Emma Wilson
Shiitake mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with a deep umami flavour and a range of health benefits. They are low in fat and calories, high in fibre and contain essential amino acids. With their meaty, woodsy flavour, they are a popular vegan meat substitute and can be used in a variety of dishes, from ramen to risotto. When it comes to preparing shiitake mushrooms, the process differs depending on whether they are fresh or dried. Dried shiitake mushrooms need to be rehydrated by soaking them in boiling water, while fresh shiitake mushrooms can be rinsed under cold water and patted dry. The stems are usually removed as they can be tough, but they can be used to add flavour to broths or vegetable stock. The caps can be sliced or left whole and cooked through methods such as sautéing, roasting or grilling. Sautéing shiitake mushrooms in butter and olive oil, along with seasonings like garlic and parsley, is a popular way to unlock their rich, buttery flavour.
How to prepare shiitake mushrooms
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Use a damp cloth or paper towel to gently wipe the caps of the mushrooms. Avoid washing them under running water as they can become waterlogged and lose their flavor. |
| Rehydrating dried mushrooms | Soak dried shiitake mushrooms in warm water for 20-30 minutes. Drain and squeeze out excess water before using them. |
| Removing stems | Cut off the stems as they can be tough and fibrous. The stems can be saved to make vegetable stock or a flavorful mushroom broth. |
| Slicing | Cut the mushroom caps into strips or thick, meaty slices. |
| Cooking methods | Sautéing, roasting, simmering, grilling, or stir-frying. |
| Cooking time | Sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Roast at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Simmer in broth for an umami-packed flavor. Grill for crispy edges. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. |
| Cooking temperature | Medium-high heat for sautéing. |
| Oil | Butter, olive oil, sesame oil. |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, soy sauce. |
| Add-ins | White wine, onions, carrots, celery, and other vegetables, proteins, and sauces. |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparing shitake mushrooms
Preparing fresh shiitake mushrooms is a simple process. First, rinse the mushrooms under cold water to remove any dirt. Shiitake mushrooms absorb a lot of moisture, so you will notice that they absorb some of the water. You can either give them a little shake or lightly pat them dry with a paper towel. They do not need to be completely dry before cooking.
Next, cut off the stems. You can either discard them or save them in a freezer bag to make vegetable stock later. The stems are edible, but some people find them too tough to eat whole. If you want to keep them, you can slice them up smaller so they are not as noticeable in a dish.
Finally, cut each mushroom cap into strips or slices. You can now cook the mushrooms using your desired method.
Preparing dried shiitake mushrooms is a little different. First, rinse them under cold water and cover them in boiling water. Cover the bowl with a tea towel to prevent the steam from escaping. They will expand to twice their size. Drain and slice them, discarding the tough stems, and use them in your recipe. Be sure to save the soaking liquid, which can be added to risottos or broth.
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Cooking methods: sautéing, roasting, simmering, grilling
Shiitake mushrooms are versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways to bring out different textures and flavours. Here is a guide to four popular cooking methods: sautéing, roasting, simmering, and grilling.
Sautéing
Sautéed shiitake mushrooms are a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with a variety of entrées. To prepare the mushrooms for sautéing, start by cleaning them and removing any tough spots on the stems. You can slice them up or keep them whole. Heat butter and olive oil in a pan, and then add the mushrooms. For extra flavour, season with garlic, fresh parsley, and black pepper. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and caramelized.
Roasting
Roasting shiitake mushrooms brings out a crispy, bacon-like flavour and texture. To roast the mushrooms, first brush off any visible dirt and remove any tough spots on the stems. You can cut the stems off or keep them for added flavour. Drizzle or brush the mushrooms with olive oil and place them in the oven for a tasty side dish or ingredient to add to meals.
Simmering
Simmering shiitake mushrooms is a great way to add flavour to soups and broths. To prepare the mushrooms for simmering, clean them and remove any tough spots on the stems. You can chop the mushrooms or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Add the mushrooms to your soup or broth and simmer for an hour or until tender.
