Best 2 Crispy Shiitakes Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey with our delectable Crispy Shiitake Mushrooms, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. These versatile mushrooms take center stage in three distinct recipes, each offering a unique culinary experience. From the simplicity of Pan-Fried Shiitakes to the tantalizing Shiitake and Spinach Stir-Fry, and the irresistible Shiitake Mushroom Tacos, these recipes showcase the endless possibilities of this humble ingredient.

In the Pan-Fried Shiitakes recipe, the earthy notes of the mushrooms are enhanced by a simple yet flavorful combination of butter, garlic, and soy sauce, resulting in a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. For a more vibrant and nutritious dish, the Shiitake and Spinach Stir-Fry incorporates fresh spinach, crunchy bell peppers, and a savory sauce, creating a colorful and flavorful medley. And for those seeking a fun and creative twist, the Shiitake Mushroom Tacos feature crispy shiitake mushrooms nestled in warm tortillas, topped with a zesty salsa and creamy avocado, promising an explosion of flavors in every bite.

With easy-to-follow instructions and a variety of flavors to explore, these Crispy Shiitake Mushroom recipes are a culinary adventure waiting to be savored. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting your culinary journey, these recipes will guide you in creating delicious and memorable dishes that will impress your family and friends. So gather your ingredients, ignite your culinary passion, and let's embark on this delectable journey together!

Let's cook with our recipes!

CRISPY SMOKED SHIITAKES

Crispy Smoked Shiitakes image

Most vegetable charcuterie involves several days of curing and smoking, but these crispy smoked shiitakes - mushroom bacon, if you will - can be made from start to finish in less than a half hour. The recipe comes from a terrific vegan restaurant in Washington D.C., called Fancy Radish, by way of the chef and co-owner Rich Landau. It involves a two-step process: First you fry thinly sliced shiitakes to make them crisp, then you smoke them to make them taste like bacon. You can do the smoking in your smoker or a charcoal grill, or indoors with a handheld or stovetop smoker. You'll love the crisp crunch and rich, baconlike mouthfeel, with a smoky flavor that's similar to bacon's but with distinct mushroom overtones. Make shiitake crispy smoked shiitakes for a vegan snack or BLT, or serve it with eggs if you eat them.

Provided by Steven Raichlen

Categories vegetables, appetizer, side dish

Time 30m

Yield 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 4

Ingredients

1/2 pound fresh shiitake mushrooms (pick the largest caps you can find)
2 cups grapeseed or canola oil, or as needed, for frying
Hardwood chips, chunks or sawdust, as needed for smoking
Sea salt

Steps:

Stem the shiitake mushrooms (you can save the stems for stock or another use), then thinly slice the caps into thin strips on a mandolin or by hand. The slices should be no more than 1/8-inch thick.
Pour the oil to a depth of 1/2 inch in cast-iron skillet (or other frying pan) and heat over medium-high to a temperature of 350 degrees. (To test the temperature, add a mushroom slice to the oil. When the temperature is right, bubbles will dance around the mushroom slice.)
Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the shiitake slices until golden and crisp, stirring with a slotted spoon, about 3 minutes. Transfer the fried shiitakes to paper towel-lined plate to drain, repeating until all the mushrooms are cooked. Let the fried shiitakes cool to room temperature.
Smoke the fried shiitake slices in a grill or outdoor smoker, or using stovetop or handheld smoker. To smoke the shiitakes on a grill, set it up for indirect grilling and heat to medium (350 degrees). Add wood chips or chunks to the coals and hot smoke the bacon long enough to apply a discernible smoke flavor, 5 to 8 minutes.
If using an outdoor smoker, set it up following the manufacturer's instructions and heat to 250 degrees. Add wood as specified by the manufacturer. Arrange the shiitake slices on a wire rack or in a grill basket, transfer to the smoker and smoke long enough to apply a discernible smoke flavor, 20 to 30 minutes.
To smoke the shiitakes using a stovetop or handheld smoker, follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Let the smoked shiitakes cool to room temperature, season with sea salt then store in an airtight container until serving. They taste best the same day they're smoked.

CRISPY SHIITAKES

Crispy Shiitakes image

Think of these shiitake crisps as your new vegan "bacon" bits and sprinkle them on our Winter Cobb Salad as well as on deviled eggs or baked potatoes with sour cream. They aren't hard to make, but watch them carefully once they're close to done as they go from burnished to burnt in seconds.

Provided by Shira Bocar

Categories Food & Cooking Healthy Recipes Vegan Recipes

Time 45m

Yield Makes 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 3

Ingredients

8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, cut into 1/4-inch slice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°F. Toss mushrooms with oil and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread in an even layer, and roast, flipping once or twice, until crispy and golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes.
Let cool completely on sheet. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days.

Tips:

Selecting Shiitake Mushrooms: Choose medium-sized shiitake mushrooms with intact, firm caps and no signs of bruising or damage. Avoid mushrooms with a slimy or excessively dry texture.
Cleaning Shiitake Mushrooms: Gently wipe the shiitake mushrooms with a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any dirt or debris. Avoid rinsing them under running water, as this can dilute their flavor.
Slicing Technique: For optimal texture and presentation, slice the shiitake mushrooms ¼-inch thick. This allows them to cook evenly and maintain their shape.
Seasoning: Season the shiitake mushrooms generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances their natural umami flavor and adds a touch of savory depth.
Cooking Method: Pan-frying is the recommended cooking method to achieve crispy shiitake mushrooms. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned shiitake mushrooms and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Checking for Doneness: To ensure the shiitake mushrooms are cooked through, insert a fork or toothpick into the center of a mushroom. If it slides in and out easily, they are ready.
Optional Flavors: For a more flavorful experience, consider adding additional seasonings or ingredients to the pan while cooking the shiitake mushrooms. This could include minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Conclusion:

Crispy shiitake mushrooms are a versatile culinary delight that can elevate various dishes with their unique texture and savory flavor. Whether you enjoy them as a standalone snack, incorporate them into stir-fries, pasta dishes, or simply serve them alongside your favorite protein, these crispy mushrooms are sure to impress. With their ease of preparation and endless culinary possibilities, crispy shiitake mushrooms are a must-try for any home cook seeking to add a touch of umami and crunch to their meals.