Ingredients

3 medium King Oyster Mushrooms (for a shredded, meaty texture)

2 tsp Oil (helps to sauté the mushrooms)

3 tbsp Ketchup (acts as the sweet base of the sauce)

1 tbsp Sugar (balances the flavors)

1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (introduces tanginess)

1 tsp Soy Sauce (adds umami depth)

1/2 tsp Yellow Mustard (provides a hint of spiciness)

1/2 tsp Vegan Worcestershire Sauce (enhances the sauce’s complexity)

1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (contributes a lovely smoky flavor)

1/4 tsp Onion Powder (amplifies the overall taste)

1/8 tsp Liquid Smoke (gives an authentic charred BBQ flavor)

1/8 tsp Ground Black Pepper

1/8 tsp Salt

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Clean the king oyster mushrooms thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Step 3: Slice the mushrooms in half lengthwise, then use a fork to shred them into thin strips.

Step 4: Toss the shredded mushrooms with oil directly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the mushrooms for 20 minutes, checking their texture after 15 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 6: Transfer the baked mushrooms to a mixing bowl.

Step 7: In a separate bowl, combine ketchup, sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, yellow mustard, vegan Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, liquid smoke, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to form the BBQ sauce.

Step 8: Pour the BBQ sauce over the warm mushrooms and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

Step 9: Heat a bit more oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté the sauced mushrooms for about 5 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.

Step 10: Serve the BBQ pulled mushrooms hot in wraps, sandwiches, or over a bed of rice.

Tips & Variations

For extra smoky flavor, adjust the amount of liquid smoke or add a pinch of smoked sea salt.

Try adding finely diced onions or garlic while sautéing for more depth.

Use other mushroom varieties like shiitake or portobello if king oyster mushrooms are unavailable, though texture will differ.

Serve with vegan coleslaw for a complete and refreshing meal.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe oil-free?

Yes, you can omit the oil, but the mushrooms may be less tender and slightly less flavorful. You might want to sauté them with a splash of water or vegetable broth instead.

How do I get the mushrooms to have a pulled texture?

Using a fork to shred the king oyster mushrooms after slicing helps create a stringy, pulled texture similar to pulled meat. Baking and sautéing further enhance this texture.