Steamed Garlicky Shiitake Mushroom Recipe

Who knew a humble shiitake could turn into the star of my dinner table? Let’s dive right into this savory adventure with a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a velvety delight, creating a dish that pairs perfectly with anything or shines on its own.

The steamed, garlicky shiitake mushrooms served up in my kitchen are filled with tantalizing umami flavor. The pairing of fresh, earthy mushrooms with intensely aromatic garlic, rich soy sauce, and nutty sesame oil makes for a tantalizing, healthy seafood accompaniment.

Steamed Garlicky Shiitake Mushroom Recipe Ingredients

• Shiitake Mushrooms: Rich in B vitamins and a good source of fiber.

  They add an earthy, umami flavor.

• Garlic: Contains antioxidants and provides a savory aroma and flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a deep, salty, umami taste.

  Low in calories with some sodium.

• Oyster Sauce: Offers a sweet-salty flavor with a rich, savory profile.

  Contains iron and protein.

• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty taste and aroma.

  Contains healthy fats and vitamin E.

• Spring Onion & Chili: Contributes freshness and a spicy kick, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

Steamed Garlicky Shiitake Mushroom Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 250g fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch, mixed with 2 teaspoons water
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 spring onion, finely sliced (for garnish)
• 1 red chili, finely sliced (optional, for garnish)

How to Make this Steamed Garlicky Shiitake Mushroom Recipe

1. Wash the shiitake mushrooms thoroughly. Remove the stems. If the mushrooms are large, slice them.

2. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).

3. In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the garlic mixture, and stir it around for about 30 seconds until it becomes aromatic.

4. Add the shiitake mushrooms to the pan, then stir to coat them evenly with the garlic sauce.

5. Add 2 tablespoons of water and cover the pan. Let the mushrooms steam for 5-7 minutes until tender.

6. Stir the mushrooms now and then to make certain they are cooking evenly and are well coated with the sauce.

7. When the sauce has thickened and the mushrooms are very tender, take the pan off the heat.

8. Put the mushrooms on a dish for serving.

9. If using, garnish with finely sliced spring onion and red chili.

10. Serve right away as a delicious side dish or a charming complement to a main course.

Steamed Garlicky Shiitake Mushroom Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Cutting board
2. Knife
3. Small bowl
4. Spoon (for mixing)
5. Skillet
6. Spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Serving dish
9. Lid (to cover the skillet)

FAQ

• Can I use dried shiitake mushrooms instead of fresh ones?Certainly, using dried shiitake mushrooms is possible. Simply immerse them in water that is warm for a duration of approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This will allow the mushrooms to rehydrate and will make them ready to use.
• What can I use as a substitute for oyster sauce?Hoisin sauce can serve as an alternative to oyster sauce. Its flavor is slightly sweeter, but that’s not all that distinguishes it from oyster sauce. Hoisin sauce is a pretty different ingredient altogether, so if you use it in a dish you will alter it appreciably by using hoisin. For a vegan version, use soy sauce made from mushrooms or a product labeled as vegetarian oyster sauce. These will get you closer to the flavor profile you would achieve with oyster sauce.
• Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?For a soy sauce variant that is gluten-free, simply use soy sauce that is gluten-free, and for an oyster sauce substitute that is likewise gluten-free.
• Can I prepare this dish in advance?You can indeed make the sauce and clean the mushrooms ahead of time. Store them apart in the fridge, and then join them in the cooking process just before serving.
• How long should I steam the mushrooms?Shiitake mushrooms should be steamed for 8-10 minutes, or until tender. Be careful not to overcook them.
• What if I don’t have a steamer?Should you lack a steamer, a heatproof plate can substitute, resting on a trivet positioned inside a large pot. With a tight lid, this pot retains steam that escapes from the water inside—water that shouldn’t touch the plate. It shouldn’t touch the plate because you want the food to cook by steam, not boil.
• Is the chili necessary for garnish?The chili is not necessary. It contributes some heat and color, but you can leave it out if you want a less fiery dish.

Steamed Garlicky Shiitake Mushroom Recipe Substitutions and Variations

For shiitake mushrooms that are fresh: Substitute 250g of button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms for the shiitake, yielding a dish with a flavor profile that’s much milder.
For soy sauce: Substitute tamari for a gluten-free option, or use coconut aminos for a version that is free of soy.
For oyster sauce: Use as a vegetarian alternative mushroom stir-fry sauce or even hoisin sauce.
Use olive oil instead for a different flavor profile.
For sugar: Substitute an equal amount of honey or maple syrup for a healthy sweetener.

Pro Tips

1. Infuse Extra Flavor: Marinate the mushrooms in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and minced garlic mixture for 15-20 minutes before cooking to enhance their flavor.