Enoki mushrooms are often used in Chinese cuisine because of their mild flavour and delicate texture. Their tiny white heads and long, slender stems give them a distinctive, somewhat crunchy feel that enhances meals in addition to adding a lovely visual appeal. Chefs love these mushrooms because they are rich in nutrients but low in calories. Discover five delicious enoki mushroom recipes prepared in the Chinese way.
Chinese Style Enoki Mushroom & Egg
Chinese-style enoki mushroom and egg is a simple but tasty dish that captures the simplicity of home-cooked dinners. Cleaning and cutting the ends of the enoki mushrooms is the first step in making this dish. Sauté the mushrooms in a little oil in a hot skillet until they are brown and soft. Season with salt and pepper, and pour in a little amount of soy sauce; beat in a few eggs in a bowl until it mix well. Add the whisked eggs to the skillet containing the enoki mushrooms that have been sautéed. Stir the ingredients together carefully as the eggs start to set. Serve the delicious mixture over steaming rice or with a side of fresh veggies after the eggs are cooked through and fluffy.
Enoki Mushrooms With Garlic & Scallion Sauce
This is a savoury dish that highlights the flavour of enoki mushrooms. First, mince the garlic finely and sauté it on a high flame until aromatic, being careful not to burn it. Trimmed enoki mushrooms can be added to the skillet with the garlic when it's cooked, and they can be gently tossed to cover them in the fragrant oil. After sauteing the mushrooms for a few minutes add chopped scallions and continue to season with soy sauce and a dash of sesame oil. Until the enoki mushrooms are soft but still have some crunch, stir the mixture. You can serve this meal as a light main course or as a side.
Enoki Mushroom Soup With Miso
Enoki Mushroom Soup with Miso is a nourishing dish that provides warmth on cold days. To start, make a rich base by making a flavourful broth with water or dashi (Japanese soup stock). You can add a lot of cleaned enoki mushrooms and any other veggies you choose, such spinach or bok choy, once the soup has heated up. Next, use a ladle of the hot soup to dissolve the miso paste in a small bowl, then slowly add it back to the saucepan. This step also helps in achieving even texture and prevent the formation of lumps. Simmer the soup for a few minutes to soften the veggies and mushrooms. Add some chopped green onions to the soup before serving to add some freshness.
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Enoki Mushroom Stir Fry
Enoki Mushroom Stir Fry is a simple and colourful dish that combines a range of flavours and veggies. Prepare your enoki mushrooms first by cutting off the ends and sorting the threads. To promote that distinctive stir-fry sear, heat a wok or a big skillet over high heat with a little oil added. Add a variety of vibrant veggies, like carrots, snap peas, and bell peppers, to the hot oil and sauté until they begin to soften. Add the enoki mushrooms next, and mix everything together. Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, and, if you want your food spicy, a small amount of chilli paste for flavour. The enoki mushrooms should be cooked but still crunchy after a few minutes of stirring. Enjoy the combination of soft, fresh veggies and the distinct texture of enoki mushrooms when you serve this colourful dish over steaming rice or noodles.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Enoki Mushroom Egg Pancake
Enoki Mushroom Egg Pancake is a lovely delicacy that combines the delicate texture of enoki mushrooms with the fluff of egg. In a bowl, start whisking eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. To bring out the sweetness and soften the trimmed enoki mushrooms, softly sauté them in a skillet. After the mushrooms are cooked, combine them thoroughly with the beaten eggs. Pour the egg and mushroom mixture onto a non-stick skillet with hot oil over medium heat, making sure to spread it evenly to form a pancake. Cook until golden brown on the bottom, then turn carefully to cook the other side. Serve the pancake with soy sauce or a spicy dipping sauce after cutting it into wedges.
Enoki mushrooms are very adaptable and can add a special taste and texture to your food. These dishes are sure to please, perfect as a working week meal as well as for those who want to impress guests with their cooking mastery.