Laura Smith
Dehydrated shiitake mushrooms are a staple in Asian cooking, known for their rich, earthy flavour and meaty texture. They are a great ingredient to have in your pantry as they can be stored for months or even years and are easy to rehydrate. The process of rehydration is simple and can be done in a few different ways, depending on how much time you have. The mushrooms should be placed in a large bowl or container with enough water to submerge them completely. For a quick method, you can use hot water and soak the mushrooms for 15-20 minutes. For a slower method, which enhances the natural sweetness of the mushrooms, you can leave them to soak overnight in the refrigerator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for dehydrating | To preserve for later use |
| Taste | More concentrated earthy, woody, umami flavor |
| Texture | Chewy, silky, more meaty than fresh mushrooms |
| Use | Added to stocks, soups, braises, stir-fries, and Japanese dashi stocks |
| Dehydrating equipment | Dehydrator, oven, or air-dried |
| Dehydrating temperature | 110 F, 135 F, or 50 C |
| Dehydrating time | 4-8 hours, 6-8 hours, or 7-10 days |
| Storing | Airtight container, cool dry place, or freezer |
| Storing time | Up to 2 years |
| Rehydrating | Soak in warm water for 1-2 hours or 20-30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Where to buy dehydrated shiitake mushrooms
Dried shiitake mushrooms are widely used in Asian cooking, where they add a distinctive umami flavour to stocks, soups, braises, and stir-fries. They are also used to make Japanese dashi stocks and Korean stews.
You can buy dehydrated shiitake mushrooms at Asian grocery stores and online. Some online retailers include Melissa's Produce, Gourmet Vegetarian Kitchen, Hazeldell Mushrooms, and Eden Foods.
If you have access to fresh shiitake mushrooms, you can also dehydrate them yourself at home. This can be done by air-drying the mushrooms in a well-ventilated area for 6-8 hours or until dry. You can also use an oven to dehydrate the mushrooms at a temperature of around 135 Fahrenheit or 50 Celsius for 2 hours, followed by air-drying for 3-5 days. Once fully dehydrated, shiitake mushrooms can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.
When you are ready to use your dehydrated shiitake mushrooms, simply rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water for 1-2 hours. You can also blanch them in boiling water for 2-5 minutes or soak them in lukewarm water, wine, or consommé for 30 minutes. The soaking liquid can be added to dishes to enhance their flavour.
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How to store dehydrated shiitake mushrooms
Dehydrated shiitake mushrooms can be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark place, such as a refrigerator or freezer. If storing in a cabinet or pantry, choose a dark and cool location, and use oxygen-absorbing packets to prevent spoilage.
To ensure maximum freshness and prolong shelf life, it is crucial to store dried shiitake mushrooms properly. They should be kept in airtight containers, such as plastic resealable bags or glass canning jars, and placed in a cool, dry, and dark environment. The refrigerator or freezer is ideal, but if storing in a cabinet, ensure it is dark, cool, and well-ventilated.
If you live in a humid climate, consider using oxygen-absorbing packets in your storage containers. These packets contain iron powder that absorbs oxygen, helping to preserve the mushrooms for more extended periods. While not necessary, they can be beneficial, especially when storing mushrooms at room temperature.
Additionally, when transferring mushrooms to containers, squeeze out any excess air from the bags before sealing them tightly. This helps prevent spoilage and maintains the quality of the mushrooms.
By following these storage guidelines, you can effectively preserve dehydrated shiitake mushrooms, ensuring they remain fresh and flavorful for your culinary creations.
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How to rehydrate dehydrated shiitake mushrooms
Dried shiitake mushrooms are a staple in many Asian cuisines, known for their rich, earthy flavour and meaty texture. When rehydrated, they make an excellent addition to soups, broths, stir-fry vegetable dishes, and more.
To rehydrate dried shiitake mushrooms, start by selecting good-quality mushrooms. Look for whole dried shiitake mushrooms with thick, dome-shaped caps and lots of cracks, which are signs of a quality mushroom. Avoid pre-sliced mushrooms, as they tend to lack taste.
