Emma Wilson
Shiitake mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from sides to salads and sandwiches. They have a strong, earthy flavour and a wonderfully meaty texture when cooked. This recipe for sautéed shiitake mushrooms is a quick and easy way to prepare them, taking just 15 minutes. It involves seasoning the mushrooms with butter, garlic, and fresh parsley, and pan-frying them until tender and caramelized. This simple yet satisfying dish pairs well with a variety of entrées and can be whipped up on a busy weeknight or served to company.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Shiitake mushrooms, butter, olive oil, wine, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper, herbs |
| Preparation | Wipe mushrooms with a damp paper towel to clean, cut off stems and discard, slice mushroom caps |
| Cooking Instructions | Heat oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat, add mushrooms and let sit for 2-3 minutes without stirring, stir and cook for another 2 minutes, add wine and cook for 2 minutes, add garlic and parsley and cook for 1 minute, season with salt and pepper |
| Serving | Serve as a side dish with meat, seafood, eggs, mashed potatoes, salad, rice, pasta, or sandwiches |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, reheat in a frying pan or microwave |
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and preparing shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms are a great addition to your culinary repertoire, adding a rich umami flavour to your dishes. Before you get cooking, it's important to clean and prepare them properly. Here's a step-by-step guide:
Cleaning Shiitake Mushrooms:
- Wipe Away Visible Dirt: Use a clean cloth, damp paper towel, or soft-bristled brush to gently wipe away any visible dirt or debris from the mushrooms. You can also use a salad spinner for this step. Place the mushrooms in the spinner, rinse with cold water for 30-45 seconds, gently moving them with your hands to loosen dirt, then spin dry.
- Rinse Minimally: Mushrooms absorb water easily, so avoid rinsing them unless there is still visible dirt after wiping. If you do need to rinse, be sure to shake or spin them dry afterwards.
Preparing Shiitake Mushrooms:
- Remove the Stems: The stems of shiitake mushrooms are typically removed before cooking as they are tough and woody. To remove the stem, pinch it tightly where it meets the cap, then slowly pry it away from the cap in the opposite direction of the stem's lean.
- Slice the Caps: Depending on your recipe, you can slice the mushroom caps into thin or thick slices. Place the caps right-side up on a cutting board and carefully cut them to your desired thickness.
- Cook Immediately or Store: Shiitake mushrooms are now ready to be cooked according to your recipe. If you're not using them right away, store them in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Remember to select firm, dry shiitake mushrooms with thick caps when purchasing. Avoid those that appear shrivelled or feel soft and slimy. By following these simple steps, you'll be on your way to creating delicious shiitake mushroom dishes!
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Choosing a pan and heat level
When preparing to sauté shiitake mushrooms, choosing the right pan and heat level is important to ensure even cooking and browning. Here are some tips to help you choose the best pan and heat setting for perfect results:
Choosing the Right Pan
It is recommended to use a large skillet or frying pan when sautéing shiitake mushrooms. A cast-iron skillet or pan is a good option as it retains heat effectively and helps achieve consistent browning. Additionally, if you are concerned about iron intake, a cast-iron pan can increase the iron content of your dish. A non-stick pan is also a suitable choice, especially if you want to avoid the mushrooms sticking to the surface.
Heat Level and Cooking Time
For sautéing shiitake mushrooms, a medium to medium-high heat setting is generally recommended. This heat level allows the mushrooms to cook through without burning and promotes even browning.
Once the pan is heated, add the oil and let it heat up before adding the mushrooms. This helps prevent the mushrooms from sticking to the pan. Place the mushrooms in the pan and let them sit without stirring for about 2 to 3 minutes. This initial searing time helps develop a golden brown colour and adds flavour to the dish.
After the initial searing, continue cooking the mushrooms for another 2 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally or every minute, until they reach your desired level of doneness. The total cooking time can range from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the mushrooms and your preferred texture.
Remember, the key to successful sautéing is patience and allowing the mushrooms to cook without frequent stirring, especially at the beginning of the cooking process. This will ensure your shiitake mushrooms turn out beautifully browned and full of flavour.
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Adding oil, butter, and seasonings
When sautéing shiitake mushrooms, it is important to use oil or butter to prevent the mushrooms from sticking to the pan and to add flavour. The type of oil or fat used is a matter of personal preference, but olive oil and butter are popular choices.
To begin, heat a generous amount of oil or butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. You want to ensure that the entire surface of the pan is coated. Once the pan is hot, add the mushrooms. It is important to avoid stirring or moving the mushrooms for the first few minutes to allow them to caramelize and develop a nice golden brown sear. This will add a rich flavour to the dish. After about 3 minutes, stir the mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes.
At this point, you can add other ingredients such as garlic, parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, or white wine to enhance the flavour of the mushrooms. Cook for an additional minute or two, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender and caramelized.
Finally, season the mushrooms with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or red pepper flakes if you want a spicier dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
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Cooking time and stirring technique
To cook shiitake mushrooms, you'll need to slice them up or keep them whole, depending on your preference. If you bought whole mushrooms, cut off the stems and discard them before cleaning the caps. You can then either rinse the mushrooms in a colander or wipe them with a damp paper towel to remove any dirt.
When you're ready to cook, heat butter and/or olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add the mushrooms and let them sit without stirring for 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden brown sear. Then, stir and cook for another 2-5 minutes, or until tender.
If you're adding wine, pour it in and cook for an additional 2 minutes. You can then add garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper, and cook for another minute before serving.
It's important to note that cooking time may vary depending on the size of your mushrooms and your desired level of browning. For a good sear, avoid stirring the mushrooms too much at the beginning of the cooking process.
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Serving and storing suggestions
Sauteed shiitake mushrooms are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. They make a great side dish and can be served with a variety of entrees, including meat, seafood, pasta, polenta, pizza, sandwiches, tofu, and more. You can also add them to rice and pasta dishes, such as cilantro-lime rice and chicken pasta salad, or use them as a topping for burgers and steak. They can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or enjoyed on their own as a vegan main dish.
If you're looking for a simple yet satisfying meal, try serving sauteed shiitake mushrooms with eggs for breakfast. You can also add them to mashed potatoes or a crunchy cabbage salad.
When storing sauteed shiitake mushrooms, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them in a ziplock bag and thaw them when ready to eat. To reheat, you can use a microwave or frying pan; frying them can help achieve the same fresh crispy flavors.
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