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Plant-Based King Oyster Mushroom & Lychee Tartare – vegetarian recipe
Stav Kogan

Plant-Based King Oyster Mushroom & Lychee Tartare

An elegant, surprising, and completely plant-based tartare featuring finely diced king oyster mushrooms and sweet lychee, all brought together with a luxurious vegan vanilla aioli. A show-stopping starter inspired by Miami's vibrant Floribbean-Latino spirit.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 small appetizer
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

  • Mushroom & Lychee Tartare
  • 6 ounces (170 g / 6 oz) king oyster mushrooms, stems only, cut into a very small dice
  • 4 ounces (115 g / 4.1 oz) fresh or canned lychees, cut into a very small dice
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) chopped fresh chives
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml / 0.2 fl oz) chopped fresh cilantro
  • ¼ teaspoon finely chopped shallot
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Vegan Vanilla Aioli
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml / 1.5 fl oz) aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons / 150ml (5.1 fl oz) Vanilla Oil (see Pro-Tips)
  • ¼ teaspoon sherry vinegar
  • Pro-Tips for Success
  • For the best scallop-like texture, use only the firm stems of the king oyster mushrooms and dice them very finely, about a 1/4-inch (6mm) cube.
  • To make a quick Vanilla Oil, gently warm ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) of a neutral oil (like grapeseed) with one split vanilla bean over low heat for 5-10 minutes. Do not let it simmer. Remove from heat and let it infuse for at least two hours before using.
  • For a thick and stable aioli, use chilled aquafaba. For an even better result, you can reduce the aquafaba by simmering it on the stove until it has reduced by about a third, then chill it completely before using.

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, gently combine the diced king oyster mushrooms, diced lychee, chives, cilantro, and shallot.
  2. Set aside.
  3. To make the aioli, combine the aquafaba and mustard in a separate, clean bowl.
  4. Using an immersion blender or a whisk, blend until frothy.
  5. Very slowly, drop by drop at first, begin to drizzle in the vanilla oil while continuously blending or whisking. As the mixture starts to thicken and emulsify, you can pour the oil in a thin, steady stream.
  6. Continue until it reaches a light mayonnaise consistency.
  7. Whisk in the sherry vinegar.
  8. Gently fold the vanilla aioli into the mushroom and lychee mixture until everything is well coated.
  9. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  10. For the best flavor and texture, serve immediately, ice-cold. Spoon into mini martini glasses or onto appetizer spoons.
  11. Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for 15-20 minutes before plating. This keeps the tartare perfectly cold and refreshing from the first bite to the last.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 13g

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