What is the appeal of shiitake mushrooms? Enjoy their flavor with a wide variety of recipes

Characteristics and cultivation of shiitake mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms, both fresh and dried, have a wonderful aroma and flavor and are an essential part of Japanese food culture. Originally a mushroom that grew naturally on broad-leaved trees such as chestnuts, they have been cultivated since the Edo period and are now available year-round. They are cultivated by placing logs inoculated with the fungus in a humid, shaded location

Types of Shiitake Mushrooms

There are two types of shiitake mushrooms: dried and fresh. Among the dried shiitake mushrooms, those called "donko" are high-quality dried mushrooms that are harvested in winter and are thick and have not yet fully opened. Recently, these donko-grade shiitake mushrooms have also been shipped fresh

Shiitake mushroom season and how to choose them

The natural season for shiitake mushrooms is spring and autumn. When choosing fresh shiitake mushrooms, choose ones that are thick and not moist, and choose dried shiitake mushrooms that are well-dried and thick

Nutrition and Health Benefits

Shiitake mushrooms are rich in dietary fiber and are a healthy food

Recommended Shiitake Mushroom Recipes

Fresh shiitake mushrooms are suitable for stir-fries, tempura, and simmered dishes. Fresh shiitake mushrooms for donko are recommended for steaks. Dried shiitake mushrooms are often used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine as dashi

Delicious recipes using shiitake mushrooms

Sauteed Shiitake Mushrooms with Basil

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Fresh shiitake mushrooms: 150g
• Onion: 1
• Garlic: 1 clove
• Basil: 1 bunch
• Salad oil, salt, pepper, butter: appropriate amount

How to make it

1. Remove the stems from the fresh shiitake mushrooms and cut them into quarters. Finely chop the onion and garlic
2. Pick the basil leaves, reserve a few for garnish and chop the rest finely
3. Heat salad oil and add garlic and onion in that order and fry
4. Add the shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry, season with salt and pepper, add the chopped basil and stir-fry quickly
5. Finally, add the butter and mix well, then serve in bowls and top with the remaining basil

Fresh shiitake mushrooms pickled in wasabi

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Fresh shiitake mushrooms: 1 pack
• Grated wasabi: 1 teaspoon
• Lemon juice: 2 teaspoons
• Sake, soy sauce, salt: appropriate amount

How to make it

1. Remove the stems from the shiitake mushrooms and make a cut in the stems
2. Dip the shiitake mushrooms in a mixture of sake and water and grill them on a grill
3. Mix wasabi, lemon juice, and soy sauce together and marinate the grilled shiitake mushrooms

Dried shiitake mushrooms and yuba simmered together

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Dried shiitake mushrooms: 6-7 pieces
• Fresh yuba (rolled): 3 pieces
• Shaoxing wine or sake, soy sauce, mirin: appropriate amount each
• Oyster sauce: a little
• Shelled greens: as needed
• Salad oil, sesame oil: appropriate amount

How to make it

1. Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in water and fry them in salad oil. Save the soaking water
2. Cut the raw yuba into bite-sized pieces
3. Place the kelp in a pot, add the shiitake mushrooms and yuba, then add the soaking water, water, and seasonings and simmer
4. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and oyster sauce and simmer, then serve in a bowl and garnish with kohlrabi

These recipes will bring a breath of fresh air to your daily meals by expanding the variety of dishes you can make using shiitake mushrooms. You can enjoy so many different dishes with just one mushroom, so be sure to give them a try!