Next, prepare your soaking setup. Place the desired amount of mushrooms in a large bowl or container, ensuring they are stem-side down as the stems are thicker and require more time to absorb water. Use room-temperature water or cold water, which enhances the mushrooms' natural sweetness, and fill the container until the mushrooms are completely submerged. You can also add a plate or something similar on top of the mushrooms to keep them from floating.
Let the mushrooms soak for at least 20 minutes or even overnight in the refrigerator. If you're short on time, you can reduce the soaking time by removing the stems first, then soak for about an hour until soft.
Once the mushrooms are tender, remove them from the water and gently squeeze out the excess liquid with your hands. Trim and discard the tough stems, and your rehydrated shiitake mushrooms are now ready for cooking!
As a bonus, don't discard the mushroom-soaking liquid! It can be used as a tasty ingredient in place of chicken broth or as a base for sauces, adding an extra layer of flavour to your dishes.
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How to use the shiitake mushroom broth
Shiitake mushroom broth is a staple in Asian cooking, providing a deep umami flavour to stocks, soups, braises, and stir-fries. Here are some ways to use this intensely flavoured broth:
As a Soup Base
Shiitake mushroom broth can be used as a starter for Asian-style soups, such as Japanese miso soup, Korean stews, or vegetable and noodle soups. It adds a savoury, meaty taste to the dish.
For Gravy
The broth can be used as a base for gravy, adding a rich flavour to your meal.
In Dashi
Shiitake dashi is a vegan-friendly Japanese soup stock made by rehydrating dried shiitake mushrooms in water. The soaking liquid, or shiitake dashi, is then used in cooking, adding flavour and nutrients to dishes.
As a Seasoning
The broth can be reduced and used as a seasoning. Simply simmer the broth until it becomes a thick, concentrated liquid. This can then be drizzled over dishes to add a burst of flavour.
For a Shooter
Shiitake broth can be served as a shooter, either warm, at room temperature, or chilled. It can be garnished with finely julienned ginger, chilli oil, or microgreens such as watercress or radish sprouts.
Shiitake mushroom broth is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavour of many dishes. Whether used as a base, seasoning, or even as a drink, it adds a savoury, umami taste that is unique to dried shiitake mushrooms.
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Dehydrated shiitake mushrooms vs fresh shiitake mushrooms
Dehydrated shiitake mushrooms are a staple in Asian cooking, prized for their intense umami flavour. The drying process intensifies the deep, savoury taste of the mushrooms, making them a popular choice for adding a "meaty" element to stocks, soups, braises and stir-fries. Dehydrated shiitake mushrooms are also used to make Japanese dashi stocks and Korean stews.
Fresh shiitake mushrooms, on the other hand, have a more delicate, silky and creamy flavour. They are also softer in texture and cook very quickly. Fresh shiitake mushrooms are just as delicious but can be harder to find and don't last as long.
Dried shiitake mushrooms are often sold in Asian markets and can be quite expensive, costing around $5 per ounce. However, the drying process is simple and can be done at home, allowing you to preserve the freshest shiitake mushrooms during the mushroom season.
To dehydrate shiitake mushrooms, cut the stems, brush off any dirt, and place them in a well-ventilated area, preferably in the sun. You can also use an oven or a dehydrator set to around 135 Fahrenheit or 50 Celsius for 6 to 8 hours. Once completely dry, store the mushrooms in an airtight container.
To use dehydrated shiitake mushrooms, simply rehydrate them in hot water for at least 20 minutes before cooking. The soaking liquid can also be used in place of chicken broth or as a base for sauces, adding even more flavour to your dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to dehydrate shiitake mushrooms is to use a dehydrator. Set the temperature to 110 °Fahrenheit or 43.3 °Celsius and leave them to dry for 4 to 8 hours, depending on the thickness of the slices.
To partially dehydrate shiitake mushrooms in an oven, set the temperature to 175 °Fahrenheit or 80 °Celsius and leave them for 2 hours, flipping them halfway through. Then, transfer them to a colander to air-dry for another 3 to 5 days.
When your shiitake mushrooms are fully dehydrated, they will be dry to the touch and will not give when squeezed. They should feel like small, light rocks.
