alikes of hen of the woods? ›

Poisonous/harmful look-alikes: There are no poisonous look-alikes of this mushroom. The closest look-alike is Meripilus giganteus (a.k.a. Meripilus sumstine)i, the black-staining polypore, which also grows in a rosette pattern at the base of oaks, primarily with fan to spoon shaped caps or fronds.

Should I refrigerate hen of the woods? ›

Once the mushrooms are cut, you can swish them in a sink of cold water, dry them on paper towels, and store the hen of the woods in a Zip Loc bag with a dry paper towel in the fridge. If you don't have time to clean them, store them whole in the fridge and clean them as soon as possible.

When should I pick hen of the woods? ›

starting in late September, you can also bet I'm checking under those oak trees for hen of the woods. It is found primarily at the base of oak trees, though I have also occasionally found them under maples along creek and riverbanks.

What are the side effects of maitake? ›

Maitake can be difficult to digest, particularly if eaten raw, and may on rare occasions cause an upset stomach. There is also the potential for allergic reaction, although this too is rare.

Does maitake raise blood pressure? ›

Medications for high blood pressure (Antihypertensive drugs) interacts with MAITAKE MUSHROOM. Maitake mushroom might lower blood pressure. Taking maitake mushroom along with medications that lower blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low.

How does maitake make you feel? ›

Nutritional Benefits of Maitake Mushrooms

They are believed to help reduce blood pressure, lower “bad” cholesterol levels, promoting heart health, and may even help with the regulation of blood sugar levels. As a soluble source of fibre, they promote digestive health and may help with weight management.

Does hen of the woods grow back every year? ›

Growing on the ground from the base of mature hardwood trees, stumps, and submerged roots (typically oaks), hens are perennial, and are usually found from early September to late November in the same place year after year.

What is another name for hen of the woods? ›

This mushroom gets its name from resembling a hen sitting on her nest. It also is known by the name ram's head or sheep's head because it resembles ram and sheep fur.

Can hen of the woods make you sick? ›

Hen-of-the-woods, oyster, and sulphur shelf mushrooms are safe, delicious, and nutritious wild varieties prized by mushroom hunters. While these and many other mushrooms are safe to consume, eating varieties like the death cap, false morels, and Conocybe filaris can cause serious adverse health effects and even death.

How much does chicken of the woods sell for? ›

The price of Chicken of the Woods can vary widely depending on a variety of factors. According to research, the average price of fresh Chicken of the Woods ranges from $20-30 per pound. However, the price can be higher for specialty varieties or for mushrooms that are harder to find.

How to clean and prepare hen of the woods? ›

Needless to say, it is very important that you clean the Hen of the Woods well before using them. Fill up your sink, or an extra large bowl with warm water and salt. I halved the big mass and one half at a time, dunked it into the prepared water. This will get out the critters and debris that are trapped or hiding.

When should you not eat chicken of the woods? ›

Do not eat chicken of the woods that are growing on conifers, locust, or eucalyptus trees as the mushrooms growing on these trees are actually a different species (L.

How do you get the bugs out of chicken of the woods? ›

Simply cut out the dirty, unsalvageable parts, pull out the sticks and grass that's tangled within and soak in water, for at least an hour, to get any potential bugs out. Strain, and you're good to go. To finish your preparation, I recommend steaming the mushrooms for approximately 5 minutes to soften.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ouida Strosin DO

Last Updated:

Views: 6558

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ouida Strosin DO

Birthday: 1995-04-27

Address: Suite 927 930 Kilback Radial, Candidaville, TN 87795

Phone: +8561498978366

Job: Legacy Manufacturing Specialist

Hobby: Singing, Mountain biking, Water sports, Water sports, Taxidermy, Polo, Pet

Introduction: My name is Ouida Strosin DO, I am a precious, combative, spotless, modern, spotless, beautiful, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.