When you think of edible mushrooms, Portobello and Shiitake may be the first ones to come to mind. In recent years, however, the Enoki mushroom has been gaining popularity due to its versatility, health benefits and deliciously mild taste.
Enoki mushrooms are a tasty ingredient in many Asian soups such as ramen or miso. The delightfully mild mushrooms are an excellent pairing with umami flavors (such as soy sauce), ginger, lemongrass, garlic and seaweed.
These tasty fungi couldn’t be easier to prepare. You can even have them raw if you enjoy the crunchy texture. Sauteed enoki mushrooms can be ready in as little as three minutes and can be used to jazz up stir-frys, stews and curries.
What is Enoki Mushroom?
Enoki mushrooms are a popular ingredient in Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisine. They’re typically sold as clusters of long, thin, white stems with small, button-shaped heads. The stems are attached together with a thick, inedible base that is severed off before cooking. Known to the scientific community as Flammulina velutipes, these edible fungi are harvested from tree stumps during the fall, winter and spring months.
What Does Enoki Mushroom Taste Like?
When eaten raw, enoki mushrooms have a crunchy texture and an earthy, slightly nutty taste. When steamed or stir-fried, enoki maintains its mild, earthy flavor and becomes almost noodle-like in texture.
These mushrooms are best known for taking on the flavor of whichever sauce or seasonings they’re cooked with. They’re especially delicious with spicy or garlicky sauces.
Health Benefits
Besides their uniquely yummy taste, you’ll be glad to know that enoki mushrooms offer a number of health benefits. These highly nutritious ‘shrooms are an awesome source of plant-based protein and they’re only 24 calories per serving.
One cup of raw enoki mushrooms provides 29% of the daily recommended value of niacin, a B vitamin that your body uses to turn food into energy. Enoki mushrooms also contain significant amounts of other B vitamins like thiamin, riboflavin, folate and pantothenic acid.
How to Cook Enoki Mushrooms
- Add oil to a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add garlic. Sautee for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Saute until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the mixture into a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add enoki mushrooms in one single layer, then add green onions on top.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the mushrooms.
- Bring it to a simmer. Then cover with a lid and simmer for about 2 minutes or until the mushrooms and chives are wilted. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Garlic Enoki Mushrooms
- Use fresh garlic for the best result: Although minced garlic or garlic powder are convenient options, you won’t regret using fresh garlic with your mushrooms. With fresh garlic, you’ll definitely notice a much deeper flavor that perfectly complements the mildness of the enoki.
- Add chili for a spicy version: If you love spicy dishes, go ahead and add some heat to the mix. For spicier enoki, you can use freshly chopped chili peppers, chili sauce or chili flakes.
Ways to Use Enoki Mushrooms
If you picked up a bag of enoki mushrooms during your last grocery trip, get ready for a whole new world of culinary experiences. Enjoy enoki mushrooms in soups and stews, whether on their own or paired with veggies like bok choy and carrots. These tender fungi are simply delicious in a bowl of ramen, pho or other noodle soup.
You can also serve enoki mushrooms in Asian-inspired stir-frys, sushi, and spring rolls. At the breakfast table, they’re delicious with omelets, fried eggs, or wrapped in bacon. Once you’ve started using them, you’ll quickly realize how versatile these bite-sized mushrooms can be.
Do You Need To Soak Enoki Mushrooms Before Cooking?
Enoki mushrooms are versatile enough to be eaten raw or cooked. Although it’s recommended that you rinse your mushrooms before cooking, there’s no need to soak them in water. The long, thin stems cook quite quickly, so pre-soaking isn’t necessary. After rinsing, drain well and pat dry with a paper towel if you’ll be stir-frying. Enoki mushrooms should be stored in a cool, dry place to prevent them from getting slimy.
Spicy Enoki Mushrooms
Some like it hot! If you prefer a spicier taste to your mushrooms, try adding Sriracha, chili powder or chopped chili peppers to the pot. Enoki mushrooms absorb flavors quite easily, so don’t be too heavy handed when adding peppers.
Where to Buy Enoki Mushrooms
Although they may seem like a exotic ingredient, enoki mushrooms are fairly easy to come by. Check the Asian aisle of your local grocery store or search Google Maps for an Asian food market in your area. Specialty food stores like Whole Foods are also a good option. If you prefer online shopping, Amazon can deliver your enoki mushrooms within a couple of days.
Other Enoki Mushroom Recipes
- Enoki Mushroom Ramen
- Fried Enoki Mushrooms
- Enoki Mushroom Soup
- Korean Enoki Mushroom Pancakes
- Enoki Mushroom Stir Fry
- Beef Enoki Mushroom Rolls
You May Also Like
- Best Mushroom Recipes That Are Easy to Make at Home
- Popular Baby Bella Mushroom Recipes
- Best Portobello Mushroom Recipes
- Best King Oyster Mushroom Recipes
Easy Garlic Enoki Mushrooms Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon sugar
- 14 ounces fresh enoki mushrooms washed and roots removed
- 2 green onions chopped
Instructions
- Add oil to a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add garlic. Sautee for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
- Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and sugar. Saute until the sugar has dissolved. Pour the mixture into a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add enoki mushrooms in one single layer, then add green onions on top.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the mushrooms.
- Bring it to a simmer. Then cover with a lid and simmer for about 2 minutes or until the mushrooms and chives are wilted. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Leave a Reply