Prepare Shitake Mushrooms
The shiitake mushroom is a favorite of those who prefer a meaty, rich-flavored mushroom. Originating from Asian countries, primarily Japan and Korea, this variety was once gathered mainly in the wild but is now cultivated. Shitake mushrooms are large in size and have an earthy flavor that is typical of wild mushrooms. Shitake mushrooms go well in meat dishes, soups, sauces and gravies, or can be prepared as a side dish. Because they are so rich and flavorful, they can also be used as a substitute for meat. They can also be cooked using a variety of methods to bring out their naturally good flavor. Learning how to prepare shitake mushrooms will give you the basics to create many dishes using this hearty variety of mushroom.
Steps
- Select your shitake mushrooms from the produce section of your local grocery store.
- Wash your mushrooms thoroughly but gently.
- Remove any tough spots on the stems, or the entire stem, when preparing shitake mushrooms.
- If the stems are tender, you don't have to cut them away. They can be used along with the caps of the mushrooms for added flavor.
- Dry your shitake mushrooms by blotting them with paper towel or a clean kitchen towel.
- Cut your shitake mushrooms as desired using a sharp kitchen knife.
- Depending on the recipe and the method you decide to use in shiitake mushroom preparation, you can slice them, chop them into pieces, or even use them whole. Slices go well for side dishes, while smaller pieces are best in soups, stuffings or sauces.
- Gather other ingredients you might need for preparing your shitake mushrooms, including butter, oil and herbs and spices.
- Select the desired method of cooking your shitake mushrooms.
- You can grill them by brushing them with olive oil and putting them on the grill for about 5 to 10 minutes. Sauté them with butter, salt and pepper for 4 to 5 minutes in a hot skillet. Try roasting them sliced or whole in the oven for about 15 minutes after basting them with oil.
- If you plan to prepare shitake mushrooms by using them in a recipe such as stuffed mushroom caps, mushroom stuffing, or mushroom gravy, closely follow the recipe of your choice.
- Serve your prepared shitake mushrooms.
Tips
- Dried shiitake needs to be soaked for several hours, not just 30 mins, and whole dried mushrooms are a lot more tender than dried sliced mushrooms.
- When preparing shitake mushrooms, be sure to dry them as best as you possibly can. This will help them retain a firm texture when cooking them.
- Try a variety of ways to cook shitake mushrooms, including grilling, roasting and microwaving. Also, try using them in a variety of recipes that call for mushrooms. Their rich flavor will enhance mushroom recipes.
- When cooking shitake mushrooms, use salt, pepper, herbs and spices as desired. The rich flavor of these mushrooms is also great with no added seasonings.
- When selecting shitake mushrooms, look for those that have firm texture. This indicates that the mushrooms are fresh.
- When learning how to prepare shitake mushrooms, try them dried. The dried kind have flavor that some mushroom lovers say is even richer than that of the fresh version. Soak dried shitake mushrooms in water for about 30 minutes to make them juicy. You can even use the water that you soaked them in when preparing shitake mushrooms for added flavor.
Warnings
- Do not soak fresh shitake mushrooms. They are porous, and exposing them to water too long will cause them to become soggy.
- Avoid purchasing shitake mushrooms that have discoloration or blotchy brown spots as they may not be fresh. Also avoid those that have a slimy texture.
Things You'll Need
- Shitake mushrooms
- Paper towel or kitchen towel
- Knife
- Desired herbs and spices
- Salt and pepper
- Butter or oil
Related Articles
- Make Wine Based Sauteed Mushrooms
- Cook Giant Puffballs (Fungus)
- Make Garlic Stuffed Mushrooms
- Make Mushroom Masala
