Chewy Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry with Soy Sauce
Hearty Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry: A Delicious Meat-Free Side Dish!
Enjoy the wonderfully chewy texture of shiitake mushrooms with this simple stir-fry recipe. It’s a fantastic side dish that feels as satisfying as meat, made with minimal seasoning and effort. Perfect for a quick and delicious addition to any meal!
Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry- 6-7 Shiitake mushrooms
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp rice syrup (or corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp water
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- A little chopped green onion
- A little minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gently wash the fresh shiitake mushrooms under running water. We’ll be using both the caps and stems. Slice the caps thinly, about 0.5 cm thick. Slice the tougher stem parts into bite-sized pieces and add them in. If the stems seem too tough or you prefer not to use them, you can set them aside to use for making broth later, which will add more flavor.
Step 2
Place the prepared shiitake mushrooms in a mixing bowl. Now, let’s add the seasoning directly. Combine 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sweet rice syrup (or corn syrup), 2 tablespoons of water, and a small amount of minced garlic for added aroma.
Step 3
Gently massage the mushrooms with your hands to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed. Here’s a pro-tip: if you’re using dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrate them in lukewarm water beforehand. This will help them absorb the sauce better, resulting in an even chewier and more flavorful dish.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium-low heat. Add the seasoned shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry gently. Cooking slowly over medium-low heat allows the mushrooms to release their natural moisture, which then mixes with the seasoning to create a beautifully cooked dish. Taste as you go; if it’s too bland, add a little more soy sauce. If it needs more sweetness, add a touch more rice syrup or corn syrup to suit your preference.
Step 5
Once the shiitake mushrooms are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, turn off the heat. Just before finishing, stir in the chopped green onions for a fresh touch, drizzle with sesame oil for fragrance, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for a delightful garnish. It’s truly that simple!
Step 6
Your delicious shiitake mushroom stir-fry, infused with savory soy sauce, is now ready! While it’s incredibly easy to make, the taste is surprisingly rich. The chewy texture and savory flavor make it reminiscent of a well-prepared meat dish, serving as a satisfying alternative when you don’t have meat on hand.
Step 7
This flavorful shiitake mushroom stir-fry is also incredibly versatile. Try adding it to your next batch of Japchae (Korean glass noodle stir-fry) – the chewy shiitake mushrooms will elevate the overall texture and taste. It’s also wonderful served over rice as a simple shiitake mushroom bowl, or finely chopped and added to kimbap (seaweed rice rolls) for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious shiitake mushroom dish in many ways!
