John Miller
Enoki mushrooms are a type of long, skinny mushroom that is common in East Asian dishes. They are known for their white, long, and slender strands, as well as their earthy and umami taste profile. When it comes to grilling enoki mushrooms, there are several methods that can be used. One popular method is to create a foil packet by placing the mushrooms inside along with seasonings and butter, sealing the packet, and grilling it on indirect heat for about 20 minutes. Another method is to place the mushrooms directly on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they become tender and slightly charred. Grilled enoki mushrooms make an excellent side dish or topping for burgers and sandwiches, adding a delightful smoky and caramelized flavour to any BBQ.
How to Grill Enoki Mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Remove roots and wash the mushrooms |
| Slice mushrooms horizontally, lengthwise to create 1/2-inch thin "sheets" | |
| Dunk in water to clean | |
| Create a pouch with aluminium foil | |
| Place butter inside the pouch | |
| Cooking | Place the pouch on the grill set to 350°F |
| Grill for about 20 minutes | |
| Grill mushrooms directly on the grill grates for 2-3 minutes on each side | |
| Serving | Serve as a side dish or use as a topping for burgers and sandwiches |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning enoki mushrooms
When preparing enoki mushrooms, it's important to clean them properly to remove any dirt or debris. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning enoki mushrooms:
Step 1: Remove the Roots or Trim the Base
Start by removing the roots or trimming about an inch from the bottom of the packaged enoki mushrooms. This part of the mushroom tends to be dirty and should be discarded.
Step 2: Rinse Gently
After removing the roots or trimming the base, give the enoki mushrooms a good rinse under cold water. You can do this by dunking each slice or "sheet" of the mushroom in water, ensuring that any remaining dirt or debris is washed away.
Step 3: Dry Before Cooking (Optional)
While not mandatory, some chefs recommend drying the mushrooms before cooking to improve their texture. This can be done by gently patting them with a clean cloth or paper towel after rinsing.
Step 4: Slice and Prepare for Cooking
Once cleaned, you can slice the mushrooms lengthwise into thin "sheets" to create more surface area for searing or grilling. At this stage, you can also separate the strands gently to ensure even cooking.
By following these steps, you will have clean and prepared enoki mushrooms ready for grilling or your desired cooking method. Remember to always start with fresh, tightly clustered mushrooms with firm stems and unopened caps for the best results.
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Preparing the grill
Grilling enoki mushrooms is a fantastic way to enhance their flavour. The grilling process gives the mushrooms a delightful smoky and caramelised taste, making them an excellent addition to any BBQ.
Before grilling, it is important to clean the enoki mushrooms thoroughly. Start by removing any dirt or debris from the mushroom strands. Trim about an inch off the bottom of the packaged enoki and discard it. Then, gently rinse the mushrooms under cold water. Dunk each slice of the mushroom in water to ensure they are clean.
Once the mushrooms are clean, prepare your grill. If using a charcoal grill, light the coals and let them burn until they are covered with a layer of grey ash. If using a gas grill, turn the knobs to the highest heat setting and preheat the grill for about 10-15 minutes. Aim for a temperature of around 350°F.
If you are using a grill basket, spray it with cooking spray or brush it with oil to prevent the mushrooms from sticking. Alternatively, you can create a foil pouch to place the mushrooms in. To do this, take a sheet of aluminium foil and create a packet or pouch. Make sure the pouch is not completely sealed, as you will need to leave a small opening for any liquid to escape during cooking.
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Cooking time and temperature
Grilling enoki mushrooms is a great way to elevate their flavor. The cooking time and temperature for grilling enoki mushrooms can vary depending on the specific method and recipe used. Here are some common methods and their corresponding cooking times and temperatures:
Grilling Directly on Grill Grates
For this method, the grill should be preheated to a moderate temperature. Place the cleaned and prepared enoki mushrooms directly on the grill grates and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. This will give the mushrooms a slight char and a tender texture. Grilling enoki mushrooms directly on the grill imparts a delightful smoky flavor, making them a perfect addition to any barbecue dish.
