Sarah Brown
Enoki mushrooms are a versatile ingredient commonly used in Asian cuisines. They have a mild flavor and a crunchy texture, making them a great addition to soups, stir-fries, and salads. When preparing enoki mushrooms, it is important to trim the roots and remove any discolored or slimy parts. They can be cooked in various ways, including boiling, stir-frying, pan-frying, deep-frying, baking, steaming, or microwaving. One popular method is blanching, which involves briefly cooking the mushrooms in boiling water for about a minute before transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This technique helps retain the texture and flavor of the mushrooms while also preparing them for use in cold dishes like salads.
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare enoki mushrooms for blanching
Enoki mushrooms are cultivated year-round and are available in many grocery stores. They are commonly used in Asian cuisines and are known for their mild flavour and crunchy texture. Before blanching enoki mushrooms, there are a few steps to prepare them:
Firstly, inspect the mushrooms and remove any slimy or discoloured stems, which can be bitter and distasteful. Then, trim off the hard, woody ends of the mushrooms. Be careful when handling the mushrooms as they are fragile and can be crushed easily.
Next, you can either tear or cut the mushrooms into small, bite-sized pieces. Once you have done this, rinse the mushrooms under cold water and gently wash them. You may need to wash them a couple of times to ensure they are clean. Drain the water and pat the mushrooms dry with a paper towel.
Now, your enoki mushrooms are ready to be blanched. Bring a large pan of water to a boil and carefully place the mushrooms into the pan. Leave the mushrooms in the boiling water for about a minute. You may need to do this in separate batches, depending on the size of your pan.
Once the mushrooms are blanched, drain the water and transfer them to a serving plate. At this point, they are ready to be served or added to other dishes.
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Blanching time and method
Blanching enoki mushrooms is a quick and easy process. The blanching time for enoki mushrooms is only about 1 minute. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to blanch enoki mushrooms:
First, trim away about 1 inch of the root section from the mushrooms. Be gentle during this process. Next, use your fingers to tear the mushrooms into small, bite-sized bundles. Rinse them in cold water to remove any remaining dirt or debris, then pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen towel.
Prepare a wok or skillet by filling it with water and bringing it to a boil. Carefully place the mushrooms into the boiling water and blanch them for approximately 1 minute. Keep an eye on the time, as overcooking enoki mushrooms can make them chewy.
Once the mushrooms are blanched, remove them from the boiling water and drain them in a colander or on paper towels. Transfer the blanched mushrooms to a serving plate.
At this stage, your enoki mushrooms are ready to be used in salads, stir-fries, or other dishes. You can also dress them with a sauce or seasoning of your choice to enhance their mild flavour.
Blanching is a great way to prepare enoki mushrooms as it helps retain their delicate texture and flavour while also cleaning and refreshing them.
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How to make a sauce for blanched enoki mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in many ways and used in a variety of dishes. They are commonly used in Asian cuisines, especially in Japan, and are known for their quick cooking time and mild taste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a sauce for blanched enoki mushrooms:
Step 1: Prepare the Enoki Mushrooms
Start by trimming away about 1 inch of the root section from the enoki mushrooms. Use your fingers to tear the mushrooms into small, bite-sized bundles. Rinse the mushrooms under cold water to remove any dirt or discolouration and gently pat them dry with a paper towel.
Step 2: Blanch the Mushrooms
Prepare a wok or a large pot with boiling water. Carefully blanch the enoki mushrooms in two batches, cooking each batch for about 1 minute. Drain the water and transfer the blanched mushrooms to a serving plate.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small saucepan, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil or sesame oil over medium heat. You can also use olive oil, coconut oil, grape seed oil, or avocado oil. Add a clove of chopped garlic to the oil and cook for about 10 seconds, stirring constantly. Do not let the garlic brown. Next, add light soy sauce, sugar, and scallions to the saucepan. If you want to add some spice, you can also include some sriracha. Bring the sauce to a boil and then turn off the heat.
Step 4: Serve the Dish
Slowly pour the sauce over the blanched enoki mushrooms. You can also whisk the sauce before pouring for a smoother consistency. Serve the dish immediately or let the sauce thicken for 2-3 minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with sticky rice or tofu and can be served as a side or a main course. Enjoy!
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Storing enoki mushrooms
Another option is to dry the enoki mushrooms and store them in a jar at room temperature. This method may alter their texture, so they will need to be rehydrated before cooking. If you want to keep your enoki mushrooms for an extended period, freezing is an option. Cut off the root base and separate the clumps before placing them in a ziplock bag in the freezer. However, freezing may also affect their texture, so they are best suited for flavouring stocks or veggie burgers rather than frying.
To extend the shelf life of enoki mushrooms, it is recommended to store them in a net bag, like the ones onions are sold in, and hang them from a hook or nail. If they are exposed to sunlight, they will absorb vitamin D. If you don't use them right away, they will dry out, but you can reconstitute them by rehydrating before cooking.
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Other ways to cook enoki mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some alternative cooking methods to blanching:
Stir-frying
Stir-frying is a popular way to cook enoki mushrooms, especially in Asian cooking. To stir-fry enoki mushrooms, heat some oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook briefly, about 1 minute, stirring frequently. You can also add other vegetables, proteins, and savory sauces to create a flavorful dish.
Pan-frying or Sautéing
For pan-frying or sautéing, heat oil in a pan over high heat. Slice the mushrooms into thin "sheets" to increase the surface area for searing. Place the mushrooms in the hot pan without disturbing them too much, allowing them to develop a beautiful brown caramelization. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, soy sauce, and scallions to create a savory dish.
Deep-frying
Deep-frying enoki mushrooms can create a crispy and delicious appetizer or snack. To deep-fry, simply submerge the mushrooms in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy.
Baking or Oven-baking
Enoki mushrooms can also be baked in the oven. You can wrap them in thin slices of meat and grill them, or bake them in foil for a delicious side dish.
Steaming
Steaming is another gentle cooking method that can be used to prepare enoki mushrooms. Steaming helps retain the mushrooms' texture and flavor, making them a great addition to cold dishes like salads.
Soups and Hot Pots
Enoki mushrooms are commonly used in soups, hot pots, and ramen. They can be added directly to the broth and cooked until tender. Their delicate flavor and crunchy texture make them a unique and tasty addition to these dishes.
No matter which cooking method you choose, always remember to clean and trim the enoki mushrooms before cooking, removing any slimy or discolored parts. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile and tasty ingredient!
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