I had been on the hunt for chicken of the woods for a few years but I never had any luck finding them. Last weekend while hiking, I was elated to unexpectedly spot a tree covered in the giant, orange mushrooms. Foraging food is my favorite hobby but I usually skip out on wild mushrooms because I’m not an expert on identifying them. Chicken of the woods is extremely distinguishable, making them the only mushroom that I trust myself to pick and consume.
These are very dense and hearty mushrooms and have a flavor similar to chicken. If you aren’t lucky enough to come across these on your outdoor adventures, they are sometimes available at Whole Foods. The possibilities for how you can prepare these are endless, but I chose to barbecue mine. I served it with a couple sides but it would also be wonderful served on a bulky roll with some coleslaw. You can play around with the flavor of the barbecue sauce, adding more brown sugar for sweetness or a dash of of chili powder for a little heat.
These are very dense and hearty mushrooms and have a flavor similar to chicken. If you aren’t lucky enough to come across these on your outdoor adventures, they are sometimes available at Whole Foods. The possibilities for how you can prepare these are endless, but I chose to barbecue mine. I served it with a couple sides but it would also be wonderful served on a bulky roll with some coleslaw. You can play around with the flavor of the barbecue sauce, adding more brown sugar for sweetness or a dash of of chili powder for a little heat.
YIELDS
2 servings
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
- 2 cups diced chicken of the woods
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp molasses
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tsp liquid smoke
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions
1. In a small sauce pan, heat a couple tablespoons of water. Add the mushrooms and sauté for a couple of minutes to soften them.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the rest of the ingredients to make the sauce.
3. Pour the sauce over the mushrooms and simmer for 30-35 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.
4. Remove from heat and serve.
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Photo: Lauren Sacerdote
