Crispy and Savory Stir-Fried Bamboo Shoots
A Seasonal Delicacy: Bamboo Shoot Stir-Fry, a Rice Companion
Introducing a recipe for delicious stir-fried bamboo shoots with a wonderfully crispy yet tender texture. Bamboo shoots are a less common ingredient, but when prepared correctly, they offer an exceptional flavor that makes for a truly special side dish. We’ll show you how to easily enjoy this delicacy at home, often only found in Chinese or high-end cuisine. This stir-fry features the nutty flavor of perilla seeds and the aromatic taste of mushrooms, creating a dish that promises to awaken your appetite. Get ready for a delightful meal!
Bamboo Shoot Stir-Fry Ingredients
- 250g prepared bamboo shoots
- 3 fresh shiitake mushrooms
- 1 large green onion (scallion)
Bamboo Shoot Stir-Fry Seasoning
- 1/2 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or tuna)
- 1 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (sesame salt)
- 1/2 cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or tuna)
- 1 Tbsp perilla seed powder
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (sesame salt)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
If you’ve purchased whole bamboo shoots, first peel off the outer layers. Soak the inner shoots in cold water for about a day to remove any bitterness. Afterward, soaking them in rice water or plain water for over two hours will make them even more tender. Once drained, cut the bamboo shoots into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm in length.
Step 2
Prepare the ingredients for your bamboo shoot stir-fry. You’ll need 250g of well-prepared bamboo shoots, 3 fresh shiitake mushrooms, and 1 large green onion for added fragrance. Remove the stems from the shiitake mushrooms and slice them. Slice the green onion diagonally.
Step 3
Heat 1-2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a wide pan over medium heat. Pour in 1/2 cup of mirin. Mirin helps to remove any gamey odors from the bamboo shoots and enhances their flavor.
Step 4
Add the prepared bamboo shoots to the pan and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes over medium heat until they become slightly translucent and lightly browned. This step helps to tenderize them.
Step 5
Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry with the bamboo shoots for another 1-2 minutes, allowing their aroma to release.
Step 6
To ensure the ingredients become even more moist and tender, cover the pan with a lid.
Step 7
Cover the pan and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. This simmering process allows the flavors of the bamboo shoots and mushrooms to meld together beautifully.
Step 8
Bamboo shoots become softer as they cook, but be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Proceed to the next step once they are adequately tender.
Step 9
Now it’s time to add the delicious seasonings. To preserve the natural flavors of the bamboo shoots and mushrooms, it’s best to use subtle seasonings rather than overpowering ones. Add 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic along with the other seasoning ingredients.
Step 10
The seasonings for the bamboo shoot stir-fry are as follows: 1/2 cup mirin, 2 Tbsp soy sauce for soup (guk-ganjang), 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 Tbsp perilla seed powder, and 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds. The fish sauce adds umami, and the perilla seed powder maximizes the nutty flavor.
Step 11
Add the sliced green onion to the pan. Pour in 2 Tbsp of soy sauce for soup and 1 Tbsp of fish sauce. Turn the heat to high and stir-fry briefly until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 12
The key to a delicious stir-fry is the cooking process itself, where flavors truly develop. Sauté the ingredients until you hear a gentle sizzling sound, ensuring they are well coated with the sauce.
Step 13
Reduce the heat to low and generously add 1 Tbsp of perilla seed powder. Once the perilla seeds are added, stir-fry quickly to prevent burning and to preserve their rich, nutty aroma.
Step 14
Finally, sprinkle in 1/2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds and give it one last quick stir. Your delicious bamboo shoot stir-fry is now complete! Be careful not to stir-fry for too long after adding the sesame seeds, as their fragrance might dissipate.
Step 15
With the nutty perilla seeds and fragrant sesame, it’s impossible for this dish to be anything less than delicious! Serve generously on a plate for a wonderful side dish that perfectly complements a bowl of rice. Enjoy the harmonious blend of textures – the crisp bamboo shoots and the tender, chewy shiitake mushrooms.
Step 16
We highly recommend using fresh, whole bamboo shoots if possible, rather than canned ones, as canning processes can significantly reduce their nutritional value. How did you like today’s bamboo shoot stir-fry recipe? We have a feeling this delightful bamboo shoot dish will become a favorite you’ll want to make often!
