If you've been searching for a satisfying, savory, and show-stopping vegan dish that delivers on both texture and flavor, look no further than these crispy vegan trumpet mushroom "scallops" in garlic butter. This dish takes the meaty, umami-rich king trumpet mushroom and transforms it into golden-brown medallions that closely mimic the look and bite of seared scallops. Tossed in a luscious garlic butter sauce (all plant-based, of course), this dish is a gourmet treat that even non-vegans will rave about. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, planning a romantic night in, or just trying to up your mushroom game, this recipe brings restaurant-level elegance with surprisingly little effort.

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Crispy Vegan Trumpet Mushroom "Scallops" in Garlic Butter

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2 main servings or 4 appetizer portions

Equipment

Sharp knife To cut uniform rounds of trumpet mushrooms.
Cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed frying pan Ideal for achieving that deep, golden sear and crispy texture.
Mixing bowl For marinating the mushrooms.
Tongs or spatula For flipping the mushrooms without breaking them.
Microplane or zester Optional, but great for getting fine lemon zest.

Ingredients

For the Mushroom "Scallops"

4 large king trumpet mushrooms also known as king oyster mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup optional for balance
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Pinch of sea salt

For the Vegan Garlic Butter Sauce

3 tablespoons vegan butter
4 cloves garlic finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Zest of half a lemon
Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes

Fresh parsley or chives
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Prep the Mushrooms

Start by cleaning the king trumpet mushrooms with a damp paper towel—avoid soaking them in water. Slice the stems into 1 to 1.5-inch thick rounds. You’ll want pieces that resemble traditional scallops. Score a shallow criss-cross pattern on the top and bottom of each round to help them absorb flavor and sear more evenly.

Marinate for Depth

In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, soy sauce, lemon juice, maple syrup (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the mushroom rounds gently in the marinade, ensuring all surfaces are coated. Let them sit for about 10 minutes while you prep the garlic butter sauce.

Sear to Perfection

Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil and once it’s shimmering, place the marinated mushroom rounds flat side down. Do not overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary. Let them sear undisturbed for about 3–4 minutes per side or until both sides are beautifully caramelized and crispy.
This is where the magic happens—the mushrooms will develop that slightly chewy, crispy edge while staying juicy inside, almost like a real scallop.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat slightly and push the mushrooms to one side of the skillet. Add the vegan butter to the empty side of the pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add lemon juice and zest, then mix everything together in the pan so the mushrooms are well coated.

Serve and Garnish

Plate the mushroom scallops immediately while hot. Spoon any remaining garlic butter sauce over the top and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Pairings

These crispy vegan trumpet mushroom scallops are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes to create a full meal. Here are some great ideas:

With Grains

Serve over a bed of creamy vegan polenta, risotto, or even wild rice for a hearty and elegant dinner. A herby couscous or quinoa salad also adds a nice textural contrast.

With Pasta

Toss them with linguine or fettuccine, and add a splash of the garlic butter sauce for a vegan take on scallop pasta. A touch of white wine and fresh herbs will elevate it even more.

With Vegetables

Pair with roasted broccolini, grilled asparagus, or a medley of seasonal vegetables. For a comforting option, consider serving them alongside vegan mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes—yes, that’s as indulgent as it sounds.

As a Starter

Serve these mushroom scallops atop crostini or toasted sourdough with a schmear of vegan cream cheese for a fancy appetizer.

FAQs

1. Can I use other mushrooms instead of king trumpet?

Absolutely. While king trumpet mushrooms have the perfect size and texture for this dish, you can substitute with thick slices of portobello mushroom caps or even large oyster mushrooms. Both work beautifully in similar recipes with trumpet mushrooms.

2. Do I need to marinate the mushrooms?

While not strictly necessary, marinating adds depth and boosts the umami profile. It also helps tenderize the mushroom and infuse flavor before searing. For anyone exploring recipes with trumpet mushrooms or even chestnut mushroom recipes, marination is a simple trick to elevate flavor.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?

These are best served fresh and hot, but you can prep the mushrooms and marinade ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before cooking. Reheating is possible in a skillet, but the crispiness may reduce slightly.

4. Are there other ways to cook trumpet mushrooms for this recipe?

Yes! Air frying or baking are viable alternatives. Air frying at 375°F for 10–12 minutes gives you crispy mushrooms with minimal oil. Just be sure to flip halfway through. Baking at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet pan also works but doesn’t get quite the same sear.

5. What other dishes can I make with trumpet mushrooms?

Trumpet mushrooms are incredibly versatile. They’re ideal for a vegan bacon recipe due to their meaty texture—just slice thin, season, and crisp in the oven. They’re also great in vegan stuffed mushrooms, added to stir fries, or even as part of a vegan mushroom gravy. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out any beech mushroom recipe, vegan oyster mushroom recipes, or explore variations like tofu mushroom recipes.