Table of contents:
Summary
Shiitake mushrooms are a staple in East Asian cuisine, commonly found in households and essential for various dishes such as soups, tofu dishes, and stir-fries. Typically stored and used in dried form, they require soaking before cooking to enhance their flavor. The best places to purchase dried shiitake mushrooms are Asian markets, where they are often fresher and more affordable than those found in supermarkets. When buying, it's important to choose whole mushrooms for quality assessment, particularly those labeled "Flower" or "Hana" for superior taste. The soaking water can also be used to enrich soups and rice dishes. Rehydrated shiitake mushrooms are versatile ingredients suitable for a range of recipes, including seafood, meat dishes, sauces, and soups, making them a valuable addition for those interested in Asian cuisine.
Shiitake mushrooms are a staple in East Asian cuisine and practically always in stock in every household. If it is noticed before cooking that the mushrooms are out, someone will inevitably have to go out to get some at the usually nearby supermarket. They belong in many soups, many tofu dishes and many stir-fries. They are stored and used in dried form. Raw they don't taste so special, which is why they are actually only used when cooking.
This article aims to give a little insight into how to use shiitake mushrooms, what dishes they go particularly well with and where they should be bought.
## Where you can buy dried shiitake mushrooms
Asian markets or Chinese herbal shops are best. These are almost always run by Asians and they should know how the mushrooms should taste, how to store them and where to get the best quality mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms from the supermarket are usually very bland and not a real asset when cooking. Prices are also often better in Asian markets.
It is generally advisable to buy a decent amount at once, as the mushrooms are overall so much cheaper, plus they have a shelf life of several years. Half a kilo shouldn't cost more than 15 to 20 euros. And if you know someone who also loves to cook and maybe even Asian food, then shiitake mushrooms can be a very special gift.
## What to look for when buying
Always buy whole mushrooms only, as this is the only way to tell the quality. Thick mushrooms with white cracks in the cap often have a more intense flavor. Also, the amount in recipes is often given in caps. Also pay attention to the manufacturer's designations. Varieties such as "Flower" and "Hana" indicate that the mushrooms are of particularly good quality.
If you have bought a large quantity of these mushrooms, the flavor can be preserved for a longer period of time by freezing a portion. Although this is not strictly necessary, everything that is exposed to air naturally loses its flavor, which can be counteracted in this way.
## How to use shiitake mushrooms
Shiitake mushrooms must be soaked before use. Since the cap of the mushroom is much more intense, it is also used primarily. So remove the stem and place the cap in a water bath for at least 8 hours. This process reactivates the aroma in the mushroom and is a step that should not be skipped. Also turn the mushrooms over every now and then. Before you remove the mushrooms from the water bath, don't forget to clean them again and remove any sand.
The water in which the mushrooms were soaked can also be saved and used. It is perfect for:
* Soups
* cooked chicken
* Rice
* Dumplings
The reactivated shiitake mushrooms are best cut into small cubes and added to your food during cooking. They are best suited for:
* Fish dishes
* Mussels
* Prawns
* Meat dishes
* Sauces
* Soups
If you are interested in Asian dishes, then go here, to our Japanese recipes
Wagner Green Forest Shiitake Pilze asiatische Speisepilze zum Kochen & Essen, getrocknet & natürlich, ideal für Reis und Suppen, Menge: 1 x 100 g
Bei Amazon ansehen*
Comments
Hallo!
In Youtube Videos sehe ich immer wieder Shiitake Pilze, die deutlich größer und praller aussehnen als die kleinen flachen Pilze die ich im normalen Supermarkt bekomme. Gibt's da verschiedene Sorten?
Bei den getrockneten Pilzen im Asiamarkt stand häufig ein Hinweis drauf: Nur gekocht verzehren, Einweichwasser wegschütten - das hat mit total verunsichtert. Das waren alles Shiitake aus China, hat das damit zu tun?
Hi Claudi, Shiitake Pilze guter Qualität gibt es in getrockneter Form direkt aus Korea oder Japan. Die chinesischen sind eher kleiner und auch günstiger, ebenfalls wie die Sorten aus Deutschland. Wenn die Pilze getrocknet sind und dann für 10-30 Minuten aufgeweicht sind, sollte dieses Einweichwasser weggeschüttet werden, das ist ganz normal. Ich nutze getrocknete Shiitake Pilze aber auch zum braten! Im Idealfall kochst du diese vorher kurz, so für 5 Minuten, ich weiche sie aber meistens nur ein, und brate diese dann ausreichend. Wichtig ist, dass du die getrockneten Shiitake vor Verzehr auf jeden Fall kochst oder durch brätst. LG Matthias :)
Hallo!
Nach eurer Antwort zu Claudis Frage bin ich jetzt tatsächlich noch mehr verunsichert: Kann man das Einweichwasser nun aufheben oder lieber doch nicht? Oben im Artikel und in vielen Rezepten soll es ja noch verwendet werden. Auf meiner Packung getrockneter Shiitake steht ebenfalls, dass man das Einweichwasser wegschütten soll und die Pilze auch nicht im rohen Zustand mit anderen Lebensmitteln etc. in Kontakt kommen sollten. Das verunsichert mich auch etwas. Könnt ihr mir da weiterhelfen?
Liebe Grüße,
Flo