Sarah Brown
Shiitake mushrooms are a versatile ingredient with global appeal. They are commonly used in East Asian cuisine and can be paired with a variety of meats and vegetables. Shiitake mushrooms are also a good source of umami and can enhance the flavour of dishes such as ramen, lo mein, and rice dishes. They can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying, sautéing, and grilling. Shiitake mushrooms are often paired with ingredients such as garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and other vegetables such as onions, carrots, and greens. They can also be used in soups, stews, and stir-fries, or as a topping for dishes like pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Chicken, Pork, Fish, Burgers |
| Vegetables | Pumpkin, Parsnip, Onion, Ginger, Garlic, Carrot, Beans, Peas, Spinach, Bok Choy, Kale, Swiss Chard, Eggplant, Peppers |
| Dairy | Butter, Cheese (Goat, Parmesan, Feta), Cream |
| Nuts | Hazelnuts, Pine Nuts |
| Herbs | Basil, Parsley, Sage, Shallots, Scallions |
| Condiments | Soy Sauce, Hot Sauce, Mustard, Vinegar, Paprika, Salt, Pepper |
| Oils | Olive Oil, Avocado Oil, Toasted Sesame Oil |
| Alcohol | Wine, Beer, Ale, Brandy |
| Other | Rice, Pasta, Noodles, Bread, Eggs, Tofu, Broth |
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What You'll Learn
Shiitake mushrooms and meat
Shiitake mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes and pair well with different types of meat. Here are some ideas for combining shiitake mushrooms with meat:
Stir-fries and BBQs
Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in stir-fry dishes and can be combined with various meats, such as chicken, pork, or beef. For a stir-fry, slice the meat thinly and combine it with the mushrooms, onions, garlic, ginger, and your choice of vegetables. You can also add a light sauce or broth to enhance the flavours. Additionally, shiitake mushrooms are a great addition to BBQ meals, where they can be grilled and served alongside your favourite barbecued meats.
Soups and Stews
Shiitake mushrooms add depth of flavour to soups and stews, especially when paired with meat. Try making a miso ginger noodle soup by combining a miso broth with noodles, cubed tofu or egg, spring onions, and shiitake mushrooms. For a heartier option, create a stew with soy sauce-based broth, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and your choice of meat.
Crispy and Chewy Sesame Shiitake
This dish involves coating shiitake mushrooms in cornstarch, frying them until crispy, and then tossing them in a sweet and spicy sauce. It is a vegan alternative to sesame beef and can be served over rice or noodles, accompanied by grilled steak, pork chops, or chicken.
Other Meat Dishes
Shiitake mushrooms can also be used as a topping or filling in various meat dishes. Try adding them to burgers or sandwiches, using them as a pizza topping, or including them in quesadillas with cheese and meat. They can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meat or incorporated into pasta dishes.
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Shiitake mushrooms and vegetables
Shiitake mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, including soups, stir-fries, and rice dishes. They have a strong, earthy flavour and are commonly used in East Asian cuisine. Here are some ideas for combining shiitake mushrooms with vegetables:
Roasted Vegetable Soup
Shiitake mushrooms pair well with roasted vegetables in a soup. Try roasting vegetables such as parsnips, carrots, or pumpkin, then blending them with cooked shiitake mushrooms and vegetable stock. You can also add cream or milk for a richer soup.
Stir-Fry with Vegetables
Shiitake mushrooms are excellent in stir-fries. Combine them with vegetables like onions, garlic, ginger, carrots, and bell peppers. You can also add other vegetables like bean sprouts, choy sum, or eggplant. Serve the stir-fry with rice or noodles.
Grilled Vegetable Skewers
Shiitake mushrooms can be skewered and grilled along with other vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and zucchini. Brush the vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper before grilling. Serve the skewers with a dipping sauce, such as a soy sauce or peanut sauce.
Rice Bowl with Vegetables
Create a rice bowl with shiitake mushrooms and vegetables. Cook the rice with ginger and garlic for extra flavour. Top the rice with sautéed shiitake mushrooms, steamed or stir-fried vegetables (such as bok choy, kale, or spinach), and a fried egg.
Vegetable Tempura
Shiitake mushrooms can be coated in a light batter and fried as tempura. Serve them with a variety of vegetable tempura, such as pumpkin, peppers, or eggplant. Dip the tempura in a light soy sauce or a spicy mayonnaise for a tasty treat.
Shiitake mushrooms have a distinct flavour and can enhance many dishes. Experiment with different combinations of vegetables and cooking methods to find your favourite ways to enjoy these delicious mushrooms.
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Shiitake mushroom recipes
Shiitake mushrooms are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are some ideas for shiitake mushroom recipes to get you started:
Grilled or Skewered Shiitake Mushrooms
For a simple yet delicious option, try grilling or skewering shiitake mushrooms. This method brings out the natural umami flavour of the mushrooms and makes for a great side dish or appetizer. Simply brush the mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, and your choice of seasonings, then grill or skewer until tender.
Stir-Fry with Meat and Vegetables
Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent addition to stir-fries. Try combining them with chicken, pork, or beef, along with vegetables like onions, garlic, ginger, carrots, and bean sprouts. For a vegetarian option, omit the meat and add in tofu or eggs for protein. Serve over rice or noodles for a well-rounded meal.
