Sarah Brown
Enoki mushrooms are a type of mushroom common in East Asian dishes. They are white, long, and slender, with an earthy and umami flavour. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying, deep-frying, grilling, and baking. When preparing enoki mushrooms, it is important to first cut off and discard about one inch from the bottom of the mushrooms to remove any roots or debris. The mushrooms should then be washed and patted dry before being cooked. One popular way to cook enoki mushrooms is to stir-fry them with butter and garlic, and then wrap them in pan-fried meat. They can also be added to soups, ramen, or stir-fries during the last few minutes of cooking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Cut about one inch off the bottom of the mushrooms, removing any roots or debris. Then wash and pat dry the Enoki mushrooms, separating the bundles. |
| Cooking methods | Stir-fry, deep fry, wrap in thin-sliced meat and grill, oven-bake, add to soups, ramen, or hotpots, microwave, sauté, pan-fry |
| Cooking time | 2-3 minutes in a stir-fry, 1-2 minutes in the microwave, 3 minutes in ramen |
| Seasoning | Soy sauce, sriracha, teriyaki sauce, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, sesame seeds |
| Serving suggestions | Serve over steamed rice with scallions, add to tofu steaks, soups, or ramen. Can also be used as a filling for sushi or dumplings. |
| Nutritional information | High in fiber, antioxidants, and B vitamins |
| Safety | The CDC and FDA recommend cooking Enoki mushrooms before consuming. Do not eat them raw. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparation
Enoki mushrooms are a type of mushroom common in East Asian dishes. They are white, long, and slender, with an earthy and umami taste and a distinct crunch.
First, remove the enoki mushrooms from their packaging and lay them on a cutting board. Slice about one inch off the bottom of the mushrooms to get rid of the roots and any debris. Then, using a sharp knife, cut the mushrooms horizontally but lengthwise to create thin "sheets" about half an inch in thickness. This increases the surface area that will be exposed to heat when cooking, leading to better searing. Next, dunk each slice in water to clean it and gently rinse the mushrooms. You can also place them in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with a plate before microwaving for 1-2 minutes. After cleaning, pat the mushrooms dry and separate them into bundles.
Note that enoki mushrooms should not be consumed raw. They are typically cooked by stir-frying, deep-frying, grilling, baking, or adding them to soups or hot pots.
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Slicing and cooking methods
Enoki mushrooms are a type of mushroom common in East Asian dishes. They are white, long, and slender, with an earthy and umami taste profile. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying, deep-frying, grilling, baking, and adding them to soups or hot pots.
Before cooking, enoki mushrooms should be sliced and cleaned. To prepare the mushrooms for cooking, start by cutting about one inch off the bottom of the packaged enoki and discarding it. This helps remove any roots or debris. Then, take the mushrooms out of the package and lay them flat on a cutting board. Slice the mushrooms horizontally but lengthwise to create thin "sheets" that will increase the surface area for searing. Dunk each slice in water to clean it, or gently rinse and pat the mushrooms dry.
To stir-fry enoki mushrooms, heat some oil in a pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring or tossing them occasionally. For a simple stir-fry, you can season the mushrooms with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning. You can also add other ingredients to the stir-fry, such as garlic, butter, or other vegetables.
If you want to add enoki mushrooms to a soup or ramen, they should be added towards the end of the cooking process. Bring your broth to a boil and add the mushrooms for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This will ensure that the mushrooms are cooked but still retain some of their distinctive crunch.
Enoki mushrooms can also be baked or grilled. To bake, drizzle the mushrooms with sesame oil and bake in a foil packet at 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes. Alternatively, you can wrap the mushrooms in thin-sliced meat and grill them until cooked.
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Sauces and seasoning
Enoki mushrooms are versatile and can be seasoned and sauced in a variety of ways. They are often used in Asian-style dishes, including stir-fries, ramen, soups, and dumplings. They can also be fried, steamed, blanched, or microwaved.
When preparing enoki mushrooms, it is important to first trim away the root section, which is typically about 1 inch long. The mushrooms should then be rinsed clean and drained.
One popular way to season enoki mushrooms is with a garlic and scallion sauce. To make this sauce, simply bring the sauce to a boil and then turn off the heat. Don't overcook the garlic and scallions, as you want to retain their fresh and sweet taste. Slowly pour the sauce over the prepared enoki mushrooms and serve.
