Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe w/Endive & Shiitake Mushrooms (2024)

FAQs

Do you need to soak fresh shiitake mushrooms? ›

When using fresh Shiitake, always make sure to clean them the right way. Since they are not buried in the dirt while growing, all they need is a thorough wiping using a wet paper towel. Generally speaking, it is discouraged to soak fresh mushrooms because they tend to absorb too much water.

Shiitake mushrooms contain eritadenine, a compound known to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood. They also contain beta-glucans that reduce inflammation and help prevent the intestines from absorbing cholesterol. Support immune health. Shiitake are rich in polysaccharides like lentinans and other beta-glucans.

Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes)

While shiitake mushrooms are more commonly cooked to bring out their umami flavour, they can also be eaten raw. They have a chewy texture and a rich, smoky flavour.

Most recipes call for removal of the stems from shiitakes because of their tough and chewy texture, but save the stems to make a mushroom broth. The stems cut from about 32 ounces of mushrooms can make about one to two cups of mushroom broth.

Mushrooms, carrots, onions, peppers, zucchini, snow peas, sugar snap peas, bok choy, choy sum, broccoli, cauliflower, you name it, you can stir fry it. Eggplant too. Spicy stir fried eggplant with peppers and beef is delicious.

Some sources claim washing is necessary and fine, others insist that it will bloat them and thwart browning. Still others say they should be wiped clean without any water at all. The bottom line: Unless they're foraged, most mushrooms do not need to be cleaned.

Yes, shiitake stems are technically edible. However, they have a fibrous and woody texture, making them less than ideal for recipes. Instead, I recommend using them while making meat-based or vegetable stock.

Never eat shiitake mushrooms raw. Cook shiitakes for at least 5-7 minutes until they are tender and lightly browned. Mushrooms must reach an internal cooking temperature of 266-293 degrees Fahrenheit. To make sure shiitakes are fully cooked, insert a candy thermometer into the meaty center of the mushroom.

The best (read: healthiest) way to cook mushrooms, according to the research, isn't in a pan. Rather, you will reap the most health benefits from your white button, portabella, cremini, or shiitake mushrooms by grilling them—and microwaving them.

How often can you eat shiitake mushrooms? ›

You could add the powder to teas and smoothies or even use it to create broth for soups. Most people consume the equivalent of three to eight shiitake mushrooms each day through supplements, which is generally safe without any side effects.

Once the caps and stems begin to shrivel with the appearance of wrinkles, then it's a good sign that the shiitake mushrooms have gone bad.

Shiitake mushrooms should keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. If you need to store your mushrooms for longer than that, consider freezing them! Mushrooms freeze well, but there are some guidelines you should follow. Cook your mushrooms before freezing them.

Shiitake mushrooms are renowned for their unique and savory flavor profile. They have a meaty, rich taste with a subtle earthiness and a slightly sweet, smoky undertone. The flavor is often described as umami, which is the fifth taste, alongside sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.

Cut your sh*take mushrooms as desired using a sharp kitchen knife or a mandoline slicer. 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.

Packages of pre-cut beef strips, beef for stir-fry, are often available in the meat case. Most tender beef cuts, such as sirloin, tri-tip, ribeye, top loin (strip), tenderloin, shoulder center (Ranch Steak), shoulder top blade (Flat Iron) and shoulder petite tender, can be cut into strips for use in stir-fry recipes.