Chewy and Addictive: Dried Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry with Oyster Sauce
Chewy and Addictive: Dried Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry with Oyster Sauce
Dried Shiitake Mushroom Stir-fry: An Irresistibly Addictive Recipe
What do you usually use dried shiitake mushrooms for? Typically, they’re added to broths for depth of flavor, or rehydrated and used in dishes like Japchae (Korean glass noodle stir-fry). But there’s another delightful way to enjoy them – as a stir-fry! This recipe, shared by my friend Misugi, utilizes oyster sauce to enhance the shiitake mushrooms’ rich umami and wonderfully chewy texture. It’s perfect as a side dish for rice or even as a savory snack. Get ready for a flavor explosion that you won’t be able to stop eating!
Main Ingredients- 100g dried shiitake mushrooms
- 5 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil (or olive oil)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 green chili pepper (or Korean green chili)
- 1 red chili pepper
- 2 stalks green onion (white parts primarily)
- 1 Tbsp pepper flakes (gochugaru flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- Pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, soak the 100g of dried shiitake mushrooms in lukewarm water until fully rehydrated, usually about 30 minutes to 1 hour, until they become tender. Once rehydrated, cut the mushrooms into 3-4 bite-sized pieces. Cutting them too large might make them difficult to cook evenly.
Step 2
Drain the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms using a sieve. Gently press them with your hands to squeeze out excess water. This step helps achieve a chewier texture when stir-frying. Be careful not to press too hard, as this might break the mushrooms.
Step 3
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden brown. Stirring constantly will prevent the garlic from burning, which is crucial for developing its aromatic flavor.
Step 4
Remove the seeds from the green and red chili peppers and finely chop them. Thinly slice the white parts of the green onions. Add these chopped vegetables to the pan with the garlic and stir-fry until they soften slightly and release their aroma. This builds another layer of flavor.
Step 5
Now, it’s time for the star ingredient: add 5 Tbsp of oyster sauce to the pan. The rich, savory notes of the oyster sauce will create a fantastic harmony with the shiitake mushrooms.
Step 6
Add 1 Tbsp of pepper flakes for a touch of heat. If you’re using spicier chili peppers, you might want to adjust the amount of pepper flakes or omit them altogether.
Step 7
Stir everything together, ensuring the ingredients are well combined. Continue to stir-fry over medium-low heat for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the vegetables. Be mindful of the heat to prevent burning.
Step 8
Add the drained shiitake mushrooms to the pan and stir them into the sauce mixture. Toss well to ensure the mushrooms are evenly coated with the seasoning. Stir-fry for just a short while longer to maintain their delightfully chewy texture.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle in a pinch of black pepper and a generous 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds for added nutty flavor and aroma. Give it one last quick stir to combine. Your delicious dried shiitake mushroom stir-fry is now ready! Serve it over warm rice or enjoy it as a standalone side dish.
