If you love mushrooms, you know how important it is to get the right combination of flavors and texture to make the most of those precious fungi. Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, are incredibly flavorful, but they can be tricky to cook. Dried shiitake mushrooms are especially challenging, as they need to be rehydrated before cooking.
With this guide, you’ll learn how to cook dried shiitake mushrooms like a pro, unlocking all their delicious potential!
Step 1: Rehydrating the Mushrooms
Dried shiitake mushrooms can be found at most Asian grocers and even some general supermarkets. They’re dried so that they can be preserved and transported for longer periods, while also concentrating their flavor. Before cooking with them, however, you need to rehydrate them.
How to Rehydrate Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
- Place the mushrooms in a heatproof bowl or container and cover them with hot water. Use more water than the amount of mushrooms you’re rehydrating.
- Place a lid or plastic wrap over the container and let it sit for 10-30 minutes.
- Drain the water, reserving the soaking liquid for use in cooking.
- Rinse the mushrooms and squeeze out any excess liquid.
Use your rehydrated shiitake mushrooms immediately or store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Step 2: Cooking the Mushrooms
Once your mushrooms are rehydrated, you can cook them in a variety of ways. Here are some of our favorites:
Stir-Frying Shiitake Mushrooms
Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to infuse flavor into your shiitake mushrooms.
- Heat up some oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat.
- Add the mushrooms and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
- Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, or any other ingredients as needed for additional flavor.
- Continue stir-frying for another 1-2 minutes until the mushrooms are cooked through.
Serve your stir-fried shiitake mushrooms with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies.
Making Shiitake Mushrooms Soup
You can use rehydrated shiitake mushrooms to add flavor to soups, stews, and broths.
- Add the rehydrated mushrooms to your soup or broth and simmer for 10-20 minutes.
- Alternatively, you can add dried shiitake mushrooms directly into your soup or stew, and they’ll rehydrate as the soup cooks.
- Remove the mushrooms before serving, or leave them in for extra texture and flavor.
Shiitake mushroom soup is full of umami flavor, and it’s perfect for warming up during the colder months.
Baking Shiitake Mushrooms
If you want a more crispy and savory shiitake mushroom, try baking them in the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread out the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle them with oil and sprinkle with salt, pepper or any other herbs as desired.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until they are golden and crispy.
Baked shiitake mushrooms make for a great snack, or use them as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Tips for Cooking Dried Shiitake Mushrooms
Here are some more tips for getting the most out of your dried shiitake mushrooms:
Use the Soaking Liquid
The soaking liquid from the mushrooms is full of flavor, so don’t throw it away! Use it in soups, stews, or sauces for added umami taste.
Cut the Stems off
The stems of shiitake mushrooms can be tough and fibrous, so it’s best to remove them before cooking. Simply twist the stem off or use a knife to cut it out.
Mix Dried and Fresh Mushrooms
For a more complex flavor, mix dried shiitake mushrooms with fresh mushrooms in your dishes. You’ll get the unique taste of dried shiitake and the texture of fresh mushrooms.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Dried shiitake mushrooms will keep for several months in a cool, dry place. Keep them in an airtight container or ziplock bag to prevent moisture from getting in.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to cook dried shiitake mushrooms, it’s time to get creative in the kitchen! Try out these cooking methods and experiment with new ingredients and flavor combinations. With a little practice, you’ll be a shiitake mushroom pro in no time.
FAQs
How long do dried shiitake mushrooms need to soak?
Dried shiitake mushrooms need to soak in hot water for at least 10-30 minutes until they are fully rehydrated.
Can you eat dried shiitake mushrooms raw?
No, you cannot eat dried shiitake mushrooms raw. They need to be rehydrated before cooking to soften and bring out their flavor.
How do you store dried shiitake mushrooms?
Store dried shiitake mushrooms in an airtight container or ziplock bag in a cool, dry place for several months.
Are dried shiitake mushrooms healthy?
Yes, dried shiitake mushrooms are healthy and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re also low in calories and high in fiber.
How do you prevent dried shiitake mushrooms from becoming tough?
To prevent dried shiitake mushrooms from becoming tough, make sure to rehydrate them properly and cook them for the correct amount of time. Also, cut off the tough stems before cooking.