Another option is to make a spicy sauce to complement the earthiness and umami of the mushrooms. This sauce typically includes ingredients such as sugar or corn syrup, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The sugar or corn syrup adds a slight sweetness and glossiness to the sauce. Soy sauce lends a savoury and salty flavour, while sesame oil complements the other flavours with its nutty and aromatic profile. You can also add other spices to taste, such as pepper flakes, Buldak sauce, capsaicin powder, or fresh chilli peppers.
For a heartier dish, enoki mushrooms can be cooked in a soy butter sauce. This sauce typically includes ingredients such as Japanese soy sauce, mirin, butter, and garlic powder. The mushrooms are first cooked, either by microwaving or steaming, and then the sauce is added and mixed together. This dish can be served as a side or main course and is perfect for those who enjoy rich, buttery flavours.
Finally, for a more indulgent treat, enoki mushrooms can be deep-fried and seasoned with sea salt and mala spice seasoning. The mala spice blend includes Sichuan peppercorns, paprika, cumin, and coriander seeds, which are toasted and then ground. These fried mushrooms can be served with ketchup, mayonnaise, or chile sauce for dipping.
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Serving suggestions
Enoki mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
Rice or Noodle Dishes
Enoki mushrooms can be served over steamed rice or noodles. To prepare, heat some oil in a saucepan over medium heat and add the mushrooms, cooking for 2-3 minutes. Pour in some soy sauce and sriracha, coating the mushrooms, and cook for a further few minutes. Serve over rice or noodles with chopped scallions on top.
Soups and Ramen
Enoki mushrooms are a great addition to soups, ramen, and broths. Simply add the mushrooms to your soup or ramen during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to avoid overcooking them. You can also add them to Asian-style soups, such as Korean hangover soup.
Stir-Fries
Enoki mushrooms are a tasty and quick addition to stir-fries. Simply add them during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, as they cook faster than many other vegetables. You can also try a soy garlic enoki mushroom stir-fry by searing the mushrooms and coating them in a sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, sesame seeds, and water.
Dumplings, Sushi, and Tofu
Enoki mushrooms can be used as a filling or topping for dumplings, sushi, or tofu steaks. They can also be added to vegetable sushi rolls or used as a garnish, along with sesame seeds and chives.
Grilling and Baking
Enoki mushrooms can be wrapped in thin slices of meat and grilled. They can also be baked in the oven; simply drizzle them with sesame oil, bake in a foil packet at 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes, and serve.
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Health and safety
Enoki mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stir-fries to sushi and dumplings. However, it is important to follow certain health and safety guidelines when preparing and consuming these mushrooms to minimize food safety risks.
Firstly, when purchasing enoki mushrooms, ensure they are dry, firm, and white. Avoid any with slimy caps, limp stems, or significant browning above the root. It is typical to see some dirt or discoloration near the base, but a large amount of brown on the stems indicates a lack of freshness.
Before cooking enoki mushrooms, it is important to clean them thoroughly. Remove any stems that are slimy or discolored, as these can taste gritty and bitter. Rinse the mushrooms under cold water and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. Do not rinse the mushrooms until you are ready to cook them, as they can be crushed easily.
When preparing raw enoki mushrooms, ensure they are separated from other cooked food to prevent cross-contamination. It is recommended to store the mushrooms in the refrigerator to limit microbial growth, even if the packaging is still intact. L. monocytogenes, a type of pathogenic bacteria, can survive in the absence of oxygen and refrigeration temperatures, so proper cooking is crucial.
Cooking enoki mushrooms is essential to eliminate the risk of pathogenic bacteria. The CDC and FDA recommend cooking enoki mushrooms before consumption and advise against eating them raw. Fortunately, the bacteria L. monocytogenes can be killed at temperatures above 50°C. When cooking, add the enoki mushrooms during the last 2-3 minutes of stir-frying or boiling to avoid overcooking, which can result in a rubbery texture.
By following these health and safety guidelines, you can safely enjoy the unique flavor and texture that enoki mushrooms bring to your dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Cut about one inch off the bottom of the mushrooms to remove the roots. Then, gently rinse and pat them dry.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes, tossing them occasionally. Then, pour in the sauce and coat the mushrooms.
Add enoki mushrooms to your broth for the last 3 minutes of cooking.
Yes, you can bake enoki mushrooms in a foil packet at 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes.
No, it is recommended that you cook enoki mushrooms before consuming them.
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