Mushroom Soup or Stew
Shiitake mushrooms add depth of flavour to soups and stews. Combine them with vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and daikon, or make a mushroom-based soup with other varieties of mushrooms. For a creamy texture, add some cream or milk to the broth. You can also try making a mushroom bisque for a more indulgent option.
Pasta Dishes
Shiitake mushrooms pair well with pasta, especially in creamy or cheesy sauces. Try making a mushroom tagliatelle with brown butter, sage, and goat cheese, or a lighter version of lasagna with a goat cheese sauce and Parmigiano-Reggiano. For a simpler option, toss cooked shiitake mushrooms with your favourite type of pasta, olive oil, garlic, and parsley.
Asian-Inspired Dishes
Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in Asian cuisine. Try adding them to ramen, lo mein, or steamed buns. For a vegan option, marinate the shiitake mushrooms in soy sauce and vinegar before adding them to your dish of choice. They also work well in rice dishes, such as fried rice or Japanese rice balls (Yaki Onigiri). Don't forget to utilize the soaking liquid from dried shiitake mushrooms to enhance the umami flavour of your dishes.
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Shiitake mushrooms and herbs
Shiitake mushrooms have a bold, earthy flavour and can be cooked in a variety of ways. They are commonly used as a side dish, in salads, soups, or served with meat or chicken. They can also be used as a topping for pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and quesadillas.
When it comes to herbs, shiitake mushrooms pair well with several options, including:
- Parsley: Fresh or dried parsley is often used as a garnish for shiitake mushrooms, adding a splash of colour and a slightly bitter, grassy flavour.
- Thyme: Thyme's subtle, woody aroma and minty flavour complement the earthiness of shiitake mushrooms.
- Rosemary: Fresh rosemary has a strong, balsamic aroma and a piney flavour that pairs well with shiitake mushrooms, especially when paired with black pepper.
- Sage: Sage has a robust, slightly peppery and earthy flavour that can stand up to the bold taste of shiitake mushrooms.
- Cilantro: Cilantro, with its bright, citrusy flavour, can be used as a substitute for parsley when cooking shiitake mushrooms.
- Garlic: Although garlic is not technically an herb, it is often used as an aromatic and pairs exceptionally well with shiitake mushrooms, enhancing their savoury qualities.
These herbs can be used individually or in combination to flavour shiitake mushrooms, and they can be added during the cooking process or used as a garnish.
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Shiitake mushrooms and spices
Shiitake mushrooms are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They are commonly paired with other vegetables, meats, and spices. Here are some ideas for shiitake mushrooms and spices:
Spicy Skewered Shiitakes
This dish combines the earthiness of shiitake mushrooms with the heat of garlic and chilli spices. The mushrooms are skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in a crispy texture and a spicy kick.
Shiitake Mushroom Stir-Fry
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, try a shiitake mushroom stir-fry. Combine shiitake mushrooms with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and your choice of meat or tofu. This dish is best made in a hot wok or skillet to retain the texture of the mushrooms.
Herby Mushroom Tagliatelle
This dish elevates shiitake mushrooms with the addition of brown buttered sage, goat cheese, and pine nuts. The earthiness of the mushrooms is complemented by the creaminess of the cheese and the nuttiness of the pine nuts, while fresh herbs provide a refreshing contrast.
Shiitake Mushroom Soup
Shiitake mushrooms are an excellent addition to soups, especially when paired with spices like ginger and garlic. For a heartier option, add some cubed silken tofu, spring onions, and a poached egg for an "egg drop" soup.
Grilled Shiitake with Spiced Butter
Grilled shiitake mushrooms are delicious on their own, but they can be taken to the next level with a spiced butter. Combine softened butter with smoked paprika, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic. Brush this mixture over grilled shiitake mushrooms for a flavourful and aromatic experience.
Shiitake Mushroom Rice
For a comforting and flavourful rice dish, combine shiitake mushrooms with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce or coconut aminos. This dish is best made with day-old rice to allow for maximum flavour absorption.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities are endless when combining shiitake mushrooms with spices.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some highly-rated shiitake mushroom recipes:
- Herby Mushroom Tagliatelle with Brown Buttered Sage, Goat Cheese, and Pine Nuts
- Potato Lasagna With Wild Mushrooms And Herb Sauce
- Skewered Crisp Shiitakes With Garlic
- Fresh Mushroom Bisque
- Wild Mushroom Bread Pudding
- Sesame Braised Chicken With Scallions, Daikon and Mushrooms
- Chicken Spaghetti Lo Mein
- Pork and Mushroom Stir-Fry
- Korean Spicy Noodles
- Seared Fish With Shiitake Mushroom Ragout
Shiitake mushrooms are known for their earthy and umami flavor. They go well with a variety of ingredients, including:
- Butter
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Soy Sauce
- Meat (chicken, pork)
- Vegetables (onions, carrots, pumpkin, parsnips)
- Greens (spinach, bok choy, kale)
Shiitake mushrooms are very versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some unique methods and dishes:
- Tempura
- Grilled/Skewered
- Stir-fried
- Stewed in a soy sauce-based broth
- Pickled
- Baked/Broiled
When buying shiitake mushrooms, look for firm ones with smooth caps and white stems. Fresh shiitake mushrooms are preferred, but dried shiitake mushrooms can also be used for a more concentrated flavor. They are commonly used in East Asian cuisine and can be found in most grocery stores or farmers' markets.