Grilling
Grilled shiitake mushrooms take on a smoky, slightly charred flavour with a meaty bite. To grill the mushrooms, brush them with olive oil and place them on a grill for 5 to 10 minutes. Grilled shiitake mushrooms are perfect for summer cookouts and can be served as a side dish or added to grilled vegetable dishes.
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Recipes: stir-fry, soup, ramen, risotto
Stir-fry
For a shiitake mushroom stir-fry, you can combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sweet Thai chilli sauce, maple syrup, and red pepper chilli flakes in a bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside. Add your mushrooms to a bowl, drizzle with soy sauce, and toss until coated. Next, heat sesame oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions, orange or bell peppers, and zucchini, and cook until softened. Put the mushrooms back into the stir-fry and toss to coat. You can serve this over rice.
Soup
You can add shiitake mushrooms to a soup to give it an earthy depth and meatiness.
Ramen
For a quick kimchi ramen, shiitake mushrooms are sauteed and added to a large saucepan with oil, salt, onion, ginger, and garlic. These ingredients are cooked until the mushrooms release their water and brown. Then, add stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in kimchi, its liquid, miso, and soy sauce. You can use angel-hair pasta and add baking soda to the water to create ramen-like noodles. Top each bowl with egg, scallions, nori, and watercress.
Risotto
For a caramelized shiitake mushroom risotto, you can saute shiitake mushrooms and add thyme and arborio rice. Cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally, then add dry white wine and cook for another 2 minutes or until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Add warmed vegetable stock a little at a time, stirring constantly. You can garnish with some reserved shiitake mushrooms.
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Health benefits and nutritional value
Shiitake mushrooms are prized for their rich, savoury taste and diverse health benefits. They are low in fat and calories and high in fibre and vital minerals. They are also one of the best plant sources of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health. In addition, they are a good source of vitamin B, copper, selenium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and protein.
Shiitake mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries, believed to boost health and longevity, as well as improve circulation. They are also thought to have antimicrobial properties and may help fight infections. The mushrooms contain eritadenine, which is known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood, as well as beta-glucans that reduce inflammation. They also contain polysaccharides like lentinans, which protect against cell damage, help your immune system, and boost white blood cell production.
Shiitake mushrooms are also believed to have high antioxidant properties, which can help prevent diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. However, many of the studies on the health benefits of shiitake mushrooms have been conducted on animals or in test tubes, so more research is needed to confirm these effects on humans.
While the mushrooms are typically well-tolerated, some people may experience an allergic reaction or skin rash from consuming or handling raw shiitake. Cooking the mushrooms can avoid this reaction but may reduce the health benefits from lentinan, a compound that provides many of the mushroom's health advantages.
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Vegan options and meat substitutes
Shiitake mushrooms are a great vegan option and meat substitute due to their savoury, smoky flavour and chewy texture. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads and grain bowls to ramen and burgers.
To prepare shiitake mushrooms, it is recommended to remove the stems as they are fibrous and tough to chew. The mushroom caps can then be sliced, diced, or left whole, depending on the recipe. Shiitake mushrooms can be sautéed, roasted, grilled, or stir-fried.
For a simple side dish, shiitake mushrooms can be sautéed in plant-based butter with garlic and fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with a variety of vegan entrées, such as mashed potatoes or vegan steak.
For a heartier meal, shiitake mushrooms can be added to rice dishes, such as sushi rice or basmati rice with spring onions and sesame seeds. They can also be used in ramen, paired with tofu, or served with roasted Brussels sprouts.
Shiitake mushrooms are a great way to add savoury, meaty flavours to vegan dishes. They can be used as a substitute for meat in burgers or as a meat alternative in dishes such as chicken teriyaki.
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Frequently asked questions
First, rinse them under cold water and cover them in boiling water. Leave them to expand to twice their size. Drain and slice them, discarding the tough stems. Save the soaking liquid for use in broths or risottos.
The simplest method is to sauté them in oil over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. You can also roast them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for crispy edges, or simmer them in broth for a deep, umami flavour.
You can season shiitake mushrooms with butter, olive oil, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. For extra flavour, add white wine, or soy sauce and sesame oil.