Grilling in a Foil Packet
Another popular method is to grill enoki mushrooms in a foil packet. Preheat your grill to 350°F. Place the mushrooms in a foil packet along with seasonings and a generous amount of butter. Seal the packet with a small opening at the top to allow liquid to escape. Place the foil packet on the grill and cook for about 10-20 minutes under indirect heat. This method infuses the mushrooms with flavor and creates a tender and juicy texture.
Pan-Searing
While not directly grilling, pan-searing enoki mushrooms is another option that delivers a similar charred flavor. Heat a pan or skillet on high heat, add oil, and sear the mushrooms for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color. This method creates a nice sear on the mushrooms and is often used as a base for various sauces and seasonings.
Deep-Frying
Deep-frying enoki mushrooms is a unique way to enjoy their crispy texture. Preheat a pot or deep skillet with oil to a temperature of around 350°F. Coat the mushroom slices in batter and gently drop them into the hot oil. Deep-fry for about 2 minutes, flipping halfway, until they turn golden and crispy. This cooking method transforms the mushrooms into a delicious snack or side dish.
Stir-Frying
Stir-frying is a quick and easy method to cook enoki mushrooms. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or pan over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for approximately 2-3 minutes until they become wilted and lightly browned. Stir-frying is a versatile cooking method that allows you to incorporate enoki mushrooms into various dishes.
Baking
Baking enoki mushrooms in a foil packet is another option for cooking them. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the mushrooms in a foil packet with your favorite sauce and bake for about 15 minutes. This method allows the mushrooms to cook in their own juices, resulting in a soft and flavorful texture.
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Marinades and seasonings
Enoki mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be grilled, stir-fried, sautéed, deep-fried, or used in soups, stews, and ramen. They have a chewy texture and a distinct crunch, making them a popular meat substitute.
When grilling enoki mushrooms, it is important to clean them properly by rinsing them gently under cold water and trimming the base to remove any dirt or debris. You can also slice the mushrooms horizontally into thin sheets to increase the surface area for searing.
- Garlic Butter Enoki Mushrooms: This recipe involves creating a foil pouch with butter, diced garlic, salt, black pepper, Japanese sake, and a generous amount of butter. Place the enoki mushrooms inside the pouch, seal it, and grill under indirect heat for about 20 minutes. This method allows the mushrooms to cook in their juices and infuses them with a savoury garlic butter flavour.
- Soy Garlic Enoki Mushrooms: Combine soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, sesame seeds, and water to create a uniform sauce. After searing the mushrooms, pour the sauce over them and let it simmer until absorbed. This recipe gives the mushrooms a golden brown sear and an earthy, umami flavour.
- Mala Spice Seasoning: Prepare a spice blend by toasting Sichuan peppercorns, paprika, cumin, and coriander seeds in a skillet until fragrant. Grind the spices into a fine powder and use it to season fried enoki mushrooms. This seasoning adds a unique flavour profile to the mushrooms.
- Garlic and Scallion Sauce: Create a sauce by heating vegetable oil and sesame oil in a saucepan, adding garlic and cooking for 10 seconds. Then, add soy sauce, scallions, sugar, and sriracha, bringing it to a boil before turning off the heat. Pour the sauce over the enoki mushrooms, infusing them with a fresh and sweet flavour.
- Basic Seasoning: For a simple approach, season your grilled enoki mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste. This allows the natural flavour of the mushrooms to shine through while enhancing their savoury qualities.
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Serving suggestions
Grilled enoki mushrooms can be served in a variety of ways, as a side dish or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. They can also be wrapped in bacon and served as an appetizer with a Thai chilli dipping sauce.
Grilled enoki mushrooms are a great addition to any BBQ, with their delightful smoky and caramelized taste. They can be served alongside White Wine Steamed Manila Clams or Japanese Steamed Clams for a delightful combination of flavours.
For a simple and flavourful recipe, grilled enoki mushrooms can be stir-fried with soy sauce and garlic. This dish can be enjoyed as a main or side and is the perfect accompaniment to any meal. It can be served with rice or tofu steaks.
Grilled enoki mushrooms can also be added to soups and stews, enhancing the flavour of these dishes. They can be added to Asian-style soups, such as ramen, or used as a filling for sushi or dumplings.
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